A nationwide initiative to support underserved communities and pets is getting off the ground after a historic Maddie’s Fund awarded a $6.5 million grant to Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE). The Baltimore-based organization is the first national Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) led human and animal well-being nonprofit.
Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE) via Facebook
The groundbreaking Community Animal CARE program will help keep pets in their homes, which in turn helps crowded shelters, veterinarians, and the whole community.
“The best way to achieve a no-kill society in animal welfare is to ensure pets don’t end up in shelters,” says CARE Founder James Evans.
Images via Facebook/careforequity
CARE’s Human and Animal Well-Being Work
CARE seeks to elevate human and animal well-being together with a holistic approach.
“We don’t consider what we are doing animal welfare work,” says Johnny Jenkins, CARE’s Chief of Staff and Research & Development. “We are doing human and animal well-being work. We are looking at the entire household, taking a holistic approach to well-being for animals and humans.”
Images via Facebook/careforequity
CARE Initiatives to Keep Pets with Families
One aspect of the multi-approached program will be helping “proximate” community leaders advance. Another goal is addressing health disparities so that marginalized communities access the same level of health care as other communities. Despite a shortage of veterinarians, about 90% identify as white.
Sadly, the high cost of veterinary care is a main reason many pets face euthanasia. Such a choice is heartbreaking for any family. Another initiative will help people address pet’s behavioral issues. Such problems are the leading reason millions of pets end up in shelters to be euthanized yearly. In low-income communities and communities of BIPOC, there are higher confiscation and euthanasia rates at shelters.
“Our comprehensive program is focused on offering affordable preventative veterinary care, behavior training, and pet food, which are all critical components of keeping families and their furry companions together,” CARE shared.
Cat Small with CARE via Facebook
Still, another mission of the program is educating communities. For example, Sterling “TrapKing” Davis has hosted workshops about TNR (trap, neuter, return) and making your own cat litter.
Sterling Sterling Davis with Brooklyn rescuer Latonya “Sassee” Walker and CARE’s Marilou Chanrasmi via Facebook
We’ve previously shared a story about Baltimore-based rapper DDm, who created a music video about loving dogs as a team effort with CARE.
DDm performs holding a Chihuahua named Mellow.
Baltimore Magazine reported online courses will also be available at Maddie’s University. In addition, there are training programs for becoming an advocate for social justice and ally BIPOC communities on CARE’s website. Such training has helped place thousands of pets in homes, like the kitten Cheddar below:
Love is the Center of Thriving Communities
The group is also working to inspire animal welfare organizations and others to be “more inclusive and less biased.” Studies show that BIPOC leadership in the animal welfare world remains incredibly low, a “massive problem.” That’s about to change, and we’re thrilled to see it! It’s all about showing love for everyone, people and animals.
“Love is the center of communities that are thriving,” says CARE’s Marilou Chanrasmi.
In a statement, Maddie’s Fund’s Mary Ippoliti-Smith said they are honored to support CARE and believe in the “transformational power” of their holistic approach and mission.
You can check out CARE’s Instagram, Facebook, and website with many inspiring stories about the program’s many initiatives.
CARE graphic showing a family adopting a kitten thanks to their REDI training programs.
