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Community Conversations - 08/11/2025 - Rooted in Trust: Vet-Care Access Through Community-Led Solutions

  • 1.  Community Conversations - 08/11/2025 - Rooted in Trust: Vet-Care Access Through Community-Led Solutions

    Posted 08-04-2025 09:40 PM

    Updated 8/11/25 at 1:28 pm - Recording now available to watch on-demand!

    Please note: All views expressed on these calls are not necessarily endorsed by Maddie’s Fund.

    We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, August 11, 2025 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for a presentation on "Rooted in Trust: Vet-Care Access Through Community-Led Solutions" with @Claudia Vazquez, Community Engagement Director at Arizona Animal Welfare League.

    This session is especially relevant for animal welfare professionals, veterinary teams, and outreach leaders interested in building equitable, culturally responsive programs that meet the real needs of underserved communities - but all are welcome! 

    Through community surveys, focus groups, and intentional time spent in neighborhoods, Arizona Animal Welfare League learned directly from residents about the barriers they face in accessing veterinary care. They built trust by partnering with both trusted messengers-such as promotoras-and trusted community-based organizations that families already rely on.

    These relationships informed the development of a culturally responsive curriculum that will train promotoras and help shape offsite clinics designed to reflect the community's needs, interests, and values.

    🔑 Key Takeaways:

    • How to co-design services by listening first and centering community voices.
    • Why trust-building with both people and organizations is essential to long-term success.
    • Real-world examples of program design, training, and service delivery rooted in equity.

    Don't forget! $10,000 in grants each month! 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 giveaway drawing entry forms that will be shared in the chat during the calls.

    Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom: https://maddies.fund/CommunityConversationsRegistration2025
    If you have not re-registered for the new season, please do so today. 

    🧠 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! 


    #AccesstoCare
    #CommunityPartnerships*
    #Diversity,Equity,InclusionandJustice
    #EducationandTraining
    #PetSupportServices*

    ------------------------------
    Sheila Kouhkan
    Senior Education Specialist
    Maddie's Fund
    CA
    ------------------------------



  • 2.  RE: Community Conversations - 08/11/2025 - Rooted in Trust: Vet-Care Access Through Community-Led Solutions

    Posted 08-11-2025 12:14 PM

    Thanks to our speaker, @Claudia Vazquez, and everyone who joined us today! We would love to hear from you in response to today's reflection question: 


    What is one thing you will bring back to your organization to improve access to veterinary care in your community?



    ------------------------------
    Sheila Kouhkan
    Senior Education Specialist
    Maddie's Fund
    CA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Community Conversations - 08/11/2025 - Rooted in Trust: Vet-Care Access Through Community-Led Solutions

    Posted 08-11-2025 03:28 PM

    Hi, 

    I was unable to attend the call today due to another meeting, but I wanted to share based on the question. Our organization supports economically disadvantaged families with emergency veterinary costs. Our team values empowerment of responsible ownership and is composed of veterinary nurses with over six years experience each - myself included. We have a broad range of experience including emergency, intensive care, surgery, oncology and toxicology. 

    If you visit our site we have a blog called, "The Crash Cart", where our nurses educate the public on emergency topics that are commonly found on estimates. A key component to better communication with owners is alleviating fear and a lack of awareness on the topics at hand are a driving factor in these situations. Owners are handed estimates comparable to mortgage payments and are already in a high emotional state. Our foundation aims to be a resource in and out of the clinical setting by providing a better understanding of what is happening to their pet, why the charges are being suggested, and what exactly they are paying for. 

    Please feel free to check it out and reach out if you'd like to talk more! - www.theanimalsfoundation.com



    ------------------------------
    Maria Putnam
    Founder/CEO
    All About the Animals Foundation
    CT
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Community Conversations - 08/11/2025 - Rooted in Trust: Vet-Care Access Through Community-Led Solutions

    Posted 09-16-2025 08:33 AM

    Basic animal care- in Veterinary medicine we forget how important the basics are and how many people have not had the proper information given to them. And making sure when we provide this to these individuals, we do it in a way that meets them where they are at (meaning language translation and cultural awareness, financial abilities, etc)



    ------------------------------
    Cassie Boyle
    CAP Clinic Supervisor
    St Vincent dr Paul
    AZ
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Community Conversations - 08/11/2025 - Rooted in Trust: Vet-Care Access Through Community-Led Solutions

