Animal Welfare Professionals

Updated 9/8/25 at 1:24 pm - Recording now available to watch on-demand!

Enter here for a chance to win the September Community Conversations giveaway after watching live or 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, September 8, 2025 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Brick by Brick: How NYC Animal Care Centers Built Their Intake Prevention Program," a panel discussion with @Jaime Kruse and @Sharmila Colquhoun from NYC Animal Care Centers.

The city that never sleeps includes the staff and volunteers at NYC Animal Care Centers working to keep people and pets together. In response to the growing number of housing related surrenders, NYC ACC developed the Special Case Program to help pet parents keep their beloved pets and navigate complicated housing and social services. Join Jillian McMillian, Board Member and Advocate from My Dog is My Home, in a conversation with Sharmila Colquohoun and Jaime Kruse from NYC Animal Centers, to learn how they built this impactful program. They'll share key insights and lessons learned to help your organization get started on an intake prevention program. As the saying goes, if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere!

This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff, volunteers, return to home and intake prevention staff, and grant writers/fundraisers - but everyone is welcome!

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Build a relationship with city/state public services (i.e. Homeless Services)
• There is not a "one size fits all" model for these programs - every case/client will be different.
• Know your boundaries
• THE NYC ACC is in critically overcrowded conditions and we need your help to secure more resources as well as foster and rescues for our growing population
  

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
#AdmissionsandIntake(includingIntake-to-placement)
#CommunityPartnerships*

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

Thanks to our panelists, @Jillian McMillian, @Jaime Kruse, and @Sharmila Colquhoun, and everyone who joined us today! We would love to hear from you in response to today's reflection question: 

What's one idea from today that you can take back and apply right away?

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

The need to not judge people who want/need to surrender their pets, really resonated with me.  We don't know people's circumstances,  and if for some reason we can't assist people with keeping their pets, we need to make the process less painful for them.  I can't imagine having to give up my fur babies, but if I thought it was in their best interest, I'd like for the organization to be caring and receptive to it.

------------------------------
Ann McCague
Board Member
Animal Protection Society - Friday Harbor
WA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-08-2025 11:54 AM
From: Sheila Kouhkan
Subject: Community Conversations - 09/08/2025 - Brick by Brick: How NYC Animal Care Centers Built Their Intake Prevention Program

Thanks to our panelists, @Jillian McMillian, @Jaime Kruse, and @Sharmila Colquhoun, and everyone who joined us today! We would love to hear from you in response to today's reflection question: 

What's one idea from today that you can take back and apply right away?

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

Knowing our boundaries. Not only in ourselves, in those we work with, and those we are trying to help. We cannot honor everyone's but open communication can help us get closer. Also, understanding we cannot help all, but in collaborating we can make a bigger impact together. 

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

Original Message:
Sent: 09-08-2025 11:54 AM
From: Sheila Kouhkan
Subject: Community Conversations - 09/08/2025 - Brick by Brick: How NYC Animal Care Centers Built Their Intake Prevention Program

Thanks to our panelists, @Jillian McMillian, @Jaime Kruse, and @Sharmila Colquhoun, and everyone who joined us today! We would love to hear from you in response to today's reflection question: 

What's one idea from today that you can take back and apply right away?

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

I really like the idea of having an intake advocate.  We are very small, so the key for us is going to be training the current people who field requests so that they can see things more from the perspective of the person surrendering their pet.  We do try to help people who reach out due to homelessness, going into assisted living, etc, but can become jaded sometimes.  I really appreciate the reminder from this conversation to be an advocate for the people, as well as the animals.  Thank you. 

------------------------------
Nancy Immormino
Foster Coordinator & Secretary,
Humane Society of Northern Utah
Ogden, Utah
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-08-2025 11:54 AM
From: Sheila Kouhkan
Subject: Community Conversations - 09/08/2025 - Brick by Brick: How NYC Animal Care Centers Built Their Intake Prevention Program

Thanks to our panelists, @Jillian McMillian, @Jaime Kruse, and @Sharmila Colquhoun, and everyone who joined us today! We would love to hear from you in response to today's reflection question: 

What's one idea from today that you can take back and apply right away?

