“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead
In 2005, a small group of caring citizens banded together with the goal of providing additional medical care for animals in Norfolk’s City Shelter. Thus the Medical Fund for animals was born, spurred by a $750 donation. This small group lit a spark, encouraging more citizens to get involved and to identify additional ways they could help the city’s homeless pets. Financial support expanded, participation grew, and in 2008 the organization’s name was changed to Friends of the Norfolk Animal Care Center. This evolution signaled broader growth as sponsored programs increased to include not only medical support, but also funding of adoption programs, sponsoring spay/neuter programs, promoting adoption and rescue, and much more. From the initial six-member Board, Friends has grown to become a 14-member Board with a network of hundreds of volunteers and growing financial resources. The original $750 donation has advanced into an operating budget of nearly $100,000, with all proceeds benefitting the Norfolk Animal Care and Adoption Center and community. But never doubt that the seeds of the early, small start continue to bloom in today’s organization. Friends continues to be a 100% volunteer effort determined to support the staff of Norfolk Animal Care and Adoption Center and maximize their resources in an effort to provide loving care, safe shelter and forever homes for animals. As a charitable nonprofit founded to support and assist the Norfolk Animal Care and Adoption Center, your support is key in helping us to achieve our goals. Through financial donations, we are able to: Provide medical care to dogs and cats to prepare them for adoption, Fund training programs for shelter staff, Acquire medical equipment and medications, Coordinate adoption events and fundraisers that connect the community, Sponsor spay/neuter clinics. Together, the staff of Norfolk Animal Care and Adoption Center and the volunteers of Friends strive together to bring a happy outcome for all of Norfolk's shelter animals.