    Posted 08-11-2025 12:18 PM

    Unanswered question from the chat:

    "Can you share you Promotora curriculum???" - @Emily Wood



    ------------------------------
    Community Conversations
    Community Conversations Committee
    Maddie's Fund
    CA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Community Conversations - 08/11/2025 - Rooted in Trust: Vet-Care Access Through Community-Led Solutions

    Posted 08-11-2025 12:51 PM

    @Emily Wood Thank you for your interest in the Promotora curriculum! We're still in the process of finalizing it, and it's currently under review. I'd be happy to circle back and share highlights of the curriculum once it's complete. We anticipate it will be ready in about two months, and at that point I can walk you through key sections and how it's designed to be culturally responsive and community-led.



    ------------------------------
    Claudia Vazquez
    Director of Community Engagement
    Arizona Animal Welfare League
    AZ
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Community Conversations - 08/11/2025 - Rooted in Trust: Vet-Care Access Through Community-Led Solutions

    Posted 08-11-2025 08:14 PM

    @Emily Wood 

    Thank you for your interest in the Promotora curriculum! We're currently about two months away from having it finalized, as it's in the review process right now. Once it's complete, I'd be happy to connect and walk you through what the curriculum looks like and highlight the different components we've developed.



    ------------------------------
    Claudia Vazquez
    Director of Community Engagement
    Arizona Animal Welfare League
    AZ
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Community Conversations - 08/11/2025 - Rooted in Trust: Vet-Care Access Through Community-Led Solutions

    Posted 08-11-2025 12:19 PM

    Unanswered question from the chat:

    "Are you seeing an uptick in animals left behind from deportations? I'm curious, because we're having that issue here." - @Wanda Miller



    ------------------------------
    Community Conversations
    Community Conversations Committee
    Maddie's Fund
    CA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: Community Conversations - 08/11/2025 - Rooted in Trust: Vet-Care Access Through Community-Led Solutions

    Posted 08-11-2025 08:23 PM

    @Wanda Miller 

    Yes, unfortunately, we have been seeing an increase in animals being left behind in homes due to deportations. In response, we've partnered with Puente and Poder-two grassroots human rights organizations here in Arizona that focus on supporting migrant communities.

    Together, we've worked to bring attention to this issue and encourage community members to prepare by creating Pet Preparedness Tips. We share these with the public so pet owners can have a plan in case of sudden separation:

    • Create a Pet Emergency Card with your pet's name, feeding needs, allergies/medications, your veterinarian's contact information, and a backup caregiver's name and phone number.

    • Pack a small go-bag for your pet that includes a leash, carrier, food, and any medications they may need.

    By taking these steps, we hope to reduce the number of pets left behind and ensure they can be cared for, even in difficult circumstances.

    I'd be happy to share more about our outreach efforts or materials if that would be helpful.



    ------------------------------
    Claudia Vazquez
    Director of Community Engagement
    Arizona Animal Welfare League
    AZ
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 10.  RE: Community Conversations - 08/11/2025 - Rooted in Trust: Vet-Care Access Through Community-Led Solutions

    Posted 08-11-2025 05:28 PM
      |   view attached

    Thanks to the 128+ people and paws who joined us on today's Community Conversations call! The recording is now available to watch on-demand. Below you'll find a recap of today's call and the resources shared. 

    Call Recap

    Welcome from hosts

    • Elsa Ramos, Bilingual Adoption Coordinator, Oakland Animal Services
    • Sheila Kouhkan, Senior Education Specialist, Maddie's Fund

    Question of the Day: What trust-building approaches have you implemented that have enabled you and your community to build mutual trust?