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

Unanswered question from the chat:

"What does training of the volunteers in your organization look like so they have a consistent approach to these people focused conversations?" - @Patti Denny

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

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"It would be good to know more about confidentiality at several levels and grants for temporary care- what we have found most do not or unable to take their pets back." - @Nancy Noda

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

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"Why aren't there more shelters offering to bring your dog?" - @Brooke Crozier

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

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"Do you ever have to deal with a military person who gets deployed somewhere & needs someplace to temporarily hold their pet?" - Marion Barbato

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

Deployed military have a program they can reach out to if its available in your area. If its not, it could be something that local shelters and rescues promote to get individuals to sign up as caregivers.

https://www.dogsondeployment.org/

------------------------------
Sarah
Paws in Middle Georgia Animal Rescue
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-08-2025 12:20 PM
From: Community Conversations
Subject: Community Conversations - 09/08/2025 - Brick by Brick: How NYC Animal Care Centers Built Their Intake Prevention Program

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"Do you ever have to deal with a military person who gets deployed somewhere & needs someplace to temporarily hold their pet?" - Marion Barbato

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

Yes! I think this is a great example of networking and connecting and program building. DoD and PACT have large "foster deserts".

------------------------------
Jaime Kruse
Senior Manager - Community Resources
Animal Care Centers of NYC
NY
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-09-2025 07:20 AM
From: Sarah Hoadley
Subject: Community Conversations - 09/08/2025 - Brick by Brick: How NYC Animal Care Centers Built Their Intake Prevention Program

Deployed military have a program they can reach out to if its available in your area. If its not, it could be something that local shelters and rescues promote to get individuals to sign up as caregivers.

https://www.dogsondeployment.org/

------------------------------
Sarah
Paws in Middle Georgia Animal Rescue
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 09-08-2025 12:20 PM
From: Community Conversations
Subject: Community Conversations - 09/08/2025 - Brick by Brick: How NYC Animal Care Centers Built Their Intake Prevention Program

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"Do you ever have to deal with a military person who gets deployed somewhere & needs someplace to temporarily hold their pet?" - Marion Barbato

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

Yes, we have had a few cases regarding military personnel facing deployment or basic training -but not a lot. I say that because, unfortunately, our organization does not have the resources to offer any long term assistance, but my team is able to make referrals to other organizations who do offer that service (PACT for Animals, Dogs on Deployment, etc). A hurdle we often face is that owners will come to us or contact us 1-2 days before they ship out, and at that point, there really isn't anything we can do. If applicable, we do have the ability to place the pet on hold for 3-5 days to allow family time to come pick up the pet. 

I will say one thing we have learned is that none* of the military pet assistance organizations offer services for those going to Basic Trainings, only for Deployment. (* as of late 2023 when we last had a case like this.)

------------------------------
Jaime Kruse
Senior Manager - Community Resources
Animal Care Centers of NYC
NY
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-08-2025 12:20 PM
From: Community Conversations
Subject: Community Conversations - 09/08/2025 - Brick by Brick: How NYC Animal Care Centers Built Their Intake Prevention Program

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"Do you ever have to deal with a military person who gets deployed somewhere & needs someplace to temporarily hold their pet?" - Marion Barbato

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

Unanswered question from the chat:

"What metrics and KPI's (key performance metrics) are you tracking/measuring?" - @Jenny Miller

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

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"Do you have specific partners you work with to get ESA letters for clients? If so how did you develop those relationships?" - @Stephanie Kendrick

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

We do not currently have an ESA letter provider partner, however, we are in conversations with one of the virtual platforms to see what we can do. They have been great in assisting us getting fees waived or reduced for our clients who otherwise don't have access to a provider who can provide a letter. I'm hoping we will have something official soon! 

We do have a list of known mental health resources in the area that offer low-cost or sliding-scale services. We are fortunate here in NYC that we have a large network of public hospitals (NYC Health + Hospitals or "H+H"). Every H+H hospital has a mental health clinic that anyone can walk into. That said, the hurdle is all the same - unless you have a preexisting relationship with a provider or you can afford the virtual services out there, it is going to take some time to get a letter.

------------------------------
Jaime Kruse
Senior Manager - Community Resources
Animal Care Centers of NYC
NY
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-08-2025 12:23 PM
From: Community Conversations
Subject: Community Conversations - 09/08/2025 - Brick by Brick: How NYC Animal Care Centers Built Their Intake Prevention Program

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"Do you have specific partners you work with to get ESA letters for clients? If so how did you develop those relationships?" - @Stephanie Kendrick

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

Unanswered question from the chat:

"How do you help ensure clients are empowered after you have to let the hand go?" - @Diana Cruz (she/ella)

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

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"How do you network with the other service providers to make sure you are working together to support folks who need help beyond caring for their pet?" - @Dig Chrismer

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

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"Are folks willing to take questions and help with things AFTER the call? i.e. as something is implemented or planned?" - Aaron Walker

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

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"Do you have an established protocol for taking in animals from emergency situations?  Like house fires? I saw firefighters find a rabbit hopping around in the area of a house fire - but no one was looking for it. It ended up going to a neighbor." - @Veronica Long

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

@Veronica Long - NYCACC is always open to animals caught in an emergency situation. NYCACC is apart of NYC's Emergency Response Team, meaning that if, for example, there is a large fire that breaks out, a member of our team will respond to the call just like the other organizations (like the Red Cross) to assess whether there are potentially any animals impacted. Our Field Team will transport any animals left behind to our shelter (or emergency vet if appropriate). If the response team is not activated and FDNY find animals on scene, they still connect with us and we'd respond, or NYPD would transport the animal to our shelter. 

