Our Impact
CURRENT INITIATIVES - 2024
We are actively raising funds to support the following:
1) MILITARY MEMBERS AND THEIR PETS
ACTIVE-DUTY MILITARY AND VETERANS: Our military men and women rely on the love and unwavering emotional support of their pets. Upon receiving orders to deploy, however, many are forced to surrender their animals to shelters and rescue groups due to lack of another care option in their absence. Likewise, veterans who own and love their pets are surrendering them far too often because they cannot afford the animals’ care.
In 2024, The Human-Animal Alliance is raising funds to keep military members and their pets united. Our grants will support the best programs in the country that provide foster homes for pets of active-duty military members, and financial support to the pets of military veterans. The bond that these heroes share with their beloved animals before, during, and after deployment is unique, powerful, and even lifesaving. It is imperative that our military members have peace of mind that their pets will remain safe and well-cared for during deployments, and that they will be reunited with their best friend upon returning home.
To keep MILITARY MEMBERS and their pets united, CLICK HERE.
2) SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN through animal-assisted Learning
CHILDREN: Animal-assisted learning is an effective modality to build confidence in children who experience academic challenges, lack certain life skills, and/or are navigating developmental delays. Too often, children either lack parental supervision and involvement, or have parents who do everything for them. In both scenarios, children are missing the ability to develop socially, mentally, and academically. The increased confidence that is gained through animal-assisted learning in classroom settings helps children break through both academic and emotional barriers they faced previously.
In 2024, The Human-Animal Alliance is raising funds to help children through animal-assisted learning in the classroom. We are partnering with some of the best programs nationwide that use animals in an academic setting to help children with not only academic enrichment, but also in developing life skills such as independence, resilience, empathy, problem-solving, and finding alternatives to learned helplessness.
To help CHILDREN through animal-assisted learning, CLICK HERE.
October 2024
supporting displaced pets in the wake of hurricane helene
GRANT RECIPIENT: The Street Dog Coalition (Asheville, NC)
GRANT AMOUNT: $10,000
BACKGROUND: In October of 2024, Hurricane Helene devastated portions of western North Carolina. Thousands of people and their pets were displaced, separated, or injured as a result of this horrific natural disaster.
OUR IMPACT: The Human-Animal Alliance provided displaced pets with free access to critical veterinary care after the storm. Our grant funds covered the cost of vaccinations, heartworm testing and prevention, preventative medicine, treatment of wounds and infections, pain management, and more. Supplies were brought directly into the Asheville community, meeting displaced pets and owners where they were at - making access available that otherwise may not have been possible during this challenging time.
GRANTEE FEEDBACK: “If home is where the heart is, then every pet we treat and human we meet has a home that exists between them. We demonstrate our commitment to protecting the human-animal bond by caring for people and their pets as a family unit, and we are so grateful to The Human-Animal Alliance for finding us and supporting the important work that we do.” - Katrina Weschler, Executive Director, The Street Dog Coalition
august 2024
the creation of “The human-animal alliance healing den” at fox sanctuary
GRANT RECIPIENT: Pawsitive Beginnings (Key Largo, FL)
GRANT AMOUNT: $10,000
BACKGROUND: This fox rescue and sanctuary had recently launched an innovative animal-assisted therapy program incorporating foxes into therapy sessions. The pilot program, which was already garnering positive feedback from licensed therapists and clients alike, was off to a great start. The only remaining need was a dedicated physical space for sessions to be conducted. To ensure the future success of the program, a 100% private area was important so that trauma survivors could speak freely with their therapist while feeling fully comfortable and safe. Funding was needed, however, to create an appropriate space.
OUR IMPACT: The Human-Animal Alliance provided a substantial grant to Pawsitive Beginnings, enabling the construction and fit-out of “The Human-Animal Alliance Healing Den” on site at the fox sanctuary. The end result was a beautiful, serene, private oasis on property where therapy sessions can be conducted most effectively.
GRANTEE FEEDBACK: “We are so grateful to Jackie and The Human-Animal Alliance for helping us to raise awareness and expand our mission.” - Nicole Navarro, Executive Director/Founder, Pawsitive Beginnings
May 2024
supporting therapy horses who specialize in working with children
GRANT RECIPIENTS: Tomorrow’s Rainbow (Coconut Creek, FL) & Shepherd Youth Ranch (Creedmoor, NC)
GRANT AMOUNTS: $5,000 (Tomorrow’s Rainbow) & $5,000 (Shepherd Youth Ranch)
BACKGROUND: A well-cared for, willing, and happy herd of horses is key to the effectiveness of any equine-assisted therapy program. Horses are expensive to maintain. Raising funds to cover their wide range of needs each year is a main focus of any nonprofit that owns and cares for these special animals.
