News & Events
Volunteer Updates: New Leadership, A Beloved Return & New Opportunities!
Halfway Home Pet Rescue is thrilled to share exciting news about our amazing volunteer team!
First, we welcome Candace Madill as our new President! Candace’s connection to HHPR is deeply personal—during the challenges of COVID, after facing job loss, they turned to Norma and the HHPR team for help fixing their two kittens.
That act of kindness inspired a lasting commitment. With a strong background in volunteering and nonprofit work, Candace is passionate about expanding community ties, supporting volunteers, and ensuring accessible care for vulnerable animals. She encourages everyone to get involved—whether by volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word—so that together, we can build stronger communities and a safer future for animals.
We’re excited to welcome back Gail Langley, a dedicated 10-year volunteer, to the Adoption Center as of April 1! After time away for health reasons, we’ve missed her and are so grateful to have her expertise again. Welcome back Gail!
Additionally, please welcome Annie Anderson as HHPR’s new Vice President! Annie lives in Northern Maine with her husband (a Navy veteran), two cats, and six chickens. She brings energy, creativity, and a passion for service—soon representing Maine as Ms. Military Star Maine Elite!
If you’ve been thinking about getting involved, now is the perfect time! Volunteering at HHPR is a rewarding way to help animals and make a real difference. Complete an application online.
Halfway Home Pet Rescue Receives $1,000 Grant from Bangor Savings Bank’s Community Matters More Program
Caribou, Maine — April 4, 2025 Halfway Home Pet Rescue is pleased to announce that it has been selected to receive a $1,000 grant from Bangor Savings Bank through its Community Matters More program, an initiative of The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation.
Each February, community members across Maine and New Hampshire have the opportunity to vote for their favorite local nonprofits as part of this impactful grant program. Designed to support local non-profits providing essential services and programs that improve lives throughout the region, the Community Matters More initiative reflects Bangor Savings Bank’s deep commitment to giving back to the communities it serves.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who voted for us, and to Bangor Savings Bank for recognizing the value of our mission,” said Norma Milton, Founder of HHPR. “This generous grant will directly support our efforts to provide six low-cost spay/neuter clinics throughout the year and ongoing rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming pets in need across Aroostook County.”
Lauren Carmichael, Branch Leader for Bangor Savings Bank in Houlton, reached out with the good news and will be coordinating the delivery of the donation check in mid-April.
The Community Matters More program supports local nonprofits that provide essential services in Maine and New Hampshire. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3)s with inclusive, community-focused programs.
Halfway Home Pet Rescue extends heartfelt thanks to Bangor Savings Bank, The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation, and all community members who participated in the voting process for making this support possible.
About Halfway Home Pet Rescue
Halfway Home Pet Rescue is dedicated to improving the quality of life for stray animals in Aroostook County, Maine. We focus our mission on the rescue and rehabilitation of cats and kittens from Caribou and surrounding communities who are not eligible for admission to other area shelters. HHPR provides medical care, social and emotional rehabilitation through a safe haven that is “half way home.” HHPR offers low cost spay/neuter clinics throughout the year to the general public.
New Drop-off Partner for Bottle & Can Donations
Halfway Home Pet Rescue urgently requests that our valued and dedicated friends NO LONGER bring recyclable bottles & cans they want to donate to our pet rescue to the Parson’s Street Redemption in Presque Isle – or to any of their remote donation “Drop & GO” bins because of some concerns we are currently looking into.
We rely on and appreciate your donations of bottles & cans very much and want to assure you that your donations go directly for the benefit of our homeless and helpless cats.
Please bring your recyclable bottles and cans to either Rick’s Redemption in Presque Isle or to Norma’s garage at 11 Pioneer Ave in Caribou.
Thank you so very much,
Norma Milton
Halfway Home Pet Rescue Receives Generous $30,000 Grant from the Doree Taylor Charitable Foundation
We are thrilled to share some exciting news! Halfway Home Pet Rescue has been awarded a generous $30,000 grant from the Doree Taylor Charitable Foundation, with Bank of America, N.A. We are deeply grateful for their support and the positive impact this grant will have on our rescue efforts.
This one-year grant will directly support the operations of our organization, allowing us to continue our mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming Aroostook County animals in need. The funding will help us provide essential care, medical treatment, and shelter for local homeless pets, ensuring they receive the love and support they deserve while they await their forever homes.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Doree Taylor Charitable Foundation and Bank of America Private Bank for believing in our mission and supporting the well-being of our rescued pets. This partnership is a testament to the power of philanthropy in transforming the lives of animals and the communities that care for them.
To learn more about our work and how you can support Halfway Home Pet Rescue, visit our Ways You Can Help page or follow us on Facebook. Together, we are making a difference—one pet at a time!