Page 11 - Martin Down Bulletin - September '24

Martin Downs, Page 11
Good Works from page 10
were recognized for their previous roles on the boards.
We had one outgoing board member, Michael Borlaug,
who was recognized for his outstanding service and for
all the contributions he has made to the organization over
the last several years.
Last but not least, CEO Suzy Hutcheson updated the
guests on where Helping People Succeed has been, where
we are today, and what the future holds. Presented with
flowers, Suzy was given a standing ovation for her 50
years of dedicated service and commitment. It was a
lovely evening, surrounded by caring individuals who
believe in our mission and the success of those whom we
serve!
Helping People Succeed is celebrating 60 years
of service to the community. Through its diversified,
effective program services and initiatives, hundreds of
thousands of the most vulnerable local children, families
and adults have been able to transform their lives through
education, counseling, training and employment. For more
information, contact Glenna Parris at (772) 320-0778.
Suzy Hutcheson, Claire Nash, Chris Perry, Julia Kelly, Heidi
Bosley and Glenna Parris
Nala’s New Life Rescue
Becomes Part Of Jeff Corwin
Documentary
For more than 25 years, Nala’s New Life Rescue in Palm
City has been rescuing dogs and cats that have been abandoned
or mistreated. For them, Nala’s is a place of refuge and healing,
where they can recover and be adopted by a family.
Nala’s is named after a beloved pit bull who was rescued
as a puppy. She became a mascot at Nala’s because she was a
comforting companion for so many dogs who found their way
to Nala’s. She passed away from bone cancer in 2008.
Well known locally, Nala is now getting national recognition
as part of a documentary being filmed by naturalist Jeff Corwin
for his Wildlife Nation: Expedition Florida series.
Corwin was informed about the growing number of dogs
abandoned in South Florida. He and his team spent months
investigating and filming around the Homestead area. He
heard about Nala’s and their incredible work in transporting
dogs to the Northeast for adoption. He brought his crew
to Nala’s adoption ranch to tell a unique story about the
lifesaving transports.
Nala’s not only rescues animals that have been abused
or mistreated They also provide the veterinary care and
socialization needed to get them healthy and ready for
adoption. It is also a critical part of a national network that
transports rescued animals to Northeast partner no-kill shelters
for adoption. Nala’s transported more than 500 dogs and cats
last year alone.
Corwin followed a
pair of abandoned dogs
and cats that had been
rescued by Nala’s as
they made their journey
to Darbster Doggie in
New Hampshire. Both
dogs were quickly
adopted.
“The number of
pets that need rescuing
continues to rise. At
the same time, we are
experiencing a perfect
storm of challenges,”
explained Barbi
Moline, Nala’s founder
and director. “Just Scoobs is one of the lucky ones.
like when COVID hit He was rescued by Nala’s New
and made it difficult Life Rescue and recovered under
for many people to their care. Many dogs are not as
properly care for their fortunate. Nala’s is appealing to the
furry family members, community for financial assistance
the same holds true to enable them to continue rescuing
now. Due to the pets that have been neglected or
economy, the housing abused.
market and inflation,
many people are experiencing financial hardships and have
been forced to abandon their animals.”
Inflation also caused a significant increase in the cost of
food, supplies, gas and veterinary care for the animals.
“Every animal who comes to us has some kind of problem,”
added Moline. “They may have been neglected or abused
so they are not socialized. Most aren’t spayed or neutered,
and many have heartworm disease, parasites and skin issues.
Many are in desperate need of dental care. Minor injuries or
illnesses that were never diagnosed are allowed to grow into
major medical complications.”
“Our vet bills have continued to grow dramatically, even
with reduced fees from the only veterinarian in town willing to
discount their services. Just last year, medical bills for animals
in our care were a staggering $150,000,” Moline said.
To complete the perfect storm of financial challenges was
a generous long-time Nala’s donor passing last year. Moline
wants animal lovers in Martin County and beyond to know
about the challenges they are facing now.
There are currently 28 dogs at Nala’s adoption center itself
and another 25 dogs in foster homes.
“Caring for our animals and paying the costs of transport
are challenging to us right now,” Moline said. “We are
asking this generous and compassionate community to
consider donating to Nala’s to assist with immediate
needs while staff and volunteers move ahead with a new
fundraising event and appeals.”
Nala’s New Life Rescue is a nonprofit 501(c)(3)
organization. Donations can be made through its website
https://nalasrescue.org/donate/ or directly to the shelter
at 2740 Martin Downs Boulevard, Suite 402 in Palm
City. Like and follow Nala’s on Facebook at https://www.
facebook.com/nalasrescue.