2024 Open Arms Challenge

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where you're organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where you're organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

Pawster Nashville is super excited for our 3rd year in the Open Arms (/We Foster) Challenge, so we can continue to be more inclusive and reach more people in our community. 

Pawster is located in Nashville, TN

Our Open Arms Challenge Activities:

• Promote Spanish-language foster application on social media

• Create simplified Spanish-language application for crisis foster care.

• Complete trauma-informed care training

• Implement new email offering resources to pet owners in crisis

• Publish new pet-friendly housing database to help pet owners find affordable, pet-friendly housing.

• Launch weekly calls with pet owners in crisis who need extra support finding housing.

• Host/attend at least 2 events in specifically identified underrepresented communities.

• Run targeted ads on social media to surrounding rural counties.

• Use the CDC Social Vulnerability Index to more specifically identify communities that need extra resources during a disaster.

• Update the organization's policies to reflect the No Roadblocks Commitment.

• Schedule one training session for the board of directors on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, to be completed before the end of 2024.

• Launch a new monthly meeting with local organizations working at the intersection of human and animal welfare.

• Foster new partnerships with the Hispanic Family Foundation, Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC), and other organizations that can help build relationships among Spanish-speaking and immigrant communities.

• Attended Maddie's Community Conversation on Building Trust in Communities.

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where you're organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where you're organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where you're organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

Good morning!

Marci here with Watching Over Whiskers. We are a small , foster home based cat rescue in Springfield, Mo that also happens to have a headquarters where we have rooms and kennels to bring cats and kittens once ready for adoption. It's a nice blend of our service to the community as we have an ER fund to assist owned cats in need with a one time paw up, fund and do TNR and also get kittens and cats ready to adopt to forever homes.

During this challenge we plan to do more outreach in our at risk communities using relationships with churches, hospitals/clinics and mental health providers to seek applications from those who already own cats that are not fixed. We do not have our own vet so we reach out to area vets to help us in getting basic, routine vetting on these kitties to stop the breeding before it starts and keep cats in homes.  We are overrun with cats and kittens in Southwest Missouri - lots of rural communities who don't really educate or assist on how to stop the breeding before it starts. We also plan to put some information together on pet friendly housing and how to apply for an ESA if that is applicable to them in order to keep a pet with their family unit. In addition, we who to tackle TNR at a couple of low income areas to get those colonies under control and all fixed. 

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where you're organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where you're organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where you're organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where you're organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where you're organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where you're organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

My name is Tiffany and I am the President of Fur-Angel Foundation on Oahu, Hawaii! We are a foster based dog rescue and are looking to expand our reach by creating new contacts with various organizations in the community. This is our first year participating in this challenge so we are excited to see where this takes us! Currently we are working with a senior living community to promote adoption and fostering for seniors to help promote mental and physical health, while also finding companions for our pups. This project may develop into a pet visitation for residents who are unable to care for dogs, so that we can help provide these residents with socialization, companionship, and the benefits of sitting with/petting a dog. We are also in the beginning stages of developing a similar pet visitation program with children diagnosed with cancer. The hope is to bring joy and companionship to these kids while they go through the many stages of surviving and healing from cancer.  Through these programs the ultimate goal is to help the individuals through their daily lives, but also create connections so that there is a potential for more people to meet with, and maybe fall in love with our dogs. 

Our current practices involve using technology to submit an application, complete an in home visit, and submit the adoption agreement, so part of our inclusion plan will be to create forms accessible to those who do not want to submit their info or complete the process using technology. Paper applications/contracts and physical in home visits will be accessible to potential families at request. We will also work on refining our off-island adoption processes to make it more clear and accessible to folks on other islands who would like to adopt a dog from us. 

------------------------------
TIFFANY KIM
PRESIDENT
FUR-ANGEL FOUNDATION
HI

Original Message:
Sent: 03-18-2024 04:20 AM
From: Charlotte Otero (she/her)
Subject: 2024 Open Arms Challenge Participants Roll Call! 📢

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where you're organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where you're organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

Karen Kirsch

Co-Founder

Spayed and Aid of Kentucky

Russellville, KY

We have only been in existence for 2 months and 14 days as of today!  Much of what we will be doing is just getting us organized and positioned within our community in rural Kentucky.

We are very excited to participate.

