Beginning in mid-April 2024 Jasper Animal Rescue Mission (JARM) experienced a complete change over in Board of Directors.  On Friday June 14th this Board of Directors made the decision to eliminate the position of Executive Director in order to "save money".  Because of this hasty decision, nearly all staff made the decision to leave their employment at JARM effective immediately. This included the shelter manager, the medical coordinator, and 5 kennel technicians. 

The shelter is currently being run by board members and volunteers who have no knowledge of JARM operations or shelter operations/animal welfare in general. 

Caitlyn Schake held the position of Executive Director for Jasper Animal Rescue Mission for just shy of 10 years. During those 10 years the euthanasia rate dropped exponentially, thousands of dollars in grant money was secured (including a brand new transport van), a strong transport program was built with rescues near and far, improvements were made to the outdated facilities, a community of support was formed, and so much more.  These accomplishments were made in spite of incredible difficulties with a lack of funding, deteriorating facilities, short staffing, and a building we long ago out grew. 

Caitlyn and the staff at JARM care deeply about the animals and wish to continue their work at the shelter. The animals need experienced staff to return and provide proper care as soon as possible. Currently only one dog kennel technician and one cat kennel technician remain to care for over 200 animals. Nearly everyone that new and cared about the animals at the shelter are now gone. 

This decision was made by an under-developed Board with an interim President and no Vice President, during a meeting where certain board members were excluded. The Executive Director had no previous infractions and received no warnings. 

We ask that the Jasper County Council investigate this decision made by the Board of Directors and reinstate Caitlyn Schake as Executive Director for Jasper Animal Rescue Mission.

Please contact the Jasper County Administrator and County Council and ask them to to review this decision. Let them know your experiences working with Caitlyn and the staff at JARM. 

Andrew Fulghum- County Administrator: afulghum@jaspercountysc.gov

Martin Sauls- Council Chairman: msauls@jaspercountysc.gov

Barbara Clark- Council Vice Chairwoman: bclark@jaspercountysc.gov

John Kemp- Council Member jkemp@jaspercountysc.gov

Joey Rowell- Council Member: jrowell@jaspercountysc.gov