The story of Paws In Need began in 2013, when Lisa Williams and her co-founders launched a search for a worthy animal welfare cause to promote. Having served for many years in various Board positions for larger rescue and shelter organizations, these founders sought to identify the root causes of a widespread community issue and address a need not being met head-on. Their primary goal was to offer more affordable spay and neuter options aimed at directly serving low-income populations in the Tri-Valley area (which includes Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, Sunol, San Ramon and Danville) and beyond. What has differentiated Paws In Need from other non-profit organizations is its unique position to focus exclusively on those underserved populations experiencing financial hardship and lacking access to necessary veterinary care. As the organization broadened its reach and expanded its volunteer team, Paws In Need leaders successfully bridged a gap in local communities by developing targeted programs, an effective case management strategy, and eventually a compassionate TNR (trap-neuter-release) method to deal with the increasing numbers of feral cat colonies. The team also committed to taking a more accommodating, personal approach when evaluating individual cases by offering cost-sharing resources to help with both spay and neuter and one-time emergency medical procedures not made available through traditional local shelters or rescues.

OUR RESULTS

Given its size and scope, this organization has achieved astounding results over the years and built a solid foundation, a feat accomplished by fostering reciprocal relationships with veterinary partners and non-profit organizations, as well as by soliciting ongoing donor support.

Tri-Valley communities would reap the benefits from a decrease in the number of animals entering local shelters, thus costing taxpayers millions of dollars each year. Paws In Need has successfully maintained its operation relying solely upon funds raised from private donations, fundraising activities, special campaigns, and grants; and has consistently invested almost all of these funds back into running its programs. Paws In Need raises public awareness and promotes its programs via the website and quarterly email newsletter, along with various social media platforms, promotional materials, events, and direct mail campaigns. The organization has already witnessed how these spay and neuter and urgent care programs can transform a community by catering to underserved populations and granting these individuals the peace of mind that both companion and stray animals alike will be safe and protected.

However, when the pandemic began last year, the COVID guidelines applicable to the organization's veterinary partners made it more challenging to secure appointments for non-profit spay and neuter or other urgent advanced procedures, a temporary situation which has placed new limits on the capability to serve local communities. Now, as communities embark upon a path towards recovery, Paws In Need looks forward to the prospect of resuming more normal activities and to upholding its mission of serving the public.

OUR PEOPLE

Lisa Williams - President and Medical Programs Director (Board member since 2013)
Having participated in several advocacy groups over the years, Lisa honed her skills within various segments of the animal world, from fostering animals and running adoption events, to holding Board positions and managing fundraising activities. As co-founder of Paws In Need, Lisa has created an organization committed to the principles of compassion, cooperation, and community support by adopting an accommodating, personal approach to animals and pet owners in need.

Beatrice "Bea" Bauerly - Vice President and Secretary (Board member since 2013)
The strings of Bea's heart have always been pulled by animals, all animals. Bea considers herself very fortunate to share that passion and be a strong advocate for animals that cannot take care of themselves. Paws In Need represents an organization that closes the gap left by regular rescue agencies in its efforts to eliminate unnecessary suffering and euthanasia.

Cindy Pang - Treasurer (2023)
Cindy is passionate about offering her time and expertise to civic and social causes. She has held several leadership positions at her workplace including nonprofits such as The Wish Connection CA Chapter and InspirASIAN of Northern California. She is currently volunteering with Allie's Pal Cat Rescue as a foster mom for kittens. Cindy's vast experience in accounting and treasury will be a great asset to Paws In Need as our Treasurer. She is very grateful to be a part of an organization that not only advocates for animals but also does so much good for the community.

Hathi Winston - Communication Director (Board member since 2017)
Growing up on a ranch in Pleasanton, Hathi has nurtured a special appreciation of animal companions her entire life, mainly dogs all adopted from local shelters, rescues, or taken in as strays. For this reason, the mission of Paws In Need spoke to Hathi, with its message of preventing overpopulation and helping pet owners who cannot afford urgent veterinary care.

Leslie Silberman, MBA - Development and Marketing Director (Board member since 2021)
Since the guiding mission of Paws In Need appealed so strongly to Leslie's passion for animals, especially dogs, she decided to join the organization as Grant Writer in 2019. In this role, Leslie has relied upon her communication and organizational skills to secure funding necessary to sustain the vital programs run by Paws in Need. In May 2021, she was asked to serve on the Board as Development and Marketing Director to further promote this organization's vision.

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