Our Journey Began with a Heartfelt Mission
Odin's Heart Foundation was founded in September 2022, inspired by the experience of our founder, Rachel Zipsie, whose grandson Rhys has been diagnosed with rare genetic disorders. What began as many nights worried about her grandson, daughter and their family, it quickly turned into a broader mission: to make a difference in the lives of caregivers whose lives change overnight.
Initially, our outreach focused on providing simple yet impactful gestures—like respite activities for siblings and funding meals for families facing daily caregiving challenges. From these humble beginnings, Odin's Heart has grown into a dedicated organization that supports caregivers nationwide.
Building Partnerships and Strengthening Our Community
In 2023, Odin's Heart expanded its outreach through key partnerships and community events, including participation in the Mid-Michigan Pet Expo to raise awareness of caregivers' needs and promote mental health resources. Recognizing the therapeutic value of animals, we partnered with pet-related organizations to offer unique support options for caregivers. These partnerships strengthened our mission, allowing us to offer financial assistance, promote well-being, and engage in educational outreach within the caregiving community.
Expanding Our Reach with Community and Business Support
By 2024, Odin's Heart Foundation continued to broaden its reach and impact. We formed a partnership with Leslie Racing for weekly outreach at Kart Racing events for participants young and old.
Then we connected Odin's Dock with a very dock diving season with Einstein Dock Diving, ZingZingK9 and United Dock Diving.
This brought our mission to new audiences and provided three fundraising events which supported critical initiatives, increased awareness in local communities and more.
Our ongoing partnership with Stolan Acres has also enabled numerus collaboration opportunities and awareness outreach. Through these collaborations, we have built a network that values and supports caregivers, enhancing our impact.
Looking ahead, Odin’s Heart Foundation is committed to expanding our reach, building new partnerships, and developing even more comprehensive resources to empower caregivers, strengthen communities, and create a lasting impact for families navigating the challenges of caregivers.
For more information about our history or our future programs, please reach out to us.