Whenever an animal is brought to our shelter due to disaster situations (fire, flood, collapse, etc.), we will place the animal on a 5 day "Disaster Hold", meaning they cannot be made available for adoption/placement during that time. This time allows us to try to connect with an owner (if known), complete a diligent L&F search, and to allow the owner time to do what they need to do.

We are also able to provide supplies to pet owners who are victims of disasters. Our Community Pets team will also respond to scenes as needed, as well as set up "care packages" in our shelter for owners to pick up. These may include any combo of items, such as: beds, leashes/harnesses/collars, food, crates/carriers, blankets, bowls, sweaters, etc. 

And I want to say we definitely will provide resources/assistance to non-feline/non-canine pets lol! We keep a small stash of pocket pets and bird supplies on hand, but will order whatever is needed. ;)

------------------------------
Jaime Kruse
Senior Manager - Community Resources
Animal Care Centers of NYC
NY
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-08-2025 12:26 PM
From: Community Conversations
Subject: Community Conversations - 09/08/2025 - Brick by Brick: How NYC Animal Care Centers Built Their Intake Prevention Program

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"Do you have an established protocol for taking in animals from emergency situations?  Like house fires? I saw firefighters find a rabbit hopping around in the area of a house fire - but no one was looking for it. It ended up going to a neighbor." - @Veronica Long

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

Thanks to the 153+ 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

• @Janel Griffieth, Consultant - Learn more about Janel, our September Co-Host
• Sheila Kouhkan, Senior Education Specialist, Maddie's Fund
  
  

Question of the Day: Would you rather have unlimited coffee or unlimited naps? 

• Naps won by a long shot!  26 attendees voted for unlimited naps and 16 voted for unlimited coffee. 
  
  

July Grant Winners

• Maddie's Community Conversations Giveaway Winners of $2,500 each
  • Leigh Saluzzi, Planned PEThood of Georgia, Duluth, GA
  • @Ellen Mandel-Steiner, Sweet Paws Rescue, Groveland, MA
  • Jeanette Anders, Lifeline Oro Valley Animal Rescue, Oro Valley, AZ
  • @Hannah Blackwelder, Spartanburg County Pet Resource Center, Spartanburg, SC
• Maddie's Pet Forum Monthly Giveaway Winner of $3,000 
  • @Sarah Hoadley, Paws in the Middle Georgia Animal Rescue, Warner Robins, GA

August Grant Winners

• Maddie's Community Conversations Giveaway Winners of $2,500 each
  • @Pamela Gilcrease, Grant Parish Animal Care & Control, Colfax, LA
  • @Leilany Velasquez, Luck's Rescue, Inc., Trenton, GA
  • @Deeann Harper, A Forever Home Animal Rescue, Eustis, FL
  • @Christine Ziviski, Paws and Whiskers Cat Shelter, Toledo, OH
• Maddie's Pet Forum Monthly $3,000 Giveaway
  • @Dina Li, Danbury Animal Welfare Society, Bethel, CT

National Updates

• From Kristiana Ashley Dumalag: We're from Greene County Humane Society in Linton, Indiana 🐾 and we offer a low-cost spay & neuter and vaccine clinic, plus affordable flea, tick & parasite prevention products (quality care at lower prices than the market!). Our services are open to everyone-within and outside the county. To learn more or book an appointment, visit 👉 http://www.fixnfriends.com/
• On September 18th,  Faunalytics will host Fauna Connections, a free, remote research symposium for animal advocates. Academics and scientists from the social and behavioral sciences and related disciplines will present original research that discusses the real-life implications and recommendations for animal advocacy. Register now for this FREE event. 
• Frontline shelter workers are the heart of animal care. Show the world your expertise and grow your career with the Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program. This specialized training from the UC Davis KSMP Shelter Learniverse is currently free, #ThanksToMaddie! Apply by 9/13 for the next session starting 10/13/25. 
• From Amanda Newkirk: Sanitation, Neonatal Vaccination and Pediatric S/N webcasts all coming up next on Shelter Learniverse. Register now to save your seat!
• My Dog is My Home is having an event in NYC tomorrow eve. 
• Maddie's Fund Community Conversations Monthly Giveaways:  Now you can enter for a chance to win up to  $10,000!  Enter here for a chance to win.  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.