OUR IMPACT: The Human-Animal Alliance sponsored three therapy horses: a bonded pair of mini pony geldings (River & Rocky) at Tomorrow’s Rainbow, and an off the track Thoroughbred rescue mare (Tempi) at Shepherd Youth Ranch. Our grant funds offset the cost to maintain these special animals, enabling them to continue doing incredible work supporting children in equine-assisted therapy settings. We are thrilled to sponsor all three horses this year!
GRANTEE FEEDBACK: “Tempi is a very special mare who has been part of our program for about 6 years. She is a favorite with adult veterans and the youth in our program due to her particularly sensitive and loving nature. Your sponsorship of Tempi will help ensure her continued contribution to those we serve at Shepherd Youth Ranch, and for that we are very grateful.” - Ashley Boswell, Founder & CEO, Shepherd Youth Ranch
“River and Rocky are so happy to be officially sponsored! Thank you so much for the continued partnership and investment in our mission. It has been such a joy to be able to work with H-AA.” - Abby Mosher, Founder/Executive Director, Tomorrow’s Rainbow
September 2023
providing a crisis response dog for first responders and their community
GRANT RECIPIENT: paws4people (Wilmington, NC)
GRANT AMOUNT: $25,000
BACKGROUND: First responders encounter traumatic and stressful situations on a daily basis as a routine part of their job. Statistics consistently show that first responders are 5x more likely to suffer from PTSD and depression than the general population which, alarmingly, also leads to much higher rates of suicide - more first responders die of suicide than in the line of duty every year.
OUR IMPACT: The Human-Animal Alliance sponsored a crisis response facility dog, AXEL, for a fire department in Wilmington, NC. Our grant funds supported AXEL’s training and certification to work as a service animal supporting first responders and civilians in the wake of high-stress, emergency situations. AXEL promotes resiliency, lowers levels of emotional distress, and decreases feelings of anxiety, fear, and depression for first responders and civilians. AXEL’s presence has been so impactful that since his placement the Wilmington Fire Department has added two additional crisis response dogs to the existing team.
GRANTEE FEEDBACK: “It’s hard to put into words how much these facility dogs have helped our department. It has helped build a sense of camaraderie and created an atmosphere where it’s okay to talk about feelings. That’s ultimately what we are trying to do here, to bring awareness about the importance of mental health and show that being vulnerable isn’t a weakness.” - Lt. Josh Baltz, Wilmington Fire Department
“We are so thankful to The Human-Animal Alliance for sponsoring AXEL so that he may continue to transform lives.” - Melissa White, Relationship Development Officer, paws4people
August 2023
healing survivors of human trafficking through animal-assisted therapy
GRANT RECIPIENTS: Ranch Hands Rescue. (Argyle, TX) & Inspiration Ranch (Magnolia, TX)
GRANT AMOUNTS: $20,000 (Ranch Hands Rescue) & $10,000 (Inspiration Ranch)
BACKGROUND: Human trafficking has become a widespread crisis in our world today. An estimated 40.3 million people worldwide are victims and survivors, 25% of whom are underage children. Survivors of trafficking experience an array of serious mental health challenges including PTSD, depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal ideations and attempts.
OUR IMPACT: The Human-Animal Alliance provided both male and female survivors with free access to the very best animal-assisted therapy programs in the country specializing in treating those who have been trafficked. Our grant fully funded 234 total animal-assisted therapy sessions for 32 trafficking survivors. Participants overwhelmingly demonstrated reduction in trauma symptom severity, improved quality of daily life, healthy boundary setting, establishment of personal safety, improved quality of healthy relationships, and renewed engagement with activities of daily life.
GRANTEE FEEDBACK: “Thank you for your investment in the health and well-being of our clients. This generous funding from The Human-Animal Alliance is incredibly important to Inspiration Ranch and its mission to provide hope and improve the lives of those with physical, mental, and emotional challenges through equine-assisted services. We are deeply grateful.” - Melissa Jurik, Vice President of Development, Inspiration Ranch
“Thank you so much for the support from this grant! 2024 has been a rough year financially, and we surely counted on these funds to continue providing free services. We are grateful for your partnership.” - Landon Dickeson, Executive Director, Ranch Hands Rescue
May 2023
healing children and young women through equine-assisted therapy
GRANT RECIPIENTS: Tomorrow’s Rainbow (Coconut Creek, FL) & Hope Reins (Raleigh, NC)
GRANT AMOUNTS: $13,000 (Tomorrow’s Rainbow) & $16,000 (Hope Reins)
BACKGROUND: A recent CDC study showed that teen and pre-teen girls are experiencing record-high levels of sexual violence (18%), sadness and/or feelings of hopelessness (60%), and suicidal ideation (24%). Young women are also struggling with general mental health challenges and feelings of disconnectedness at a higher rate than their male counterparts.