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where you're organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where you're organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where you're organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where you're organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where you're organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

Novastar rescues goal is to increase the time our dogs get out of their kennels for Doggy Day Out.  Rescue dogs spend too much time in a kennel when they are not fortunate enough to have a foster home.  Our goal is to create a program and set a goal to get a minimum of 50 dogs out on Doggy Day Out events.  We will seek volunteers to pick dogs up and take them on a day out to socialize them and pamper them.  This is a challenge that we will continue once this challenge is over for the sake of all our rescued dogs.  Novastar is excited for this challenge and is excited to get the community involved in making the lives of our dogs better!  

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

I'm with Maui Humane Society in Hawai'i. We are developing a shelter-wide reunification program for keeping people and pets together. In the past, reunification efforts have been handled by the customer service reps in the front office. Since the devastating fire in Lahaina last August, the front office has been inundated and our organization has since added a full-time reunification specialist. As we develop our reunification program, we will focus on providing outreach to our underserved communities, use marketing to get the word out quickly and widely in new ways, and aim to develop new partnerships within our community.

Novastar rescues goal is to increase the time our dogs get out of their kennels for Doggy Day Out.  Rescue dogs spend too much time in a kennel when they are not fortunate enough to have a foster home.  Our goal is to create a program and set a goal to get a minimum of 50 dogs out on Doggy Day Out events.  We will seek volunteers to pick dogs up and take them on a day out to socialize them and pamper them.  This is a challenge that we will continue once this challenge is over for the sake of all our rescued dogs.  Novastar is excited for this challenge and is excited to get the community involved in making the lives of our dogs better!  

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

Novastar rescues goal is to increase the time our dogs get out of their kennels for Doggy Day Out.  Rescue dogs spend too much time in a kennel when they are not fortunate enough to have a foster home.  Our goal is to create a program and set a goal to get a minimum of 50 dogs out on Doggy Day Out events.  We will seek volunteers to pick dogs up and take them on a day out to socialize them and pamper them.  This is a challenge that we will continue once this challenge is over for the sake of all our rescued dogs.  Novastar is excited for this challenge and is excited to get the community involved in making the lives of our dogs better!  

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

My name is Crystal and I work with Santa Rosa Animal Control in NM. This is our first time participating in the Open Arms Challenge. We live in a small, rural community that sits in the second poorest county in our state.  We have had a large problem with people surrendering or dumping their pets due to financial issues and being unable to afford basic needs for their pets. Some of the programs we have implemented to help our struggling community include free spay/neuter clinics, free vaccine clinics, free pet food, and a free straw program. We are also in the works to start our first ever TNR program for our community cats.  We are working on expanding our pet food pantry to help financially struggling citizens to feed their pets.  We hear a lot of citizens say they are having a hard time affording pet food. We started the pet food pantry in hopes to help keep families and pets together.  We have been able to do this through donations and grants.  Our hope is to be able to connect with our community and have good conversations about what their pets need as far as food, vaccines, and overall healthcare.

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

My name is Crystal and I work with Santa Rosa Animal Control in NM. This is our first time participating in the Open Arms Challenge. We live in a small, rural community that sits in the second poorest county in our state.  We have had a large problem with people surrendering or dumping their pets due to financial issues and being unable to afford basic needs for their pets. Some of the programs we have implemented to help our struggling community include free spay/neuter clinics, free vaccine clinics, free pet food, and a free straw program. We are also in the works to start our first ever TNR program for our community cats.  We are working on expanding our pet food pantry to help financially struggling citizens to feed their pets.  We hear a lot of citizens say they are having a hard time affording pet food. We started the pet food pantry in hopes to help keep families and pets together.  We have been able to do this through donations and grants.  Our hope is to be able to connect with our community and have good conversations about what their pets need as far as food, vaccines, and overall healthcare.

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

Hi Everyone! I'm Rita Ortiz and I serve as the Community Services Manager at the Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS) in the Bay Area. My role was created a few years ago to try to serve our community better by lowering barriers to vet care and adoption. We are making progress step by step. 3 years ago we started a free mobile vaccination and vet wellness clinic that has grown in leaps and bounds, we run a free pet food pantry twice a month,  spay/neuter vouchers, and offer funding towards vet bills provided by a donor fund that is also growing as is the need. We provide 1-month free flea meds, free microchips, emergency boarding when space allows, and waive fees on an as-needed basis. We have a lot of support from our community that helps a lot, especially with the pet food pantry which had been running out of food regularly. Some donors have even set up regular  food deliveries to us for the pantry! We live in a diverse community and  have struggled to lower language barriers but we are doing better, and now offer most written materials in English and Spanish, at lease. The City of Alameda recognizes 7 languages as essential here, so we are working on expanding our materials.  There is a lot  yet to do! It is such a thrill to be a part of this group and learn about what everyone is doing!

