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Pictured above from left to right: Michael Webb, an Employment Specialist in the Brick Day Program, Carol Connelly, holding Amy the cat and Jen Merkh.
5.19.09 | Passion for pets pays off for persons served, animal shelter
There are many things in this world that wouldn't be possible without volunteers. They have a special way of caring, helping and dedication to really make a difference. With a small staff for such a large town, and a volunteer roster of about 30, the Toms River Animal Facility (TRAF) relies heavily on their volunteers. Jen and Carol are among these volunteers—and are also persons served by Bancroft's Brick, New Jersey, program.
For the last two years, Carol and Jen have been volunteering an hour each Friday from spring through fall. The staff and volunteers work closely with Carol and Jen, who agree it's one of the best parts of their day program and why they love coming to TRAF.
While Carol and Jen both love animals, they have different preferences. "I like dogs, but I love cats," Carol says, as she unzips her jacket to reveal her cat sweater. "I'm Catwoman."
"I love the dogs because they are playful," says Jen, representing the other end of the spectrum.
Cats or dogs, TRAF accommodates both interests. Carol spends her time inside, working with longtime TRAF volunteers Marilyn Love and Carol Riccardi, playing and giving the cats lots of affection.
"We always have to check Carol's bag as a joke to make sure there are no animals," says Riccardi. Carol is just as happy taking pictures with her camera phone and sharing her photos with her peers when she returns from TRAF.
On the other hand, Jen spends her time playing with the dogs and working closely with Riccardi. She and the dogs play in a large fenced area in the back of the TRAF property. Jen also helps clean out the always-overflowing dog toy box.
Bancroft employment specialist Michael Webb brings Jen and Carol to TRAF and observes their activities. "My personal reward is seeing their happiness, enjoyment, and contribution to the community," says Webb, who arranged the volunteer positions, even though Carol and Jen were denied at other shelters. He had thought their passion for animals would be an ideal fit for volunteering at TRAF.
In fact, such activities tie in with Bancroft's mission to provide "opportunities for lifelong learning and fulfillment," and to support people with disabilities in being "valued and respected members of our world."
"I believe this opportunity has had a powerful impact for both Carol and Jen," says Webb. "Both look forward to each Friday."
If Jen and Carol's trip is cancelled due to inclement weather, they return asking about the animals—by name—and which have been adopted. Now that spring is here, Carol and Jen will be coming back to volunteer.
"It's really great that we can offer them this opportunity," says volunteer Marilyn Love. "They love it and we love working with them. We share a lot of laughs and have good talks. They really care and understand the dedication it takes to take care of animals."
Carol and Jen have the wonderful opportunity of getting hands-on experience with the animals as part of their day program. They care so deeply for the animals and give members of TRAF so much more. "We look forward to their return and we would love them to continue volunteering as long as they like," says Jim Bowen, division manager at TRAF.
Click here to download the TRAF slideshow