MEDIA

CARE’s Narrative Division produces stories that celebrate diverse companion humans and their pets. Take a look at the stories we tell, and re-tell. Stories shape our vision of the world and often frame our perceptions and biases. People of Color, People without homes, Seniors, and other marginalized groups do heroic things every day for animals but are rarely elevated or celebrated. CARE is broadening the narrative because the stories we tell matter in the battle to clear our shelters.

2024

Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity Launch Black History Month

JAN 2024 – Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity, a Baltimore-based national nonprofit, is pleased to announce its fourth annual virtual speaker series. In partnership with the Black DVM Network, this year’s program will feature important conversations spotlighting African Americans actively engaged in the human and animal well-being framework while highlighting American Black History. The event aims to raise awareness of the underrepresentation of African Americans in the veterinary field, where less than 2% of veterinarians are African American. We aim to address this disparity by funding students committed to expanding access to veterinary care.

The public is invited to join CARE for engaging discussions on a variety of topics. Registration for each event is mandatory and can be completed by following the link underneath each event. While registration is free of charge, a contribution is requested to support CARE’s Dr. Jodie G. Blackwell Black Veterinary Scholarship Fund, benefiting African American students in Veterinary School. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Maddie’s Fund and Tito’s Vodka for Dog People for their major support of the scholarship since its inception. Thanks to their generosity, CARE initiates the funding with $75,000, and aspires to double this amount with additional support from individual donors.

Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE) Launches Veterinary Advisory Committee

JAN 2023 – Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE) is proud to announce the creation of a new veterinary committee that will help cultivate the human and animal bond while providing preventative access to veterinary CARE. This group will lead the discussion around human and animal well-being inside schools to support underserved BIPOC communities and their pets across the United States. The group will be also tasked with devising strategies to support veterinary programs in neighborhoods not served by traditional animal welfare nonprofits or veterinary schools. The committee will also provide guidance in the development and implementation of several CARE Community Clinics across the country, including Atlanta, Philadelphia and Minnesota, which are providing resources for under-resourced pet owners.

Atlanta puppy Bleu to make debut with paw-formance at Puppy Bowl

FEB 2023 – Bleu will get to showcase his future NFL prospects to the world as he looks to put on a highlight paw-formance in front of millions of viewers on Sunday.

The energetic puppy was saved by the rescue shelter FurEver I Love Atlanta, whose owner Beunca Gainor is Black and is one of only a handful of BIPOC rescuers in the U.S. that has founded a nonprofit animal rescue organization, according to the Companions and Animal for Reform and Equity (CARE). Gainor and FurEver I Love Atlanta are still searching for new homes for more than a dozen dogs who are in need of a loving forever home

Dramatic Increase in Pet Product Costs Further Marginalizes Families and Their Pets in Low Income Communities

MARCH 2023 – Go to any store nowadays and you’ll see prices on products the highest they’ve been in years. While inflation is something everyone is dealing with financially, there are some that just cannot bear the costs of those increases. They’re being driven into deeper poverty with the inability to care for all their family members, especially their pets. The cost of pet products has dramatically increased since 2022, and marginalized families and their furry friends are the first to experience these price changes. Whether providing for more affordable veterinary care, scholarships to BIPOC aspiring veterinary students, supplying pet food, or advocating for more inclusive practices when it comes to animal adoption, CARE is tirelessly working to help those who are under resourced.

"Vodka for Dog People" is More Than Just a Tagline for Tito's

MARCH 2023 – Tito’s has teamed up with nonprofits around the country to improve the lives of pets across the nation. One of their focuses is to transport dogs living in dangerous situations to safer locations where they can receive care and a better chance at finding loving, stable forever homes. For this particular effort, they have joined forces with three philanthropies, Wings of Rescue, Pilots N Paws and Mission Miracle K9. Another of their partnerships is with CARE, which stands for Companions and Animals through Reform and Equity.

How CARE Cares for BIPOC, Marginalized Communities and Their Pets

MAY 2023 – By Dr. Azalia Boyd. Ms. Gibbs thought about the day she rescued Lola from the streets four years ago, and how much Lola has helped her autistic son overcome his obstacles at home. They never owned a pet before, but they were a family. She just couldn’t surrender her. So, Ms. Gibbs took Lola home and sought out the opinion of another veterinary facility. Fortunately, her limb was not broken and she did not need surgery, so information was given to Ms. Gibbs for proper preventative care for her companion. Unfortunately, cases like these are common in Black and Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) communities. And it’s not uncommon for people to lose their pets simply because they can’t afford veterinary care, many times with very few options available to them. Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE) is trying to change the outcomes of these heartbreaking stories.