My name is Crystal and I work with Santa Rosa Animal Control in NM. This is our first time participating in the Open Arms Challenge. We live in a small, rural community that sits in the second poorest county in our state.  We have had a large problem with people surrendering or dumping their pets due to financial issues and being unable to afford basic needs for their pets. Some of the programs we have implemented to help our struggling community include free spay/neuter clinics, free vaccine clinics, free pet food, and a free straw program. We are also in the works to start our first ever TNR program for our community cats.  We are working on expanding our pet food pantry to help financially struggling citizens to feed their pets.  We hear a lot of citizens say they are having a hard time affording pet food. We started the pet food pantry in hopes to help keep families and pets together.  We have been able to do this through donations and grants.  Our hope is to be able to connect with our community and have good conversations about what their pets need as far as food, vaccines, and overall healthcare.

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

Hi I am Lisa Coscino and I am the Executive Director at Sage Compassion for Animals. We provide financial assistance for veterinary care to save companion animals in medical crisis and educate about ways to reduce and prevent illness. We serve all nine counties of the San Francisco bay are (a big area!!)

Currently our Animal Assistance Grants serve a general population of folks who meet our financial and veterinary requirements. For the Open Arms Challenge, we are  launching a pilot program that will focus on serving folks in our counties that are 65 or older. We see a huge need for those in this demographic to have the resources to save their pet's life, should a health or medical emergency occur. Many folks in this age group are on fixed incomes, and affording emergency care can be out of reach, leaving surrender or euthanasia as their only options. As we know, losing a pet at any age is difficult, and suffering from a loss later in life can be devastating.

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

Hi Lisa, The Sage Compassion Fund is such an amazing resource! You have jumped in to help several of our Skyla Fund clients when the bills are beyond the reach of not just the client but other resources. It takes a village. I am so happy to hear the Compassion Fund is a focus for this challenge. Bravo! - Rita

Hi I am Lisa Coscino and I am the Executive Director at Sage Compassion for Animals. We provide financial assistance for veterinary care to save companion animals in medical crisis and educate about ways to reduce and prevent illness. We serve all nine counties of the San Francisco bay are (a big area!!)

Currently our Animal Assistance Grants serve a general population of folks who meet our financial and veterinary requirements. For the Open Arms Challenge, we are  launching a pilot program that will focus on serving folks in our counties that are 65 or older. We see a huge need for those in this demographic to have the resources to save their pet's life, should a health or medical emergency occur. Many folks in this age group are on fixed incomes, and affording emergency care can be out of reach, leaving surrender or euthanasia as their only options. As we know, losing a pet at any age is difficult, and suffering from a loss later in life can be devastating.

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

Hey! My name is Keri. I am an Animal Control Officer with the City of Humble Animal Shelter in Humble Texas, a small town outside of Houston.  For the Open Arms Challenge we have decided to open a Pet Pantry for people in need of being able to feed their animals so they do not have to rehome them to make ends meet.  Keeping families together with their pets. 

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

Hey! My name is Keri. I am an Animal Control Officer with the City of Humble Animal Shelter in Humble Texas, a small town outside of Houston.  For the Open Arms Challenge we have decided to open a Pet Pantry for people in need of being able to feed their animals so they do not have to rehome them to make ends meet.  Keeping families together with their pets. 

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

My name is Shelley and I volunteer for Albert's Dog Lounge Rescue, based in Whitewater, Wisconsin.  In late 2017, Albert's Dog Lounge went from being a foster space in a converted garage, to a 501c(3), 100% foster based non-profit rescue. Starting with a small team of followers, the rescue mission began to help senior, special needs, and hospice dogs .  With the continuing help of their supporters and volunteers, hundreds more dog's lives have been saved.  Our vision and mission is to be the steppingstone to a new life for dogs who are much less likely to be rescued, adopted, and are at a higher risk for euthanasia. 

