Jen Kuyt, known to many as the Country Cat Lady, is opening the Catz Den at 120 S. Main St., in downtown Wayland in May.

The Country Cat Lady will use her unique approach to rescuing kittens, something she’s been doing at her home on 7th Street since 2018

“We run just as a typical animal rescue does, but our end goal is much different,” she said. “Our focus is to raise our kittens to become emotional support animals. We also have enrichment programs in the community where others can spend time with our therapy cats.”

She said some private investors have provided a building for her to use. She will host the new adoption room at the location that formerly housed The Grainery.

“Our goal is to use this generous space, not just for a cat adoption room for the rescue but also to fill in the gaps in our community…” Kuyt said, a place for teens to gather after school, and other small gatherings like birthday parties and baby showers.”

She said her intention is to raise the standards of teens in the community by creating accountability and an enforced code of conduct.

“We look forward to offering an after-school hangout with our working therapy cats where teens can feel accepted and cared for and get low or no-cost snacks.,” she said. “Also introducing this small town to new ideas like different music, art, and games, while experiencing different cultures and countries.” Kuyt added that she hopes to provide teens with things they may need for school or home, but do not have the resources to get, such as backpacks, school supplies and personal hygiene items.

Besides the after-school program Catz Den is working with Allegan County’s Adult Special Education program.

“These young adults will be able to use the space with their mentors and learn employment skills, maintenance, and other independent living skills,” Kuyt said.

She has started a GoFundMe page, with money raised to keep the service open for the community by paying for utilities, taxes and snacks for the kids. The director has refused to accept any payroll for herself and insists that the operation be run by volunteers.

“Once the bills are paid, all extra funding will go to purchasing more items the teens and community can use in our space. Our end goal is to one day have enough sponsorships for our utility bills so that we can provide jobs for the special needs adults, teens and college students in our town, as there are very limited jobs available for these members of our community.”