SPCA of Texas Community Impact in Action

by SPCA of Texas Public Relations Manager Becky Adamietz-Deo

“Community Impact is an opportunity for people or organizations to better understand and address the needs of their surroundings. These needs can range anywhere from economic and environmental concerns to health and well-being.”

— Close the Gap Foundation

Community Impact for the SPCA of Texas means improving the lives of both animals and people by addressing community needs. It aims to educate the public about responsible pet care, provide resources to keep pets and families together, and support underserved areas with programs including low-cost vet services or food assistance.

It’s all about creating partnerships and outreach efforts that build a stronger, more compassionate community where animals are cared for and valued. The Community Impact department of the SPCA of Texas is a more-than-busy team of two employees and a few volunteers.

Between January and October of 2024, SPCA of Texas’ Community Impact team has served more than 6,870 households—22,875 dogs and 17,269 cats by distributing more than 173,220 pounds of food to them and by providing other supplies necessary to help them keep their beloved, furry family members.

One special family who has benefitted from SPCA of Texas Community Impact initiatives is Ms. Ida West’s. Ms. Ida connected with Community Impact Coordinator April Williams shortly after she moved into a new rental property and needed help rehoming one of her pets, which was quite upsetting for Ms. Ida. As the two women got to know each other, Ms. Ida identified that taking part in the pet food pantries helped keep her pet with her as opposed to her considering surrendering her beloved pet to a shelter.

The two ladies kept in touch and when April learned that Ms. Ida’s pup, Kitana, had passed away a few months later, she made a point of helping Ms. Ida through her grief.

April’s stellar instincts let her know when it might be time for Ms. Ida to find another pet to welcome into her family. Taking it slow, April invited Ms. Ida to the Dallas Animal Care Center where she met Mando. It seemed to be love at first sight for both of these big hearts in need. Ms. Ida and Mando became inseparable after the adoption.

It soon became apparent to April that Ms. Ida was having some financial challenges, so she let her know about the SPCA of Texas Pet Food Pantries that happen monthly at the Dallas Animal Care Center (2400 Lone Star Drive, 75212). April also made sure Ms. Ida had all the pet food and supplies she needed in between pantry events. This pair continues to talk on the phone at least once a week.

“Keeping pets in their loving families is one of the pillars of the SPCA of Texas; however, it also is something I truly believe in,” April noted. “Working in Community Impact for the organization is exactly where I need to be—doing everything I love for my community and for the animals I love so much.

“Knowing and helping Ms. Ida has made me a better person and has helped me understand just how important it is to support our neighbors; to help them keep their families together in challenging times.”

SPCA of Texas Community Impact Manager Tonja Thurman agrees. “April and I share the exact same sentiments. Our team’s strength lies in our unwavering dedication and passion for not only the well-being of pets in our community but also for fostering meaningful relationships with their owners.

“This trust, built over time, assures our clients that we always will strive to provide exceptional assistance to both them and their cherished pets.”

Hear directly from Ms. Ida West here: https://tinyurl.com/y4khy93k