CARE Launches Racial Equity Course Scholarships in honor of Juneteenth

JUNE 2023 – Be an ally to those in BIPOC Communities.

Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE) is offering their Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI) virtual course free of charge during the month of June. This $800 scholarship honors the federal holiday Juneteenth. Juneteenth (June 19th), is the US federal holiday that celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. These scholarships are made possible thanks to the generous funding of national animal welfare foundation Maddie’s Fund. The course is geared towards animal welfare advocates, volunteers and professionals, but anyone can benefit by taking the course.

Ponemah pet clinic part of campaign for more Indigenous veterinarians

JUNE 2023 – In the gymnasium of the Ponemah Elementary School veterinarian Raye Taylor is hard at work. She’s visiting with a feline patient through the screen door of a green pop-up tent. Because of cats’ nature the clinicians found it easier to work with these patients if the cats are by themselves. But there’s more than just cat-care going on here. According to an American Veterinary Medical Association report “the veterinary profession is one of the least ethnically and racially diverse professions in the country.” Native Americans make up only about 1 percent of U.S. veterinarians. However, this week in Ponemah, the numbers are very different. This is the first pet clinic for the organization Natives in Vet Med.

Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE) Hires New Senior Director of Research

JUNE 2023 – Introducing Sloane Hawkes

Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE), a 501©3 national nonprofit is pleased to announce the appointment of Sloane Hawes as an additional Senior Director of Research Development, which will allow the Baltimore based advocacy group to create equity for not only humans, but animals as well.

Prior to joining CARE, Sloane was assistant director of research at the Institute for Human Animal Connection (IHAC), which is part of the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work. She led a research agenda that uses community-based participatory research methods to examine how animal welfare, social justice and ecological justice issues connect. Her experience ties in perfectly with the mission of CARE, which is to address organizational and personal biases in animal welfare.

Historic 6.5 Million Grant to CARE Will Help Advance Inclusion in the Animal Well-Being World

JULY 2023 – Support BIPOC and Marginalized Communities: Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity Needs Support this Giving Tuesday

Give Tuesday and give Direct CARE. That’s the message from Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE), a workforce development national animal welfare nonprofit. CARE prioritizes raising funds for BIPOC and marginalized communities, but to remain sustainable and uplift communities it takes a special group of supporters to make that a reality. CARE is the only nonprofit specifically focused on diversifying the animal welfare industry. It’s no secret that those in animal welfare tend to be predominately white women, yet pet owners are diverse across all races and genders.

This Giving Tuesday CARE is launching our CARE Givers Circle. Your donations go towards our Direct CARE fund which provides preventative and emergency veterinary funds without a waiting period.

Enhancing DEIB in Veterinary Medicine: Fostering Inclusion and Accessibility

AUG 2023 – As a queer Indian American woman, within and outside veterinary school, I often did not feel that I belonged to a community that understood all aspects of my identification and representation. The idea of inclusivity lacked the perspective of intersectionality, and consequently, my educational and clinical experience became very isolating. Where there was advocacy for mental health, there was absent cultural inclusivity. Where there was advancement in representation diversity, there was no community that would foster its longevity.

These experiences largely contributed to significant imposter syndrome, anxiety, and worsened depression. Our field already suffers from poor mental health, and without highlighting the intersection of marginalized experiences, we do no justice to the betterment of mental, physical, and emotional well-being in the veterinary profession.

Black-Owned Pet Businesses for Your Furry Friends

OCT 2023 – Buying your dog or cat quality food, a cozy place to sleep, and a cute collar or leash gives you the chance to spoil a pet you love. Black brand founders are underrepresented in the pet care industry. It may appear that Black-owned pet businesses are rare, but it all comes down to visibility. They’re out there, and they’re doing great things. From food to accessories, these pet supply brands are perfect for spoiling your pet while celebrating diversity in the industry. The best part? You can feel good knowing your purchase supports Black small business owners and entrepreneurs while you shop!