    • "Be consistent!" - Elkie Wills
    • "Do what you say/promise" - T' Fisher
    • "Showing up consistently." - Julie Crutcher
    • "Transparency - openly sharing when we have challenges or make a mistake" - Jordan Craig
    • "Being transparent and showing/updating what we are doing with the money they are donating." - KaDee Andreasen
    • "Trust that the people doing the work know what the community needs and how to obtain that." - Amber Eby
    • "Asking how we can help the person while we help the pet." - Wanda Miller
    • "Consistency w/]processes and engagement in the communities." - Kristen Streeter
    • " Honesty" - Virginia Brantley
    • "Hiring people from the communities we serve." - Diana Cruz
    • "Transparent and consistent communication around live release rate and outcomes." - Kait Cole
    • "Outcomes measurement and evaluation (we do what we say we're going to do)." - Joni Wood- Martin
    • "Share success stories and keep them informed." - Lind Archipov
    • "Good listening to individuals and remembering the individuals (names, things that are important to them) and being naturally curious about them." - Ashley Kuzma
    • "We have lots of conversations and try to build opportunities to bring volunteers together to get to know one another, building relationships within the community." - Patti Denny
    • "Asking questions rather than making assumptions." - Nadia Oseguera-Ramón
    • "Communication with other Rescue/Shelter/Animal Service agencies. Sharing of donated resources." - Debra DeVries
    • "We are honest, consistent, and straightforward and encourage that from everyone we work with." - Mary Flores
    • "As others have shared, transparency and consistent communication." - Tasha Haug
    • "Since we work with clients in addiction and the unhoused, we work directly with case managers and law enforcement as necessary to make sure that we're bridging the gaps between human and pet care." - Amy Stowell
    • "Showing genuine empathy for their situation and work - such as street cat feeders who receive little support. Non-transactional support - helping with trapping, transport, providing small resources, when possible, any little thing we can contribute to show them we're an ally to their work." - Adelle Goodman
    • "Admitting mistakes; treating people with understanding; not jumping to conclusions." - Erin Wilson
    • "Understanding that there is a give and take in relationships. People are willing to work with you if you will be on their team." - Debra Drexler
    • "Community outreach - low-income spay/neuter clinics demonstrate the shelter's commitment to the community.  We also provide a food pantry for pets.  We participate in various community events with booths and free activities for children." - Ann McCague
    • "We are always checking for alignment between words and the work." -  Patti Denny
    • "Being transparent with program parameters. Extending empathy to persons struggling with homelessness and lack of funds for vet care." -  Michael Meaney
    • "Telling the story of the work at the rescue - the good, the bad and sometimes the ugly." - Patti Denny
    • "When we hold our statewide adoption event, we have radio marketing ads on the Spanish speaking stations and all printed marketing assets are also in Spanish." - Lisa Pearce

    National Updates

    • HASS Modern Adoption Process Map: We just published some initial findings (more data to come at the end of the year) and a training course as part of our newest initiative - the Modern Adoption Process. We conducted this project at three shelters which addressed a portion of the adoption process with the focus being on the guest experience and how to convert potential adopters to actual adopters! Our data shows that 83% of guests who do not adopt on the day they visit the shelter, never come back, so hopefully you can gain some tips and tricks to change that. Check out the blog, the FREE course and some successes.  https://www.humananimalsupportservices.org/the-modern-adoption-process-map-project/
    • Maddie's Fund Monthly Giveaways:  Now you can enter for a chance to win up to  $10,000!  Enter here for a chance to win CA$H.  Open to all who are watching live or on-demand! Be sure to enter each week you attend! You must be registered in Maddie's Pet Forum to enter. 
    • Maddie's Pet Forum Monthly Giveaway: Maddie's Fund® is giving away a $3,000 grant each month to one lucky Maddie's® Pet Forum member. You'll automatically be entered to win each month when you start a new discussion, reply to a new post.  https://maddies.fund/mpfmonthlygiveaway
    • We would love to hear from you! Have an idea for Maddie's Community Conversations? Interested in hosting? Have a topic or speaker you would like to hear from? Let us know on Maddie's Pet Forum via the Community Conversations Suggestions discussion thread. Or, you can contact us directly by emailing CommunityConversations@maddiesfund.org. 
    • The celebration continues on Maddie's Pet Forum! In honor of Maddie's Fund's 30th anniversary, we're giving away $1,000 every other month, for engaging on a special anniversary-related post on Maddie's Pet Forum beginning August 1, 2025. Simply comment on this thread during August & September and you will be entered to win.

