Rescue Me Café and Books

Two friends and lifelong animal lovers, Jessica Falco and Caitlyn Hayes, are shaping their passion for animal welfare, nature, and education into a multifaceted nonprofit: Rescue Me Café and Books.

The café-bookstore hybrid, which doubles as an animal rescue and educational center, aims to offer an inviting communal space for humans and animals alike. Their goal is to inspire a broader understanding of how we care for animals and our environment, one page, sip, and pet at a time.

Falco’s background in biology and Hayes’ experience in environmental studies allowed for a comprehensive approach to animal safety and educational outreach. Combining their passions and niches, they envision an establishment that holds a lasting impact on multiple levels. Falco highlights their alternative dream, “We want to focus on animals, but we also want people to come in, enjoy their time, maybe read a book, and fall in love with a cat sitting on their lap.” Whereas typical animal shelters are a one-time-stop for most pet owners, Falco and Hayes went against the grain to create a community that continually expresses the importance of animal wellbeing and environmental advocation.

Falco reveals her inspiration, “I wanted a place where biologists, conservationists, and people passionate about these issues could gather.” Rescue Me will not only house stray animals, but be a sanctuary for environmentalists, animal lovers, and lay people alike by offering a wide range of undertakings for individual interests. “We’re building something bigger than just a shelter or a café,” Hayes adds. “We’re creating a space for community, where people can learn, enjoy themselves, and help animals at the same time.”

Despite being in its early stages, Rescue Me is already making an impact. They currently foster an array of domestic animals and are involved in adoption events at local stores, all while working out of Falco’s home. Hayes expresses her appreciation, “The outpouring of support has been insane. It’s a consistent reminder that we’re on the right path, we’re going to make it, and it’s going to be amazing.”

Rescue Me’s impacts are furthered by their monthly events. The Women’s Beach Book Club, located at South Beach, has already garnered a dedicated following. Additionally, the upcoming MICMS Ecology Exploration Day, Pet Supermarket adoption events, and presence at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Farmer’s Market promise further outreach. Falco is especially excited about the Marco Island Charter Middle School event on November 16th, where Betty Osceola, a member of the Miccosukee Tribe and advocate for Everglades protection, will speak. “She’s a powerful force.” Falco said as she proclaimed her admiration. “It’s humbling to have her with us, sharing the significance of the Everglades. We’re honored to have her background and wisdom at the event.”

Hayes emphasizes that every bit of support, from attending events to monetary donations, is valued during this developmental phase, “We can find a place for anybody if they want to help.” Through the funding raised at Ecology Exploration Day, farmer’s market purchases, and donations, Rescue Me becomes one step closer to finding its permanent venue. “Our goal is to have our location for the café and bookstore by August 2025.” The establishment will reflect its mission of environmental advocacy and sustainability by offering locally sourced seasonal menu items and ethically obtained coffee. “When we were looking into getting a coffee wholesaler, fair trade was one of the requirements,” explains Hayes.

The café and bookstore will also serve as a learning center, featuring a curated selection of books on Florida’s history, environment, and culture, along with a variety of literature that reflects the nonprofit’s mission. “I want to have a space where this information is readily available for adults and children.,” said Hayes.

Falco and Hayes’ dream doesn’t stop at cats and books. They envision a future where Rescue Me will evolve into a ranch rescue, taking in a diverse array of animals and offering educational programs. They hope to work with schools, providing hands-on experiences for kids and internships for students interested in environmental careers. Falco elaborates, “As we grow, we want to get into everything that we can.

Every animal we can help.” Hayes agrees, “By incorporating practices that are positive for the environment and passing those practices to our guests, there are so many ways I think we can make a real impact on the community.”

Falco and Hayes are paving the way for an original genre of rescue facility through Rescue Me Café and Books - one that’s as much a home for animals as it is for the community. Although their journey is just beginning, Rescue Me has made strides in its pursuit of ecological harmony. “Success in this field is immeasurable, but witnessing increased health in our animals and comfortability in their current environment is a sure sign of improvement,” Falco said. Hayes concurs that each step taken with their nonprofit has felt like a level of accomplishment, saying, “There’s no guidebook on this, but eventually we’ll write one.”

To learn more about Rescue Me, foster a furry friend, or view upcoming events, visit rescuemecafeandbooks.org or call 239-537-3775.