Give Direct Veterinary CARE on Giving Tuesday

NOV 2023 – Support BIPOC and Marginalized Communities: Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity Needs Support this Giving Tuesday

That’s the message from Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE), a workforce development national animal welfare nonprofit. CARE prioritizes raising funds for BIPOC and marginalized communities, but to remain sustainable and uplift communities it takes a special group of supporters to make that a reality. CARE is the only nonprofit specifically focused on diversifying the animal welfare industry. It’s no secret that those in animal welfare tend to be predominately white women, yet pet owners are diverse across all races and genders.

This Giving Tuesday CARE is launching our CARE Givers Circle. Your donations go towards our Direct CARE fund which provides preventative and emergency veterinary funds without a waiting period.

Why Diversifying Animal Welfare Help Shelters and Pets

JAN 2022 – Diversifying the veterinary field through education and resources. To help animal welfare professionals hire BIPOC employees, CARE is developing a “matchmaking” database of people of color who currently work in animal welfare or are interested in doing so. The nonprofit also funds work of people of color starting their own nonprofits, hosts webinars about increasing equity in animal welfare, and will be offering a Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI) certification course this fall, thanks to Maddie’s Fund and PetSmart Charities.

Baltimore Woman Adopts Dog after 18 Denials from Northeast Rescues Shelter

FEB 2022 – Miller is a retired officer with the Baltimore Police Department who says she’s more than prepared to care for an animal. “Unfortunately, it seems very common, specifically for people of color,” said Michael Bricker, chief engagement officer and CARE Center director. “We’ve heard these stories all over.” Leslie eventually found CARE, which stands for Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity.

Kentucky Disaster Relief Efforts Help BIPOC People and Pets

MARCH 2022 -The deadly December tornado outbreak placed a heavy strain on pet owners, limiting their ability to seek adequate shelter from the storms without leaving their companions.

A new study funded by the Baltimore-based Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity, or CARE, will explore the experiences of Black, Indigienous, and People of Color (BIPOC) pet owners in Bowling Green who survived the storms.

Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity Receive $1.7 Million Dollar Grant

APRIL 2022 – Maddie’s Fund®, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals, announced today a $1.7 million grant awarded to Companions Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE). This three-year grant will support the expansion of their CARE Centers by adding five to ten centers each year.

“Equity is the outcome we seek for all communities,” said James Evans, CEO and founder of CARE. “Thanks to Maddie, CARE will expand its CARE Center model focused on work with proximate leaders, who have meaningful relationships with marginalized communities who seek to keep pets with their families. CARE Centers assist in creating workforce development opportunities that are created by and for the community, placing value on their wisdom.”

Philadelphia Area Gets New CARE Center Director

MAY 2022 – Hakeem Ruiz hopes to make life better for BIPOC pet owners in Camden and the City of Brotherly Love.

Hakeem Ruiz became a pet parent as a teenager, taking in a stray dog.

“I was a 19-year-old dog owner that didn’t know anything. I didn’t know where to go to get properly priced shots, where to get the right questions answered, who was and wasn’t going to respect me,” the Philadelphia resident said.

Ruiz, now 32, had Gucci for about 13 years until he passed recently.

As a new pet owner, Ruiz sought answers and advice wherever he could find them. But, he also found himself exposed to the low points of the animal care system, often feeling taken advantage of for trying to properly care for his dog.

“I feel like anytime I was offered help, it was always with something that would benefit someone else even more, or would make me feel too vulnerable, make me feel uncomfortable,” Ruiz said.

Ten years after becoming a dog dad, Ruiz is now taking on a new role in animal welfare as the newly appointed director of CARE’s newest centers in Philadelphia and Camden. As Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE) expands to new territories, Ruiz hopes to be the support for pet owners of color he needed at 19.

Clinic helps Pets and their Human Companions at Northwest Minnesota Reservation

JUNE 2022 – The field clinic was operated on a walk-up, first-come, first-served basis. Pet owners checking in filled out forms with their pet’s name and overall health information. The sheet was handed off to Secondhand Hounds’ Kate Sobraske, who tracked the veterinarian’s waitlist, as well as the care received.

Meanwhile, Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE) and Awesiinyag love to help distribute pet supplies to families.

