The story of Paws In Need began in 2013, when Lisa Williams and her co-founders launched a search for a worthy animal welfare cause to promote. Having served for many years in various Board positions for larger rescue and shelter organizations, these founders sought to identify the root causes of a widespread community issue and address a need not being met head-on. Their primary goal was to offer more affordable spay and neuter options aimed at directly serving low-income populations in the Tri-Valley area (which includes Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, Sunol, San Ramon and Danville) and beyond.
What has differentiated Paws In Need from other non-profit organizations is its unique position to focus exclusively on those underserved populations experiencing financial hardship and lacking access to necessary veterinary care. As the organization broadened its reach and expanded its volunteer team, Paws In Need leaders successfully bridged a gap in local communities by developing targeted programs, an effective case management strategy, and eventually a compassionate TNR (trap-neuter-release) method to deal with the increasing numbers of feral cat colonies. The team also committed to taking a more accommodating, personal approach when evaluating individual cases by offering cost-sharing resources to help with both spay and neuter and one-time emergency medical procedures not made available through traditional local shelters or rescues.
OUR RESULTS
Over the past ten+ years, our mission to serve the public has never wavered and our efforts have had a lasting impact on the community we serve. These life-saving programs have made a real difference for over 7,000 dogs and cats suffering from disease, injury, neglect or abandonment. Given our size and scope, Paws In Need has achieved astounding results over the years and built a solid foundation, a feat accomplished by fostering reciprocal relationships with veterinary partners and non-profit organizations, as well as by soliciting ongoing donor support.
Tri-Valley communities reap the benefits from a decrease in the number of animals entering local shelters, thus saving taxpayers millions of dollars each year. Paws In Need has successfully maintained its operation relying solely upon funds raised from private donations, fundraising activities, special campaigns, and grants; and has consistently invested almost all of these funds back into running its programs. Paws In Need raises public awareness and promotes its programs via the website and quarterly email newsletter, along with various social media platforms, promotional materials, events, and direct mail campaigns. The organization has already witnessed how these spay and neuter and urgent care programs can transform a community by catering to underserved populations and granting these individuals the peace of mind that both companion and stray animals alike will be safe and protected.
CELEBRATING OVER TEN YEARS OF LOVE AND IMPACT
Love and Impact: That's why Paws In Need (PIN) was founded. In 2013, President & Medical Director, Lisa Williams, who is also one of the original co-founders, envisioned an all-volunteer organization dedicated to improving animal welfare by providing direct assistance to pet owners and animals most in need of support.
Your thoughtfulness gives us hope, your generosity gives us strength and your donations give us the resources to reduce animal overpopulation through access to affordable spay & neuter services and to provide pet owners with cost-share assistance for one-time urgent care procedures.
You are the voice of kindness for all the creatures that have no voice.
We urge you to consider sending in your donation today. Your contributions in any amount will ensure that our local community animals and pet owners will continue to receive the love and compassionate care they deserve.
OUR PEOPLE
Lisa Williams - President and Medical Programs Director (Board member since 2013)
Having participated in several advocacy groups over the years, Lisa honed her skills within various segments of the animal world, from fostering animals and running adoption events, to holding Board positions and managing fundraising activities. As co-founder of Paws In Need, Lisa has created an organization committed to the principles of compassion, cooperation, and community support by adopting an accommodating, personal approach to animals and pet owners in need.
Beatrice "Bea" Bauerly - Vice President and Secretary (Board member since 2013)
The strings of Bea's heart have always been pulled by animals, all animals. Bea considers herself very fortunate to share that passion and be a strong advocate for animals that cannot take care of themselves. Paws In Need represents an organization that closes the gap left by regular rescue agencies in its efforts to eliminate unnecessary suffering and euthanasia.
Cindy Pang - Treasurer (2023)
Cindy is passionate about offering her time and expertise to civic and social causes. She has held several leadership positions at her workplace including nonprofits such as The Wish Connection CA Chapter and InspirASIAN of Northern California. She is currently volunteering with Allie's Pal Cat Rescue as a foster mom for kittens. Cindy's vast experience in accounting and treasury will be a great asset to Paws In Need as our Treasurer. She is very grateful to be a part of an organization that not only advocates for animals but also does so much good for the community.
Hathi Winston - Communication Director (Board member since 2017)
Growing up on a ranch in Pleasanton, Hathi has nurtured a special appreciation of animal companions her entire life, mainly dogs all adopted from local shelters, rescues, or taken in as strays. For this reason, the mission of Paws In Need spoke to Hathi, with its message of preventing overpopulation and helping pet owners who cannot afford urgent veterinary care.
Leslie Silberman, MBA - Development and Marketing Director (Board member since 2021)
Since the guiding mission of Paws In Need appealed so strongly to Leslie's passion for animals, especially dogs, she decided to join the organization as Grant Writer in 2019. In this role, Leslie has relied upon her communication and organizational skills to secure funding necessary to sustain the vital programs run by Paws in Need. In May 2021, she was asked to serve on the Board as Development and Marketing Director to further promote this organization's vision.
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