Recently we had the privilege of rescuing a pup who spent nearly her entire life - 11 of her 13 years - in a shelter!  Thanks to the partnership of Albert's Dog Lounge, 2nd Chance Shelter & Second Chance North, this girl, renamed Fiona, made her way from Alabama to Wisconsin!  She is now coming into her own in the loving home of one of our fosters.  

Another recent partnership took place when a desperate adoption/transfer coordinator reached out to our friends at CARE for Pets to say she had to euthanize a dog and was looking for help.  It was a major medical case with unknown issues with a pit bull.  At the same time, we were on the recipient side of the general rescue plea for this dog, and already working up a plan on our side. Within just hours, three organizations (along with an entire community) stepped up and committed to joining forces to save this dog; CARE for Pets, Winnebago County Animal Services, and us. 

We will also challenge ourselves to educate children on the responsibilities that comes with owning and caring for pets.  It is important for them to understand that owning an animal is a lifetime decision, not just a "for now" because it "seems fun" and they "look cute."  Albert's Dog Lounge will be "adopting" out dogs to kids this year! 

With added motivation by participating in this wonderful challenge, we will reach out to the community even more, by continuing to form partnerships (as described above) and taking actions that enable pet owners with no/low resources to keep their beloved pet.  

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

I love the idea of getting the children involved.  The future of dog rescue and preventing animal abuse will be on them. 

My name is Shelley and I volunteer for Albert's Dog Lounge Rescue, based in Whitewater, Wisconsin.  In late 2017, Albert's Dog Lounge went from being a foster space in a converted garage, to a 501c(3), 100% foster based non-profit rescue. Starting with a small team of followers, the rescue mission began to help senior, special needs, and hospice dogs .  With the continuing help of their supporters and volunteers, hundreds more dog's lives have been saved.  Our vision and mission is to be the steppingstone to a new life for dogs who are much less likely to be rescued, adopted, and are at a higher risk for euthanasia. 

Recently we had the privilege of rescuing a pup who spent nearly her entire life - 11 of her 13 years - in a shelter!  Thanks to the partnership of Albert's Dog Lounge, 2nd Chance Shelter & Second Chance North, this girl, renamed Fiona, made her way from Alabama to Wisconsin!  She is now coming into her own in the loving home of one of our fosters.  

Another recent partnership took place when a desperate adoption/transfer coordinator reached out to our friends at CARE for Pets to say she had to euthanize a dog and was looking for help.  It was a major medical case with unknown issues with a pit bull.  At the same time, we were on the recipient side of the general rescue plea for this dog, and already working up a plan on our side. Within just hours, three organizations (along with an entire community) stepped up and committed to joining forces to save this dog; CARE for Pets, Winnebago County Animal Services, and us. 

We will also challenge ourselves to educate children on the responsibilities that comes with owning and caring for pets.  It is important for them to understand that owning an animal is a lifetime decision, not just a "for now" because it "seems fun" and they "look cute."  Albert's Dog Lounge will be "adopting" out dogs to kids this year! 

With added motivation by participating in this wonderful challenge, we will reach out to the community even more, by continuing to form partnerships (as described above) and taking actions that enable pet owners with no/low resources to keep their beloved pet.  

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

Hi Laura,

Thanks for your input; I couldn't agree more - so important!

I love the idea of getting the children involved.  The future of dog rescue and preventing animal abuse will be on them. 

My name is Shelley and I volunteer for Albert's Dog Lounge Rescue, based in Whitewater, Wisconsin.  In late 2017, Albert's Dog Lounge went from being a foster space in a converted garage, to a 501c(3), 100% foster based non-profit rescue. Starting with a small team of followers, the rescue mission began to help senior, special needs, and hospice dogs .  With the continuing help of their supporters and volunteers, hundreds more dog's lives have been saved.  Our vision and mission is to be the steppingstone to a new life for dogs who are much less likely to be rescued, adopted, and are at a higher risk for euthanasia. 

Recently we had the privilege of rescuing a pup who spent nearly her entire life - 11 of her 13 years - in a shelter!  Thanks to the partnership of Albert's Dog Lounge, 2nd Chance Shelter & Second Chance North, this girl, renamed Fiona, made her way from Alabama to Wisconsin!  She is now coming into her own in the loving home of one of our fosters.  

