At HSSV, we believe every connection is a chance to create change – for animals and their people. This month, we’re proud to announce the launch of HSSV’s Community Engagement program, which is a natural extension of HSSV’s mission to connect people, pets, and purpose.
“Spearheading the Community Engagement program at HSSV is an incredible opportunity to grow our visibility, foster meaningful relationships, and inspire others to join our mission,” says Kristi Mack, HSSV’s Senior Director, HR. “These connections help expand our impact and open doors to new partnerships that benefit both animals and the people who care about them.”
What is Community Engagement at HSSV?
Through group experiences and community events, we’re building connections that extend far beyond our shelter walls. Community Engagement at HSSV offers two impactful ways to get involved:
Group Experiences
Group Experiences are offered for corporate teams or other organizational groups looking to give back through hands-on experiences that directly support pets and their people. From assembling care packages and improving care spaces for animals at the shelter to hosting engagement opportunities from their own location, each activity helps save lives, support families, and strengthen our shared community. Through community efforts, we Keep Families Together by preparing food packages for our community members and distribution partners to ensure that no family is separated due to the need for pet food.
Others help to keep our shelter and dog walking paths clear of hazards like foxtails, and debris – helping our animals thrive in a safe environment. Group Experiences can even be hosted at the organization’s location – fundraisers and donation drives help to ensure that our shelter animals have everything they need to become ready for adoption.
Group Spotlight – Purposeful Team Days
Very recently, 24 employees from Apple joined us for a day of packing food for distribution through our Pet Pantry program. The group worked together to prepare 10,725 meals for those most in need and even had some time to provide some much-needed enrichment to adoptable dog Noodle in our dog park! The event gave the group an opportunity to work together purposefully to give back to their community – and importantly, it gave them a chance to visit HSSV, learn about the work we do, and share meaningful, direct connections with animals in need.
Community Events offer collaboration opportunities that help raise awareness and spark conversations about animal welfare out in the community. Whether it’s photos with Santa Paws or the Easter Bunny, marching in the San Jose Pride Parade or attending Bark in the Park, we love partnering on events that bring people together and uplift animals.
Community Events in Action
Partnering with HSSV for community events increases visibility for our important work and allows our staff and volunteers the opportunity to connect with friends and neighbors face-to-face.
HSSV has a proud annual presence at Bark in the Park San Jose, an event that gives us the chance to meet local pet lovers, celebrate HSSV alumni in the community, promote fostering, and provide valuable resources. At last year’s event, HSSV’s Medical Team distributed over 100 vaccines to dogs in need!
Last month, HSSV partnered with Santana Row to provide an opportunity for pet photos with the Easter Bunny – which resulted in some of the most adorable photos we’ve ever seen!
Community Engagement Matters
Today our Community Engagement program is thriving – and we look forward to expanding our reach to even more people. HSSV hosted 37 corporate volunteering events this year, clocking an impressive 1,392 volunteer hours. Group volunteers packed 220,000 Pet Pantry meals for distribution in our community, and have removed over 50 bags of foxtails and debris from our facility, keeping the shelter environment safe for our animals.
“When people come together to support animals – whether it’s through a company team day or a neighborhood festival – you can feel the impact right away,” explains Hannah O’Leary, HSSV’s Community Engagement Specialist. The program unites corporate groups, community organizations, and local event partners to raise awareness and build meaningful experiences around our common goal of creating a better future for pets and people.
People have made blankets and toys and stuffed Kongs with peanut butter to enrich our animals’ lives. Our events are a gateway for many to increase involvement from individuals who participate; many in the community come to hear about HSSV’s work through these events.
Throughout our Community Engagement program, we are able to fund medical care, adoptions, and support services like the Pet Pantry. At the end of the day, we are a Humane Society – and that includes all the friends and neighbors in our community who share our vision for a better future for pets and people.
Ready to get engaged? Learn more about Community Engagement for Group Experiences and Community Events here.