Presentation: Brick by Brick - How NYC Animal Care Centers Built Their Intake Prevention Program

• Panelists:
  • @Jillian McMillian, Lived Experience Engagement Advisor, My Dog Is My Home
  • @Jaime Kruse, Esq.,  Senior Manager of Community Resources, Animal Care Centers of NYC
  • @Sharmila Colquhoun, Special Case Advocate, Animal Care Centers of NYC
• Resources:

  • HASS Trauma Informed Care toolkit

Highlights from the Chat

• "Happy Birthday @Alison @Maddie's Fund" - Mary Ippoliti-Smith
• "Hello from Spartanburg County Pet Resource Center! We are located in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. We are the first municipal shelter in the history of the county. Our facility is currently being completed, and we should be moving into it in January! Our current Spartanburg animals are going to our dear partner Greenville County Animal Care since we do not currently have a facility for our animal intakes to go to. We're so excited to be recipients of this grant and to put it to good use with our sweet intake animals!" Hannah Blackwelder
• "Paws and Whiskers in Toledo Ohio just partnered with a local domestic violence foundation to help people temporarily house their cats or seek fosters for them." - Christine Ziviski
• "Zoomies Funny Farm just partnered with the local women's shelter to foster some kitties for us as part of their employee wellness program. :) Their staff is loving having a furry friend to love and help them de-stress." - Amanda Salisbury
• "The way Animal Humane Society (AHS) does it is that we partner with 22 local human support service organizations, and participants in our temporary pet housing program are required to have a caseworker with one of those organizations. This ensures that they are getting the support they need while we care for their pets. Our reunification rate is around 80-90%. We stay in contact with the clients throughout the program, and for the folks who cannot reclaim their pets at the end of the program, we intake them into our shelters for adoption." - Jory Jolivet
• "ACC Queens, Volunteer client greeter: I really appreciate ongoing training and support. I'm honored to do my best, as often the first face at the door of ACC. So many complicated, challenging cases. Our staff is amazing!" - Aileen DiGiovanni
• "71% (!!!) of mental health patients that have no temporary care for their pets decline life saving treatment" - Melanie Ryan
• "Thank you for taking care of your community! Once we are open the Spartanburg County PRC will be doing a Safety Net program to try to keep animals in their home if possible or to offer them a temporary foster during a time of crisis, so they don't feel like they have to give up their pet in order to receive help." - Hannah  Blackwelder
• "I imagine having a caring voice and person on the other end of the phone call is so meaningful." - Allison Cardona
• "Thanks to all the presenters for this excellent conversation!!!" - Mary Flores
• "Thank you everyone from NYCACC Special Cases Unit." - Sharmila Colquhoun

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

Thank you so much for the opportunity to be a part of this panel. I enjoyed being a part of such an important conversation. 

------------------------------
Jillian McMillian
Consultant
My Dog Is My Home
NY
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-08-2025 04:28 PM
From: Sheila Kouhkan
Subject: Community Conversations - 09/08/2025 - Brick by Brick: How NYC Animal Care Centers Built Their Intake Prevention Program

Thanks to the 153+ 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

• @Janel Griffieth, Consultant - Learn more about Janel, our September Co-Host
• Sheila Kouhkan, Senior Education Specialist, Maddie's Fund
  
  

Question of the Day: Would you rather have unlimited coffee or unlimited naps? 

• Naps won by a long shot!  26 attendees voted for unlimited naps and 16 voted for unlimited coffee. 
  
  

July Grant Winners

• Maddie's Community Conversations Giveaway Winners of $2,500 each
  • Leigh Saluzzi, Planned PEThood of Georgia, Duluth, GA
  • @Ellen Mandel-Steiner, Sweet Paws Rescue, Groveland, MA
  • Jeanette Anders, Lifeline Oro Valley Animal Rescue, Oro Valley, AZ
  • @Hannah Blackwelder, Spartanburg County Pet Resource Center, Spartanburg, SC
• Maddie's Pet Forum Monthly Giveaway Winner of $3,000 
  • @Sarah Hoadley, Paws in the Middle Georgia Animal Rescue, Warner Robins, GA

August Grant Winners

• Maddie's Community Conversations Giveaway Winners of $2,500 each
  • @Pamela Gilcrease, Grant Parish Animal Care & Control, Colfax, LA
  • @Leilany Velasquez, Luck's Rescue, Inc., Trenton, GA
  • @Deeann Harper, A Forever Home Animal Rescue, Eustis, FL
  • @Christine Ziviski, Paws and Whiskers Cat Shelter, Toledo, OH
• Maddie's Pet Forum Monthly $3,000 Giveaway
  • @Dina Li, Danbury Animal Welfare Society, Bethel, CT

