‘Will help us do so much more’: Reach Rescue plans new facility to expand services

Reach Rescue, a foster-based animal adoption organization in Mundelein, plans to build a new facility to expand its operations and ability to serve animals and the community.

What is described as a historic groundbreaking is scheduled for 11 a.m., May 2, at the property on Route 45 east of Route 83 across from Dover Straits restaurant.

“We’re growing tremendously and this facility will help us do so much more,” said Amanda Dziekanski, vice president and a member of the board of directors.

Reach works with animal control facilities and overcrowded shelters across the country with a primary focus on dogs. Dziekanski is the contact for organizations looking to place dogs and connection to foster families.

“We are just bursting at the seams,” she added.

The all-volunteer, 100% foster-based nonprofit at 372 Townline Road (Route 60) has worked to save homeless animals for 14 years. It also runs an upscale resale shop formerly known as Whiskers and Wags, with proceeds going to the care of animals.

Reach has saved more than 6,000 animals, primarily dogs, but also finds homes for cats, birds and other small animals. Placing dogs in foster homes gives them the best opportunity to thrive and find forever homes, said Jan Adelman, the organization's secretary and a board member.

“We always tell these dogs, ‘This is the new rest of your life,’” she said.

Economically strained pet owners and animal services have increased the demand for foster services.

“You wish there wasn’t such a need, which is sad,” Adelman added. “We do our best.”

That includes situations such as that in last July when Reach took in many of the more than 50 dogs found living in unsanitary and overcrowded conditions in a Wauconda home, she noted.

Dziekanski said Reach takes in 500 to 550 animals each year, many relinquished by families who can’t afford to keep them. Animals also come from animal control and shelters in Mississippi, Kentucky and Arkansas where facilities are overwhelmed, she added.

At 11,672 square feet, the planned new building will be double the current space. It is designed with 25 rooms and will include dedicated areas for adoptions, grooming and training and specialized medical treatment rooms.

An outdoor exercise area, agility park and a community pet food pantry also are planned. The resale shop will not be part of the new facilities.

Two of three homes on the property were demolished. The third known as “Paw House” will be used for various purposes.

“This facility will allow us to expand our reach, provide critical resources and ultimately save more lives,” said Barb Giambalvo-Myers, Reach board member.

The organization has about half the funds needed to complete the project and is seeking, donations, sponsorships and in-kind contributions.