Our Story
Small Foundation, Big Heart
Companion animals want to love and be loved. Also, they continue to need our help.

Just like you, we love pets.
From day one, our efforts have been completely volunteered, yet our initiative saved the lives of many companion animals.
For nearly two decades, I have dedicated myself to rescuing cats (and dogs) in need.
How it all started? Well, it all started slowly and unexpectedly. When my two daughters rescued a week old kitten from a sewer in front of our house, little did I know that this single rescue project would lead to a life-saving journey!
From idea to reality.
Journey's Beginning is the result of my passion for animals and I hope to make this foundation into full-fledged animal welfare organization.
The costs of vital rescue needs can easily reach into the hundreds or thousands of dollars per animal. Limited by our financial ability, I realized that I can combine my wholesale industry knowledge with my love for animals and created Journey's Beginning to provide sufficient resources for the work that we do every day.


Come join us on the journey.
All of our work is aimed at creating effective, compassionate, and humane solutions to the issues faced by neglected companion pets.
We receive no government support, relying solely on donations of time, service, and money from our supporters. We know that like us, you care for animals and with your help, we will continue and strengthen our crucial initiative of helping animals in need of support.
Thank you for believing in the mission!
- Yvette Sommer-Pechanec, Founder
Over
15Years of Experience
Over
250,000Bowls of Food Donated
Over
10,000Hours of Support Provided
Get to Know Us
Animals are Our Inspiration
“Working hard for something we don't care about is called stress; working hard for something we love is called passion.” - Simon Sinek











Join Us
We Have Many Opportunities to Get Involved
Whether you shop online, make a donation, assist with a fundraising event, or spread the word, you help to improve the welfare and well-being of companion pets.
Shop deNATURA Tea
When you purchase our products at your local store or through our Gift Shop, you directly contribute to our cause - it is a simple and automatic way to support our mission.
Make a Donation
Please support our mission, your contribution makes all of our work possible. You can Donate Now Online or by mailing your donation (checks payable to the Journey's Beginning) to P.O.BOX 133, Stewartsville, NJ 08886.
Feed the Hungry
Shop our Amazon Wish List to donate much-needed supplies. Your support means a great deal to the animals that depend on us. Additionally, we will gladly accept gift cards to Petco, Chewy, Walmart, or Tractor Supply - every little bit helps us save lives.
Make a Donation
Please Donate Now Online to support our mission, your contribution makes all of our work possible.
Feed the Hungry
Donate much-needed supplies - shop our Amazon Wish List and help us meet our immediate needs.
Join Us
From daily animal care to fundraising, we have many opportunities for volunteers to get involved. Contact us today.