New Non-Traditional Public Service Announcement on Pets in Hot Cars

JULY 2022 – Showcasing the faces of diversity in animal welfare

Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE) is pleased to unveil a new public service announcement (PSA) showcasing more diversity on a well-known topic that typically does not feature people of color. Dozens of PSA’s on pets in hot cars have been created in the past, but few with underlying messages of race, equity and inclusion.

Rapper Turned Cat Rescuer Presents at Mille Lacs Veterinary Camp

JULY 2022 –Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe hosts a camp to educate children about animal welfare careers

The first-ever veterinary camp on the Mille Lacs Reservation was held on Friday, and a special guest in attendance was a former rapper turned cat trapper. Sterling “Trapking” Davis was at the DI Community Aquatic & Fitness Center in Onamia to teach those in attendance the importance of animals and how they should be properly cared for.

DDm: That's My Dog It's National Dog Day

AUGUST 2022 – Rapper DDm Showcases That’s My Dog to call attention to racial stereotyping in animal rescue

CARE’s founder and CEO, James Evans got the idea to produce the video to combat racism and bias that is often found in the animal welfare industry. It’s no secret people of color often face discrimination when it comes to adopting pets. Evans recently met fellow Baltimore native DDm, a rapper and hip-hop artist who is also a dog lover. The two decided a music video was the best way to educate people about racial stereotypes in the animal welfare industry. The performer soon came up with the rap to hammer home key messages and That’s my Dog became a reality.

Animals, Society, and Race at Huston-Tillotson

SEPT 2022 – New course tackles how animal welfare work intersects with racism

Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE), a Baltimore-based nonprofit that focuses on the nexus of animal welfare and racial justice, is partnering with researchers and professors at Huston-Tillotson University to bring an intersectional lens to a sociology class on animals and society this fall. The course is one of the first of its kind in the U.S., and fills a gap that Mueni Loko Rudd, CARE’s director of research and development, says is missing from the predominantly white animal welfare space. The class grew out of a University of Tennessee, Knoxville study that examined how animal control and welfare organizations’ policies disparately affect people of different racial and ethnic groups. The scope will be broad, though, considering interactions between animals and society beyond the shelter system, “remembering these harmonious relationships that we have had historically with animals in the environment,” says Rudd.

Nina Love: The Black Thornberry levels it up for Philly’s Animals

OCT 2022 – New African American Led Animal Rescue Nonprofit Ready to Make a Difference

Carina Cheatham aka “Nina Love” hasn’t met many people in animal welfare who look like her, but that never stopped her from helping a creature in need. That’s where Ava comes in. “I want to use my platform so other people can see it’s possible,” said Cheatham, 31, a veterinary technician. “I feel like as a Black woman, they need to see they can do it as well.” Now that she has started her nonprofit, The Black Thornberry, Cheatham has been trying to raise the funds to buy a van for her animal rescue work around the Philadelphia area.

The Gathering Comes to Philly October 7-8th

OCT 2022 – First Ever Animal Welfare Conference October 7 and 8 Led by BIPOC Animal Lovers

Animal welfare is not known for diversity, but “The Gathering” in Philadelphia is. CARE is the only BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) led nonprofit that prioritizes human and animal wellbeing, equity-centered research, and storytelling from the views of those impacted. The conference is called “The Gathering”, and the goal is to increase awareness of the work within BIPOC communities and demonstrate the deployment of human and animal well-being framework. The event is an exchange of ideas between donor organizations, social justice leaders, and animal welfare executives, about the best means to keep pets at home.

In Hurricane Ian Aftermath, Animal Lawyers Are Watching How a New Florida Law Will Play Out

OCT 2022 – After wreaking havoc on Southeast Florida, Hurricane Ian will now test the effectiveness of a new and unique state law aimed at reuniting pets with their owners and reducing euthanasia. It’s something that Akisha Townsend Eaton is watching closely as chief of policy for the environmental justice division of Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity, or CARE.

James Evans receives the Avanzino Leadership Award for 2022

OCT 2022 – James Evans has been honored to present the 2022 Avanzino Leadership Award for his outstanding leadership and purposeful dedication to the human-animal bond.

“James has profoundly changed our field through racial equality, diversity and inclusion,” said Mary Ippoliti-Smith, Executive Leadership Team, Maddy’s Fund. “He is creating space for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) in the animal welfare sector; And recreating animal welfare outside the walls of the shelter, within the community.” CARE is a collection of passionate activists and deep thinkers focused on better outcomes for people and pets. Organizations are unique in that they are not striving to do the best work done by those directly affected by inequalities. However, they are creating tools and opportunities for marginalized people to rebuild their communities.