Another recent partnership took place when a desperate adoption/transfer coordinator reached out to our friends at CARE for Pets to say she had to euthanize a dog and was looking for help.  It was a major medical case with unknown issues with a pit bull.  At the same time, we were on the recipient side of the general rescue plea for this dog, and already working up a plan on our side. Within just hours, three organizations (along with an entire community) stepped up and committed to joining forces to save this dog; CARE for Pets, Winnebago County Animal Services, and us. 

We will also challenge ourselves to educate children on the responsibilities that comes with owning and caring for pets.  It is important for them to understand that owning an animal is a lifetime decision, not just a "for now" because it "seems fun" and they "look cute."  Albert's Dog Lounge will be "adopting" out dogs to kids this year! 

With added motivation by participating in this wonderful challenge, we will reach out to the community even more, by continuing to form partnerships (as described above) and taking actions that enable pet owners with no/low resources to keep their beloved pet.  

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

Our rescue involves Girl Scouts and it was a lot of fun

Hi Laura,

Thanks for your input; I couldn't agree more - so important!

I love the idea of getting the children involved.  The future of dog rescue and preventing animal abuse will be on them. 

My name is Shelley and I volunteer for Albert's Dog Lounge Rescue, based in Whitewater, Wisconsin.  In late 2017, Albert's Dog Lounge went from being a foster space in a converted garage, to a 501c(3), 100% foster based non-profit rescue. Starting with a small team of followers, the rescue mission began to help senior, special needs, and hospice dogs .  With the continuing help of their supporters and volunteers, hundreds more dog's lives have been saved.  Our vision and mission is to be the steppingstone to a new life for dogs who are much less likely to be rescued, adopted, and are at a higher risk for euthanasia. 

Recently we had the privilege of rescuing a pup who spent nearly her entire life - 11 of her 13 years - in a shelter!  Thanks to the partnership of Albert's Dog Lounge, 2nd Chance Shelter & Second Chance North, this girl, renamed Fiona, made her way from Alabama to Wisconsin!  She is now coming into her own in the loving home of one of our fosters.  

Another recent partnership took place when a desperate adoption/transfer coordinator reached out to our friends at CARE for Pets to say she had to euthanize a dog and was looking for help.  It was a major medical case with unknown issues with a pit bull.  At the same time, we were on the recipient side of the general rescue plea for this dog, and already working up a plan on our side. Within just hours, three organizations (along with an entire community) stepped up and committed to joining forces to save this dog; CARE for Pets, Winnebago County Animal Services, and us. 

We will also challenge ourselves to educate children on the responsibilities that comes with owning and caring for pets.  It is important for them to understand that owning an animal is a lifetime decision, not just a "for now" because it "seems fun" and they "look cute."  Albert's Dog Lounge will be "adopting" out dogs to kids this year! 

With added motivation by participating in this wonderful challenge, we will reach out to the community even more, by continuing to form partnerships (as described above) and taking actions that enable pet owners with no/low resources to keep their beloved pet.  

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

We are thrilled to be participating in the Open Arms Challenge again this year!  My name is Chris Hock and I am a volunteer board member with Oconee Regional Humane Society in Greensboro, Georgia.  We are an animal shelter serving the surrounding region of east-central Georgia with programs concentrated on animal adoption, retention and controlling animal overcrowding in our region.  We reach people and their animals by providing resources to those in need, whether it is through our pet food distribution program, our medical assistance programs or our low cost spay/neuter and TNR programs.  We also look for creative ways to match potential pet owners to animals through our adoption activities.

We believe that people benefit from having animals in their lives.  In particular we have noticed the power that a companion animal can have in the lives of veterans.  For this challenge period we are focusing on our program called "Pets Love Vets".  Our Pets Love Vets program relies on a partnership with the local Rotary.  This year we are executing enhanced marketing efforts while expanding our partnerships with local VFW organizations, and partnering with an animal trainer who is a former vet and has partnerships with many veterans in the region.   We are excited about our new partnerships and their ability to help us match veterans with pets!   We are also excited to experiment with different ways to match our companion animals with veteran populations we were not able to previously reach!

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

What particular role does Rotary have with this partnership?  I'm a member of our local Rotary and would love to hear more so I could share it with our group.

We are thrilled to be participating in the Open Arms Challenge again this year!  My name is Chris Hock and I am a volunteer board member with Oconee Regional Humane Society in Greensboro, Georgia.  We are an animal shelter serving the surrounding region of east-central Georgia with programs concentrated on animal adoption, retention and controlling animal overcrowding in our region.  We reach people and their animals by providing resources to those in need, whether it is through our pet food distribution program, our medical assistance programs or our low cost spay/neuter and TNR programs.  We also look for creative ways to match potential pet owners to animals through our adoption activities.

