The Network Live: Keeping Families Together: Innovations in Shelter Support to Strengthen the Human-Animal Bond

November 17, 2024

4:00 pm - 5:15 pm | Grand Ballroom

Panel Discussion:

Using real-world examples, our panel will explore innovative ways to expand support and diversionary programs that prevent the need for pet relinquishment, keeping families together and reducing shelter intake. We will discuss successful models and strategies for enhancing a shelter’s role as a community resource, empowering the animal welfare profession to better serve both pets and their people. Discover how to build stronger, more resilient communities by keeping beloved pets where they belong—at home. Learn how to expand these essential services and make a lasting impact on the lives of pets and their families.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ADDING SPEAKERS
  1. Create the Speaker on the Components page and export that speaker's row as a "Component"
  2. Add the speaker's name to the Event Categories using: first-last as the category "slug"
  3. Clone a "div" row in this layout and then delete the cloned "component" and add in the new speaker's component.
    Inspect that component and click on "Customize" - then "Conditions" and choose the speaker's name from the list of conditions

Speakers

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Raissa Allaire

Executive Director, Tree House Humane Society

Raissa Allaire joined Tree House Humane Society in May, 2018. Raissa has been a nonprofit leader for the past 20 years, including as COO of a social services organization and as a vice president/Chief of Staff for a Chicago museum. Raissa is also a member of the board of The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement.
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Meredith Jones
Chief Community Initiatives Officer, Operation Kindness
Meredith Jones has an extensive background in grassroots advocacy and activism, leadership experience with nationally-renowned animal welfare organizations, and has fought passionately for equal access for underserved pets and their people throughout her career. As the Chief Community Initiatives Officer for Operation Kindness, Meredith strives to implement community programs that provide accessible, compassionate, and nonjudgmental assistance.
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Jill Kline

Vice President of Culture and Community Impact, Wisconsin Humane Society

Jill Kline joined the Wisconsin Humane Society in 2006 and has a Master’s Degree in Public Service/Nonprofit Management. She leads the organization’s people work, including the people and culture and community impact program teams. In 2012, the Wisconsin Humane Society was selected by the HSUS to participate in their Pets for Life mentorship program, and Jill leads that team and work.  Prior to joining the WHS team, Jill worked at social service organizations assisting families impacted by poverty or violence.

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Doug Plant, MSW, SVP

COO, Michigan Humane

Doug Plant manages the daily operation of Michigan Humane, Michigan’s largest animal welfare organization. The departments reporting to him include Clinic and Shelter 0perations, Transport, Volunteer Services and Community Solutions. His experiences as a clinical social worker and program development have been instrumental in the creation of Michigan Humane’s focus on the human animal bond and it’s One Health Michigan initiatives to address the comprehensive needs of families.