1. How did Noah’s Ark get started?
Noah’s Ark’s birthday is February 13, 1962, the date the dream was birthed in the heart of a very small child, Jama Hedgecoth. As a young girl she told her parents that when she grew up , she would have a home for all the unwanted children and animals. She would have people come visit them and would never charge a dime.

2. How long have you been in operation?
Jama has taken in animals and children her entire life. In 1978, she and her family moved to a farm in North Henry County. When the animal population grew too large for their home and land, the family and all the resident animals moved to our current location, a 250 acre farm in Locust Grove, Georgia.

3. Who are the regulating offices and what kind of licenses are you required to have in order to do what you do?
The Children Care Home is licensed with the Department of Human Resource as a Child Caring Institution - The Animal Rehabilitation Center is licensed with Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Department of Fish and Game and U.S. Department of Agriculture.

4. Where does Noah’s Ark get its children?
The children come to Noah’s Ark from the Department of Family and Children Services and the Department of Juvenile Justice.

5. Where does Noah’s Ark get its animals?
The animals come from the Department of Natural Resources, Zoos and from the general public.

6. Does Noah’s Ark have an Endowment?
Not at the present time, although we would love to have one. We trust God on a month-to-month basis to supply our needs. We are thankful for His faithfulness. Donate now.

7. How does Noah’s Ark get its funding for animals?
The majority of funding for the animals come from general donations and, fund raisers with a minimal amount from foundational grants.

8. How does Noah’s Ark get its funding for the children?
Funding for the children comes from per diem through the Department of Family and Children Services, general donations, sponsor program, fund raisers and foundational grants.

9. When did Noah’s Ark become Incorporated?
Animal Rehabilitation - 1991, Children Care Homes - 1993

10. When did Noah’s Ark receive its nonprofit status?
Our nonprofit status was achieved in 1990

11. What is our budget and administration costs?
The Children Care Home budgets is $792,109 per year and the Animal Rehab Center is $929,000. 85% of the Animal Rehab’s budget is spent directly on the animals while 93% of the Care Home’s budget is for the children. The remaining percentages (15% and 7% respectively) are for fund raising and administration costs.

12. Do you mix the money for both animals and children?
There is NO co-mingling of funds. Noah’s Ark has two separate 501-(c) 3 corporations to protect the integrity of gifts given and the mission of the individual organizations.

13. How much does it cost to feed all the animals?
Approximately $10,000.00 per month. ****Much of this is donated by in-kind donations. However, if we had to buy all the feed, this would be our approximate cost.

14. How much does it cost to feed a child per day?
About $9.00 per day.

15. Does Noah’s Ark take dogs and cats?
Currently there is limited space and funding available for the placement of pets. However, Noah’s Ark currently provides a wide net work for the placement of animals through referrals. The Noah’s Ark Animal Rehabilitation and Education Center is designated a “No Kill” Center. Funding in the amount of $250,000 annually would be required to operate a full service animal adoption program.

16. What is a “No Kill” Shelter?
A “No Kill” center saves both healthy and treatable pets, with euthanasia used only for unhealthy and un-treatable animals

17. Does Noah’s Ark ever turn down animals?
Yes, but only because of the lack of money to build habitats and funding to feed them. Noah’s Ark does provide a networking placement system and has been able to place hundreds of animals through referrals.

18. How many volunteer help at Noah’s Ark?
Every year, 250 or more volunteers come for group work projects and to help with events. We also have 10 to 12 people who volunteer weekly to work with the animals and children.

19. How many full and part time employees do you have for both companies?
We have a total of 14 part-time and full-time employees.

20. How many children do you have?
We have the capacity to care for 24 children from birth to 18 years old.

21. How many permanent animals do you have?
Approximately 1,000 exotic, wildlife and domestic animals. We have over 100 different species of animals.

22. How do you know there is a need for your program for children?
We receive hundreds of phone calls each year and have to turn children away because we can only provide a home for 24 children.

23. How do you know there is a need for your program for animals?
We receive phone calls daily. Last year we had to turn away approximately 2,500 animals due to lack of funds.

24. What veterinarians do you use?
We use many vets and specialists who are recommended by one of our board member’s who is also a veterinarian. She has also been our senior vet and a volunteer since 1990.