OUR IMPACT: The Human-Animal Alliance enabled access to equine-assisted therapy services (at zero cost) to young women and children battling severe anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and grief. Our grant provided 1000+ equine-assisted therapy sessions, touching the lives of hundreds of kids in need. We also sponsored a specific miniature therapy horse (the oldest and most experienced member of the herd!) at Tomorrow’s Rainbow.
GRANTEE FEEDBACK: “We are incredibly grateful for your generous support of Hope Reins and your understanding of, and passion for, the connection between child and horse.” - Lory Schuler, Development Relations Manager, Hope Reins
“We can’t thank you enough for your generous support for our critical equine-assisted children’s support programming. Because of you, we were able to provide critical mental health support services to children and families who otherwise would not have access.” - Abby Mosher, Founder & Executive Director, Tomorrow’s Rainbow
December 2022
keeping domestic violence survivors united with ther pets
GRANT RECIPIENT: Women for Paws, Inc. (Miami, FL)
GRANT AMOUNT: $10,000
BACKGROUND: In the United States, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner. There is also a well-established link between domestic abuse and animal abuse, with 70% of female domestic violence survivors with pets reporting that their abusers threatened, harmed, or killed their animal. The lack of animal-friendly domestic violence shelters often perpetuates abusive situations, as 50% of those experiencing domestic violence refuse to leave their pet behind.
OUR IMPACT: The Human-Animal Alliance supported pet owners and their animals at a pet-friendly women’s shelter in south Florida (90% of whom survived and escaped from domestic violence situations). Our grant funds provided food, veterinary care, and basic necessities for over 200 pets during their temporary stay at the women’s shelter. We also provided financial help to alumni during their transition out of the shelter, ensuring that their pets continued to stay with them as they began their next chapter.
GRANTEE FEEDBACK: “Your grant has been instrumental in creating a program for women in shelters that live with pets and also alums that need financial support for their pets. Thank you so much for helping us create greater impact in our community. We were able to keep pets with their rightful human parents by providing the financial assistance they needed to save their pets’ lives.” - Grace Lopez, Founder & CEO, Women for Paws, Inc.
December 2022
preventing pet surrenders and euthanasia during the economic recession
GRANT RECIPIENT: Harley’s Hope Foundation (Colorado Springs, CO)
GRANT AMOUNT: $25,000
BACKGROUND: The economic recession and high inflation have caused tremendous strain on American families. Unable to provide for pets’ basic needs, low-income pet owners are surrendering, rehoming, and euthanizing their animals at alarmingly high rates. Financial hardship, housing complications, and pet health emergencies all contribute to the problem.
OUR IMPACT: The Human-Animal Alliance’s grant provided emergency veterinary care, pet food, pet housing deposits, and other financial assistance to low-income pet owners. Our support enabled 54 at-risk animals in the state of Florida to stay in their current homes, preventing them from being surrendered or euthanized. Our grant funds kept people and their beloved pets united, while saving pet lives and preventing additional strain on shelters.
GRANTEE FEEDBACK: “Your grant, our largest to date, allowed us to jump back into out-of-state cases, mostly in Florida. The Human-Animal Alliance is our only source of funding for out-of-state or national cases, and we are so grateful for your help in expanding our program.” - Cynthia Bullock, Executive Director, Lost Pet Services, Inc.
OCTOBER 2022
helping LOST and injured pets in the wake of Hurricane Ian
GRANT RECIPIENT: Lost Pet Services, Inc. (Manatee, FL)
GRANT AMOUNT: $15,000
BACKGROUND: Hurricane Ian devastated western Florida, destroying homes and displacing pets. Countless animals were separated from their owners and suffered serious injuries as a result of the storm.
OUR IMPACT: The Human-Animal Alliance funded critical medical care for 53 pets sustaining storm-related major medical injuries whose owners could not afford the cost of emergency care. Every pet that received assistance from H-AA was restored to baseline health with the exception of 1 that could not be saved. Grant funds also supported a microchip program with the Manatee County Animal Welfare shelter, making possible free microchips with free lifetime registration to pet owners in need.
GRANTEE FEEDBACK: “I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your support. It will have a lasting impact on the community and the families it has touched. You have helped ensure that if a pet is ever lost in the future, the pet will be easily reunited with their families, keeping them out of the overcrowded shelter. Your grant has made a real difference in the lives of many pets and their families, and we are proud of the work that we have accomplished together.” - Patty Giarrusso, President & Founder, Lost Pet Services, Inc.
