Oaken Acres Secures $30,000 Grant for Urgent Raccoon Rehab Center

BREAKING: The DeKalb County Community Foundation has just announced critical funding for local agencies, including a significant $30,000 grant to the Oaken Acres Wildlife Center for a new raccoon rehabilitation center. This funding is part of a larger initiative, with $140,000 awarded across three organizations to enhance community services urgently needed in DeKalb.

The grant will allow Oaken Acres to construct an efficient and secure facility dedicated to the care of orphaned raccoons. “Oaken Acres’ commitment to the future guides our efforts to help both wildlife and people live more compassionate lives,” stated Kathy Stelford, president of Oaken Acres Wildlife Center. “We are on the road to building an efficient, secure, and healthy new center for orphaned raccoons.”

This funding comes at a crucial time as local organizations face rising demands in services. Alongside Oaken Acres, Rooted for Good received $80,000 to launch a community health and food center, emphasizing food security in the region. “With this grant, we can sustain and grow our programs, meeting the rising needs of our community,” said Heather Edwards, executive director of Rooted for Good.

The DeKalb County Community Foundation’s Build the Future Grants program is designed to support capital projects in DeKalb County, focusing on human services, food security, and animal welfare. Other beneficiaries include the DeKalb County Forest Preserve District, which secured $30,000 for surface construction on the Genoa to Kingston (G2K) Trail.

Officials emphasize the importance of these grants in creating more robust services for the community. The Build the Future Grants program opens annually, with Letters of Intent accepted starting January 1 each year. Interested organizations are encouraged to explore eligibility and application processes on the Foundation’s website or contact grants staff for further information.

This urgent funding allows organizations to enhance their capacities and better serve residents. As Oaken Acres gears up for construction, the community anticipates improved care for wildlife and increased support for local health initiatives.

Stay tuned for further developments on this vital project as Oaken Acres prepares to make a lasting impact on wildlife rehabilitation in DeKalb.