National Updates

• From Kristiana Ashley Dumalag: We're from Greene County Humane Society in Linton, Indiana 🐾 and we offer a low-cost spay & neuter and vaccine clinic, plus affordable flea, tick & parasite prevention products (quality care at lower prices than the market!). Our services are open to everyone-within and outside the county. To learn more or book an appointment, visit 👉 http://www.fixnfriends.com/
• On September 18th,  Faunalytics will host Fauna Connections, a free, remote research symposium for animal advocates. Academics and scientists from the social and behavioral sciences and related disciplines will present original research that discusses the real-life implications and recommendations for animal advocacy. Register now for this FREE event. 
• Frontline shelter workers are the heart of animal care. Show the world your expertise and grow your career with the Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program. This specialized training from the UC Davis KSMP Shelter Learniverse is currently free, #ThanksToMaddie! Apply by 9/13 for the next session starting 10/13/25. 
• From Amanda Newkirk: Sanitation, Neonatal Vaccination and Pediatric S/N webcasts all coming up next on Shelter Learniverse. Register now to save your seat!
• My Dog is My Home is having an event in NYC tomorrow eve. 
• Maddie's Fund Community Conversations Monthly Giveaways:  Now you can enter for a chance to win up to  $10,000!  Enter here for a chance to win.  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.

Presentation: Brick by Brick - How NYC Animal Care Centers Built Their Intake Prevention Program

• Panelists:
  • @Jillian McMillian, Lived Experience Engagement Advisor, My Dog Is My Home
  • @Jaime Kruse, Esq.,  Senior Manager of Community Resources, Animal Care Centers of NYC
  • @Sharmila Colquhoun, Special Case Advocate, Animal Care Centers of NYC
• Resources:

  • HASS Trauma Informed Care toolkit

Highlights from the Chat

• "Happy Birthday @Alison @Maddie's Fund" - Mary Ippoliti-Smith
• "Hello from Spartanburg County Pet Resource Center! We are located in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. We are the first municipal shelter in the history of the county. Our facility is currently being completed, and we should be moving into it in January! Our current Spartanburg animals are going to our dear partner Greenville County Animal Care since we do not currently have a facility for our animal intakes to go to. We're so excited to be recipients of this grant and to put it to good use with our sweet intake animals!" Hannah Blackwelder
• "Paws and Whiskers in Toledo Ohio just partnered with a local domestic violence foundation to help people temporarily house their cats or seek fosters for them." - Christine Ziviski
• "Zoomies Funny Farm just partnered with the local women's shelter to foster some kitties for us as part of their employee wellness program. :) Their staff is loving having a furry friend to love and help them de-stress." - Amanda Salisbury
• "The way Animal Humane Society (AHS) does it is that we partner with 22 local human support service organizations, and participants in our temporary pet housing program are required to have a caseworker with one of those organizations. This ensures that they are getting the support they need while we care for their pets. Our reunification rate is around 80-90%. We stay in contact with the clients throughout the program, and for the folks who cannot reclaim their pets at the end of the program, we intake them into our shelters for adoption." - Jory Jolivet
• "ACC Queens, Volunteer client greeter: I really appreciate ongoing training and support. I'm honored to do my best, as often the first face at the door of ACC. So many complicated, challenging cases. Our staff is amazing!" - Aileen DiGiovanni
• "71% (!!!) of mental health patients that have no temporary care for their pets decline life saving treatment" - Melanie Ryan
• "Thank you for taking care of your community! Once we are open the Spartanburg County PRC will be doing a Safety Net program to try to keep animals in their home if possible or to offer them a temporary foster during a time of crisis, so they don't feel like they have to give up their pet in order to receive help." - Hannah  Blackwelder
• "I imagine having a caring voice and person on the other end of the phone call is so meaningful." - Allison Cardona
• "Thanks to all the presenters for this excellent conversation!!!" - Mary Flores
• "Thank you everyone from NYCACC Special Cases Unit." - Sharmila Colquhoun

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

The brick by brick title is appropriate.  Building key relationships is really the best approach to this difficult problem...being able to refer out depending on the individual situation is important, as it's not a one shoe fits all scenario.   So impressive what you are doing in NYC! Thanks for sharing your stories!

Paula Pagos

Westfield Homeless Cat Project

------------------------------
Paula Pagos
Volunteer
Westfield Homeless Cat Project
MA
------------------------------