As its founder retires, Resale to the Rescue has raised $850,000 for animal welfare groups

Jan Caudell developed an idea to help animals in 2016. It was her destiny to help. She is one of dogs' best friends —she's fostered 40 dogs over the years and owned about a dozen.

Her idea of a resale store that benefits animals has worked like a charm. Resale to the Rescue has been called inspired by supporters and shoppers.

Now it is time to take a deep breath and retire.

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However, she is hopeful that others will see her retirement as an opportunity to get involved and continue the mission of Resale to the Rescue. “I’d like to see community people join the board, volunteers to help. Everyone sees the value of the store.”

You can’t start retirement without a cake. Staff and volunteers will have a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. June 26 at the store, 905 W. McKinley Ave., Mishawaka. Come by for some snacks and a toast. Jan doesn’t want gifts. Just your smiles and monetary donations to the store.

It all started with Jan’s first retirement from teaching in Penn-Harris-Madison schools in 2013. She also taught undergraduate education classes at Indiana University South Bend for two years.

What she needed was a second career. Sure, Jan changed lives in classrooms. It was time for something different. Maybe for those who have four feet this time.

Not one to sit on a couch eating bon bons, she needed a plan. Just like everyone else in the world, she Googled helping pets. “I poked around on the internet,” she said. And she found it. A resale store.

Jan did some road trips to visit similar resale stores. Got some pointers and dos and don’ts. “Don’t make it too boutique-ish. Make it accessible,” she said.

The plan unfolded and became Resale to the Rescue. The goal was to sell better clothing and household items at discount prices. She needed a few employees, a healthy bunch of volunteers and lots of donations.

“It all fell into place," she said. "We got our 501c3 paperwork back within weeks. We found a location in a retail strip near Bethel University and put out the word. I knew from the start it would be a success when we started to get donations.” The store opened in 2016.

After the bills were paid, the Resale board of directors awarded money to five core animal welfare groups, such as St. Joseph County Humane Society and Meow Mission. More than 20 other animal groups have received grants.

The adjoining store added space for more racks of clothing. A third store front opened to sell furniture and be the donation center.

Since opening, Resale has awarded more than $850,000. The money has been used for animal welfare and spay and neuters. The organizations on the receiving end have been grateful. Some have made major changes, bought big items and continued the missions.

Ann Renbarger Rudasics is the store manager. “I thought the idea was genius from the start. Thrifters love us. Antique dealers come in weekly. It is win-win. People are happy and animals are helped. We all believe in this place and will keep it going.”

Genny Brown, executive director of the Humane Society of St. Joseph County, said resale helped pay for surgical equipment needed for spay and neuters. “We were thankful for the $6,000 to continue our work. Jan is an amazing individual. “

As for the store, Genny said she shops there often. “I had a big Thanksgiving dinner and I needed cookware.”

Gayle Dantzler, founder of the Frantz Fund and a retired Tribune editor, said the money from resale keeps paying the bills for spay and neuters. “The donations give us the confidence we will be there for others. And there are many aspects to the work being done here in the store. We are trying to control pet populations. The donated items are not going to the landfills. And the prices in the store allow low-income residents to have items they need. There is a lot of good going on here.”

Gayle continued that it takes leadership, volunteers and a welcoming public. “You have to give Jan a lot of credit.”

Jodi Aker is president of The Meow Mission, which spays and neuters feral cats. “Before resale money, we worked out of a garage to house cats. We could have 15 cats at a time. We have 40. We have a building. Our volunteers are happier and safer. Jan is my hero. When I grow up, I want to be just like her.”

Jan said the mission will continue for Resale to the Rescue. As for her, she will be looking for some other avenue to expend retirement energy.

Kathy’s email is [email protected].

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: South Bend area animal welfare charity's founder retires