Experiencing "Among the birds, I am human"

OCT 2022 – African American wildlife photographer and Poet Donates Profits of Book to support racial equity, diversity and inclusion in the animal welfare industry.

A Baltimore native, wildlife photographer, and poet is healing through the world of nature. In his new book of images and poems, “Among the birds, I am human” he’s hoping to open doors of inclusion in the animal welfare industry.

CARE’S NARRATIVE EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color [BIPOC] suffer a great many challenges, but none greater than erasure. Either our stories are not told, or portrayed without a focus on our compassion, creativity, and genius. CARE’s Narrative Producers have years of multi-disciplined creative experience that insight CARE’s retelling the story of BIPOC and marginalized people and their pets.

MissionTeam

Economic Impact StudyHAW AcademyREDI’s new home!

Brown & BondedCARE CentersDirect CAREBark About It

Featured NarrativesBark About It!The WorkSecretary of Shade, Amped by CARE

CARE CentersThe Circle of Learning & LeadershipCommunity Animal CARE

Economic Impact Study

Research & Development

HAW AcademyREDI’s new home!

MEDIA

2024

Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity Launch Black History Month

2023

Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE) Launches Veterinary Advisory Committee

Atlanta puppy Bleu to make debut with paw-formance at Puppy Bowl

Dramatic Increase in Pet Product Costs Further Marginalizes Families and Their Pets in Low Income Communities

"Vodka for Dog People" is More Than Just a Tagline for Tito's

How CARE Cares for BIPOC, Marginalized Communities and Their Pets

CARE Launches Racial Equity Course Scholarships in honor of Juneteenth

Ponemah pet clinic part of campaign for more Indigenous veterinarians

Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE) Hires New Senior Director of Research

Historic 6.5 Million Grant to CARE Will Help Advance Inclusion in the Animal Well-Being World

Enhancing DEIB in Veterinary Medicine: Fostering Inclusion and Accessibility

Black-Owned Pet Businesses for Your Furry Friends

Give Direct Veterinary CARE on Giving Tuesday

2022

Why Diversifying Animal Welfare Help Shelters and Pets

Baltimore Woman Adopts Dog after 18 Denials from Northeast Rescues Shelter

Kentucky Disaster Relief Efforts Help BIPOC People and Pets

Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity Receive $1.7 Million Dollar Grant

Philadelphia Area Gets New CARE Center Director

Clinic helps Pets and their Human Companions at Northwest Minnesota Reservation

New Non-Traditional Public Service Announcement on Pets in Hot Cars

Rapper Turned Cat Rescuer Presents at Mille Lacs Veterinary Camp

DDm: That's My Dog It's National Dog Day

Animals, Society, and Race at Huston-Tillotson

Nina Love: The Black Thornberry levels it up for Philly’s Animals

The Gathering Comes to Philly October 7-8th

In Hurricane Ian Aftermath, Animal Lawyers Are Watching How a New Florida Law Will Play Out

James Evans receives the Avanzino Leadership Award for 2022

Experiencing "Among the birds, I am human"

James Evans, Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Jennifer Evans, Chief Operating Officer

DDm, Secretary of Shade

Hakeem Ruiz, Senior Director of CARE Centers Philly/Camden

Minna Knight, CARE Narritive Film Editor

Erica Witherspoon, Executive Assistant to the CEO/COO

James Evans, Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Jennifer Evans, Chief Operating Officer

DDm, Secretary of Shade

Hakeem Ruiz, Senior Director of CARE Centers Philly/Camden

Minna Knight, CARE Narritive Film Editor

Erica Witherspoon, Executive Assistant to the CEO/COO

CARE’S NARRATIVE EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR GIVERS CIRCLE

COLLABORATORS

Subscribe

Mission
Team

Economic Impact Study

HAW Academy
REDI’s new home!

Brown & Bonded
CARE Centers
Direct CARE
Bark About It

Featured Narratives
Bark About It!
The Work

Secretary of Shade,
Amped by CARE

CARE Centers
The Circle of Learning
& Leadership
Community Animal CARE

HAW Academy
REDI’s new home!