We believe that people benefit from having animals in their lives.  In particular we have noticed the power that a companion animal can have in the lives of veterans.  For this challenge period we are focusing on our program called "Pets Love Vets".  Our Pets Love Vets program relies on a partnership with the local Rotary.  This year we are executing enhanced marketing efforts while expanding our partnerships with local VFW organizations, and partnering with an animal trainer who is a former vet and has partnerships with many veterans in the region.   We are excited about our new partnerships and their ability to help us match veterans with pets!   We are also excited to experiment with different ways to match our companion animals with veteran populations we were not able to previously reach!

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

The Rotary provides our shelter the adoption fee for the animal so the veteran does not pay any fees, yet our shelter collects money to offset costs we incur to house, vaccinate and spay/neuter the animal.  It is a win/win and we couldn't do it without the support of our local Rotary!

What particular role does Rotary have with this partnership?  I'm a member of our local Rotary and would love to hear more so I could share it with our group.

We are thrilled to be participating in the Open Arms Challenge again this year!  My name is Chris Hock and I am a volunteer board member with Oconee Regional Humane Society in Greensboro, Georgia.  We are an animal shelter serving the surrounding region of east-central Georgia with programs concentrated on animal adoption, retention and controlling animal overcrowding in our region.  We reach people and their animals by providing resources to those in need, whether it is through our pet food distribution program, our medical assistance programs or our low cost spay/neuter and TNR programs.  We also look for creative ways to match potential pet owners to animals through our adoption activities.

We believe that people benefit from having animals in their lives.  In particular we have noticed the power that a companion animal can have in the lives of veterans.  For this challenge period we are focusing on our program called "Pets Love Vets".  Our Pets Love Vets program relies on a partnership with the local Rotary.  This year we are executing enhanced marketing efforts while expanding our partnerships with local VFW organizations, and partnering with an animal trainer who is a former vet and has partnerships with many veterans in the region.   We are excited about our new partnerships and their ability to help us match veterans with pets!   We are also excited to experiment with different ways to match our companion animals with veteran populations we were not able to previously reach!

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

Kicking our campaign into gear and we hope everyone is feeling positive about April showering your organization with support!

I find one of the biggest challenges is communicating internally to get everyone excited to share. With the pull of daily rescues, coordinating fosters, and supporting new adopters ...and volunteers who give so much but everyone still has a day job so it's hard to stop and realize the effort is necessary to support our programs. And then finding the resources to support our new program.

...but today an adopter reached out and said "thank you." The first Fund-A-Foster kit worked. Eliminating the stress of what to do when you bring your rescue home, what to feed, how to build trust, and which toy to share ...it's in the bag! Three weeks in and a foster is an adopter.  The new parent is still using all the items ...and even using the bag for park outings. 

My hope is one becomes many this month and we increase the number of fosters because the financial burden is reduced. 

Our action items for this week:

1. Share the program to our broader base through our newsletter and encourage people to LoveItForward to increase foster volunteers
2. Identify local business interested in participating by donating in kind items that provide care for our fosters
3. Social media! Create new content and assets to increase awareness on how people can support our Fund-A-Foster campaign

Every action needs to educate, engage, and empower. A more informed foster volunteer will improve the most critical days a rescue is in care before adoption. I love reading the initiatives and ideas here, and appreciate any tips.

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

Kicking our campaign into gear and we hope everyone is feeling positive about April showering your organization with support!

I find one of the biggest challenges is communicating internally to get everyone excited to share. With the pull of daily rescues, coordinating fosters, and supporting new adopters ...and volunteers who give so much but everyone still has a day job so it's hard to stop and realize the effort is necessary to support our programs. And then finding the resources to support our new program.

...but today an adopter reached out and said "thank you." The first Fund-A-Foster kit worked. Eliminating the stress of what to do when you bring your rescue home, what to feed, how to build trust, and which toy to share ...it's in the bag! Three weeks in and a foster is an adopter.  The new parent is still using all the items ...and even using the bag for park outings. 

My hope is one becomes many this month and we increase the number of fosters because the financial burden is reduced. 