      #ThanksToMaddie


    Presentation: Rooted in Trust: Vet-Care Access Through Community-Led Solutions       


    Highlights from the Chat

    • "I LOVE the Promotora model!" - Geraldine D'Silva
    • "I'm working on starting a coalition to help with access to vet/pet care and this is great information!" - Wanda Miller
    • "We partner with our local "meals on wheels" to assist senior citizens with their pet food needs." - Ann McCague
    • "Agree that hiring staff from the community that you want to reach is super important!" - Elsa Ramos
    • "Thank you for the reminder that building a sustainable program requires everyone's voice and takes time." - Patti Denny
    • "Excellent examples! Appreciate the content. Wow." - Lisa Pearce
    • "Amazing work! Thank you for sharing " - Kristen Streeter
    • "Excellent presentation." - Michael Meaney
    • "Thank you, Claudia! Sending a hug to you for all you do from down the road in Marana!!!" - Mary Flores
    • "What a well-planned process. Great work Claudia and team!" - Nadia Oseguera-Ramón
    • "Trust is SO important, especially right now with all the political and social unrest in our communities!" - Amber Eby
    • "Reiterate-Building trust takes time. More than you think it will." - Julie Crutcher
    • "The only animal welfare translations services is Patitas y Palabras. They're a team of animal welfare folks who translate colloquially. pyptranslationservice@gmail.com" - Nadia Oseguera-Ramón
    • "For funding from Human Services funders: reach out to partner for a funding request with human services organizations. You can incorporate the statistic that 97% of people who have pets consider them family members. I am sure human services organizations want to have programs that incorporate the entire family. And you can be the partner to help do that." - Sharon Fletcher
    • "I believe Mutual Rescue has released a bunch of super useful basic pet informational resources in both Spanish and English! https://mutualrescue.org/programs/spanish-language-animal-shelter-resources/" - Jory Jolivet
    • "LOVE PYP: https://www.instagram.com/patitasypalabras/" - Sheila Kouhkan
    • "PYP did the entire CA Adoption Day campaign in multiple languages and have also worked with us at UC Davis." - Nadia Oseguera-Ramón
    • "I also recommend looking at the materials developed by Mutual Rescue! https://mutualrescue.org/programs/spanish-language-animal-shelter-resources/" - Jory Jolivet
    • "Also important to put out messaging that makes sense. we wouldn't put out materials in English with grammatical errors or words that don't make sense." - Nadia Oseguera-Ramón
    • "And depending on staff to translate without training or compensation is unfair! (I'm thinking of a time when our only Armenian speaking staff member was on the facilities team...)" - Emily Wood
    • "Thank you. This was SO helpful! You are doing amazing work!" - Patti Denny
    • Responses to the Reflection Question: Based on today's content, what is an action you or your organization can take to better understand your community's needs? 
      • "Advocacy to hire those fluent in other languages." - KaDee Andreasen
      • "Line up volunteers to help translate in native languages." - Amy Stowell
      • "Discuss partnership options with our vet partners for adopters." - Kristen Streeter
      • "Shared the Mutual Rescue resources already with our leadership." - Lisa Pearce
      • "Joint collaboration with native speakers." - Kait Cole
      • "Listen more. Talk less." - Julie Crutcher
      • "We have a lot of materials in Spanish, but I will look around to see what we DON'T have translated, to see where we can do better!" - Jory Jolivet
      • "Learning about the diversity needs in the immediate area!" - Debra Drexler
      • "One important thing: evaluating the Training Program for adoption." - Michael Meaney
      • "Reach out to volunteer network to see if we can get started on improving our Spanish language outreach!" - Alysa Emden



    ------------------------------
    Sheila Kouhkan
    Senior Education Specialist
    Maddie's Fund
    CA
    ------------------------------

    Attachment(s)

    pptx
    Rooted in Trust with Claudia Vazquez.pptx   43.59 MB 1 version
    Original Message


  • 11.  RE: Community Conversations - 08/11/2025 - Rooted in Trust: Vet-Care Access Through Community-Led Solutions

    Posted 08-16-2025 03:01 PM

    Does anyone know where the form to submit once you've watched this can be found?

    Thanks!



    ------------------------------
    Michael Steinfeld
    Humane Action Pennsylvania
    Volunteer
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 12.  RE: Community Conversations - 08/11/2025 - Rooted in Trust: Vet-Care Access Through Community-Led Solutions

    Posted 08-18-2025 07:54 AM

    Hey Michael, 

    Are you referring to the form to enter the $10,000 drawing after you watched the video? If so, here is the link https://forum.maddiesfund.org/communityconversations/monthlygiveaways



    ------------------------------
    Claudia Vazquez
    Director of Community Engagement
    Arizona Animal Welfare League
    AZ
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


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