Grants Enable Animal Shelter to Welcome More Animal Victims of Domestic Violence
Swanzey, New Hampshire (April 15-19) – We’re pleased to announce that $70,000 in grants provided by Greater Good Charities ($50,000) and RedRover ($20,000) will allow Monadnock Humane Society to expand onsite housing for the animal victims of domestic abuse. Monadnock Humane Society’s “Animal Safety Net” (ASN) Program was created in 2017 – since its inception, they have sheltered an estimated 175 pets.
“Studies show that nearly 48% of domestic violence survivors often delay leaving their abuser if they cannot take their pet. When animal shelters offer dedicated safe housing for animal victims of abuse, a crucial barrier is removed and more lives are saved,” said Nicole Forsyth, RedRover President and CEO.
Rescue Rebuild, a program of Greater Good Charities, are experts in repairing and renovating domestic violence shelters and animal shelters in need all across the nation. Not only was Monadnock Humane Society awarded these grants, but Rescue Rebuild and RedRover will also be onsite to create and expand their pet-friendly spaces.
Bryna Donnelly, Vice President of Pet Programs at Greater Good Charities, said, “We are so excited to see programs like the MHS Animal Safety Net opening in animal shelters that have the space and the ability to help pets of people in crisis!”
Over a few weeks, Rescue Rebuild and RedRover will install six raised dog runs. Each dog run will include a dog bed, toys, easy to clean flooring and its own door leading to a private relief area. A visitation area will be constructed and furnished to allow the domestic violence survivors to spend time with their pets. Additionally, the teams will be creating extra storage space and shelving.
Kathy Collinsworth, Monadnock Humane Society Executive (MHS) Director, says that “These grants make it possible for us to grow our Animal Safety Net program in ways we couldn’t have imagined nearly 5 years ago when it began. The ASN is at the very heart of what we do, and it’s become even more important as we’ve recognized a growing need for it – especially in this past year.” She added, “We are learning so much through this collaboration – these are the experts who bring a great deal of knowledge and experience not only to MHS, but to our region and state. We’ll be able to help more families keep the unconditional love of their pets at a time when it’s most needed.” Collinsworth said the ASN expansion also opens up opportunities for partnering with other agencies. She is currently in conversations with the CEO of a local organization about a partnership that offers on-site counseling at the MHS ASN facility for those who are in need.
About RedRover
RedRover is a 501(c)(3) national animal welfare nonprofit. Since 1987, RedRover has focused on bringing animals out of crisis and strengthening the human-animal bond through emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance, and humane education. Through their RedRover Relief program, they have helped thousands of animals and provided thousands of safe nights across the United States. To learn how RedRover is building a more compassionate future, visit RedRover.org.
About Greater Good Charities
Greater Good Charities is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization, with a 100/100 rating on Charity Navigator, that works to amplify the good in the world to improve the health and well-being of people, pets, and the planet. Since 2007, Greater Good Charities has given over $300 million in cash and in-kind grants to over 5,000 charitable partners worldwide and funded projects in 121 countries. To date, Greater Good Charities has provided $22 million in support for COVID-19 disaster-relief, including cash grants, in-kind supplies, and programmatic support. To learn more about how Greater Good Charities is amplifying the good across the globe, please visit greatergood.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
About Monadnock Humane Society
Monadnock Humane Society is a private, nonprofit 501(c)3 socially conscious shelter organization that serves 44 communities of the Monadnock Region. MHS cares for an average of 1,600 animals each year. Its mission is to strengthen the animal-human bond by promoting and providing for the well-being of animals. MHS receives no state or federal funding, and is not affiliated with any other agency or organization such as the Humane Society of the United States or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. It is supported solely by the generosity of those in our community. For more information, visit monadnockhumanesociety.org. To get the latest news about MHS, follow us on social media.
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Contact:
Sheri Madsen
916.600.8157 cell
smadsen@redrover.org