Our action items for this week:

1. Share the program to our broader base through our newsletter and encourage people to LoveItForward to increase foster volunteers
2. Identify local business interested in participating by donating in kind items that provide care for our fosters
3. Social media! Create new content and assets to increase awareness on how people can support our Fund-A-Foster campaign

Every action needs to educate, engage, and empower. A more informed foster volunteer will improve the most critical days a rescue is in care before adoption. I love reading the initiatives and ideas here, and appreciate any tips.

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

Hi Stephanie-Just reading your post and couldn't agree more with you...with all the jobs our volunteers are involved in, we found that initially it was yet another pull on them...but to our surprise, we have had so much interest internally. And that has been wonderful. 

I love your Fund-A-Foster idea! I'm going to suggest such an idea to our foster team! Well done!!

Molly Keith

MatchDog Rescue

Kicking our campaign into gear and we hope everyone is feeling positive about April showering your organization with support!

I find one of the biggest challenges is communicating internally to get everyone excited to share. With the pull of daily rescues, coordinating fosters, and supporting new adopters ...and volunteers who give so much but everyone still has a day job so it's hard to stop and realize the effort is necessary to support our programs. And then finding the resources to support our new program.

...but today an adopter reached out and said "thank you." The first Fund-A-Foster kit worked. Eliminating the stress of what to do when you bring your rescue home, what to feed, how to build trust, and which toy to share ...it's in the bag! Three weeks in and a foster is an adopter.  The new parent is still using all the items ...and even using the bag for park outings. 

My hope is one becomes many this month and we increase the number of fosters because the financial burden is reduced. 

Our action items for this week:

1. Share the program to our broader base through our newsletter and encourage people to LoveItForward to increase foster volunteers
2. Identify local business interested in participating by donating in kind items that provide care for our fosters
3. Social media! Create new content and assets to increase awareness on how people can support our Fund-A-Foster campaign

Every action needs to educate, engage, and empower. A more informed foster volunteer will improve the most critical days a rescue is in care before adoption. I love reading the initiatives and ideas here, and appreciate any tips.

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

Hello all! Sorry I am replying late. It's been chaotic to say the least.  I am Laura, I am the executive director for the Souris Valley Animal Shelter in Minot, North Dakota. We at SVAS focus on helping the community. We offer free basic vaccinations to cats and dogs, a community pantry, and we have an emergency housing program for victims of domestic violence.  For this year's Open Arms Challenge, we have created a temporary housing program (Sheltering Hearts) for community members that have fallen on hard times or are in the process of moving into a pet friendly place.  We get calls on a regular basis from people asking for help because they are living in their car, got evicted, etc. In the past, we have not been able to help, but this year, we our mission is to keep families together! We are excited to participate in this year's Open Arms Challenge! 

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

My name is Becky. I am the Shelter Manager at the Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA.  We are a 501c3 No Kill Non Profit animal Shelter located in Pine Grove, PA. We take in the unwanted, neglected and abused animals. We provide shelter, food, medical treatment, love, and happiness for all of our animals. We hold adoption events to help find homes for our dogs and cats. When someone calls to surrender a pet, we try and provide as many resources as we can in order for that person to be able to keep their pet.  We provide education to the public about proper animal care and give advice for any questions or concerns they may have. 

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------

🌟 Welcome to all 2024 Open Arms Challenge participants! 🌟

As we embark on this incredible journey together, let's start by taking roll call and diving deeper into the heart of our mission.

📢 Whether you represent an animal shelter, foster-based organization, public charity, or any other organization, we're eager to hear from you.

Share with us:

 1️⃣ Your organization's name

 2️⃣ Where your organization is located

3️⃣ Any ideas or plans you have for making positive changes to your programs during the Open Arms Challenge.

The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all staff (paid and unpaid) and community members, while also keeping pets with people and animals in their communities whenever possible.

What does achieving this goal look like for your organization? It's as unique as your mission. It could mean returning voicemails in a timely manner, providing literature in multiple languages, completely rewriting or doing away with adoption applications, undertaking bias training, or selecting new neighborhoods for adoption events. The Open Arms Challenge is adaptable to any of your organization's programs and services.

Now is the time to ignite change, to innovate, and to uplift. Let's collaborate, share our visions, and inspire one another on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Don't hesitate to drop your response in the comments below. Together, let's make this challenge an unforgettable catalyst for positive transformation. 💫

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
------------------------------