Hearts & Paws Sanctuary was not created out of comfort or convenience—it was born out of obedience, compassion, and an unshakable calling placed on our hearts.
My name is Sephra. I am a single mother, a survivor, and a woman who has walked through seasons of profound hardship. Through those seasons, God never stopped reminding me of one thing: care for what I place in your hands. For our family, that calling has always included animals—especially the broken, the abandoned, and the overlooked.
Hearts & Paws Sanctuary is a faith-led, no-kill animal sanctuary in formation, built on the belief that animals are part of God’s creation and deserve lifelong care, safety, and dignity. Many of the animals currently in our care began as rescues and became family. They were never meant to be temporary—they were entrusted to us.
Our Vision
Our long-term vision is to establish Hearts & Paws Sanctuary in Florida, where we can:
Live on-site and provide daily, hands-on care
Create a safe, permanent refuge for rescued animals
Care for animals already in our responsibility
Gradually expand to help additional animals as God provides
Operate with transparency, stewardship, and integrity
Eventually pursue nonprofit status when the foundation is stable
At this stage, Hearts & Paws Sanctuary is not yet a 501(c)(3). All support is considered a love offering or ministry support and will be stewarded carefully and transparently toward immediate needs and foundational steps.Why We Are Asking for Support
We are currently facing an incredibly challenging season.
We are experiencing financial hardship
We are at risk of eviction
Our vehicle is currently not operational
We are preparing for a necessary relocation to Florida, where our long-term vision for the sanctuary has always been rooted
We are caring for animals who rely on us daily for food, warmth, safety, and medical needs
To some, this may look like the “wrong time” to begin something new. But faith does not wait for perfect conditions. Faith moves forward even when the path is uncertain.
This sanctuary was not started recklessly or impulsively. It has been prayed over for years. We are choosing to step forward now—not because it’s easy, but because delaying would mean ignoring the responsibility God has already placed in our care.A Word From the Heart
We know some may question why we would step into a mission like this while struggling. The truth is: we didn’t choose this calling because life was easy—we chose it because it was right.
Animals don’t get to choose their circumstances. They don’t get to wait until someone else is more comfortable. They rely on those who are willing to say “yes,” even when that yes costs something.
We are not asking for handouts—we are asking for help carrying what God has already entrusted to us.
If you feel led to support financially, we are deeply grateful.
If you cannot give, we ask for prayer, encouragement, and sharing this mission.
Thank you for seeing us.
Thank you for standing with us.
Thank you for helping us build a place of compassion, safety, and hope—one paw at a time.
With gratitude and faith,
Sephra
Founder, Hearts & Paws Sanctuary (in formation)
