We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, January 26, 2026 at 11am PT / 2pm ET for "The Business Behind Lifesaving," a conversation with @Tyann Sumpter, Manager of Shelter Support for Charleston Animal Society.
The Business Behind Lifesaving explores how strong operations and intentional systems can support sustainable, community-centered sheltering. Drawing from her experience as a former small business owner and sheltering professional, TyAnn Sumpter shares how applying principles often used in successful businesses, thoughtful problem-solving, reducing barriers, and prioritizing staff and community experience can strengthen shelters and improve outcomes for animals. Through storytelling and real-world examples, this session offers a practical, compassionate lens on how operational excellence can build trust, support teams, and help more animals find and stay in homes.
This session is especially relevant for shelter leadership, operations managers, and anyone responsible for improving workflows or strategic planning - but all are welcome!
🔑 Key Takeaways:
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Despite existing state and federal laws, many housing providers ignore legal protections for tenants with Emotional Support Animals (ESAs). This results in harassment, resistance, and wrongful denial of accommodations.
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Examples of the immediate impact of hiring from within your community will be provided
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The link between access to pet care and access to careers in animal health
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Passion is essential, but shelters thrive when compassion is paired with a clear, consistent business model that supports sustainable lifesaving.
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Treating adopters, fosters, donors, and community members like valued customers removes friction, builds trust, and improves outcomes.
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Small operational improvements using data, mapping workflows, and standardizing processes help teams work smarter, reduce burnout, and save more lives.
Don't forget! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form.
Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom.
🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread.
Looking forward to being in community with you!
#EducationandTraining
#OrganizationalManagement
#PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)
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Sheila Kouhkan
Senior Education Specialist
Maddie's Fund
CA
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