ReEmployAbility is dedicated to serving out not-for-profit partnerships within our network. It is important to still advocate for the communities we live in as well, so to embody our core values and purpose, the company has implemented sponsored volunteer opportunities for any employee who wishes to participate. The volunteer process may vary from non-profit to non-profit, but the desire to serve those in need never changes.
Our very own Community Care Team member Charaya Wagner, donated time on her birthday to assist the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. The mission of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay is to dedicate its efforts towards ending animal homelessness and providing care and comfort for companion animals in need. Housing a variety of animals from cats and dogs, to rabbits and pocket animals; you can assure that you will find your new best friend at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.
Animals in Need of a Forever Home
We contacted the Chief Development Officer Ornella Varchi, to learn more about the Humane Society of Tampa Bay and what they do for their community.
What are your organization’s goals for the community you serve? Briefly describe a recent accomplishment or achievement.
The Humane Society of Tampa Bay is dedicated to ending animal homelessness and providing care and comfort for companion animals in need. In 2021, we received over 13,000 animals at our shelter and served over 42,000 patients at our affordable animal hospital. We will continue to serve this amount of animals, and more, throughout 2022.
What is the most important message that you would like to relay to the readers about the Humane Society of Tampa Bay?
We have been serving the Tampa Bay area since 1912 and are one of the oldest non-profits in Florida. We can only continue to serve these animals through the support of the community. We are here for homeless animals and those animals are always in need of homes. Please consider adopting one of the thousands of animals who come through our shelter annually. There are also other wonderful ways to get involved through donating, volunteering, humane education programs, and attending our events.
Is the Humane Society of Tampa Bay planning any upcoming events that you would like to let the public know about?
Island Paws will be hosted on April 1st at the Tampa Garden Club. It is a fun evening with music, dancing, silent auction, food, drinks, and adoptable animals under the stars. For more information, you can go to islandpawsparty.com.
Charaya Wagner Shakes Some Paws at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay
During a company-sponsored trip to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, ReEmployAbility’s Community Care Associate Charaya Wagner worked alongside the committed staff members and volunteers to better serve those rescued animals in need. We asked Charaya some questions to get to know more about her and her experience at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. This is what she had to say:
What is your role at ReEmployAbility? Please give a little background information on yourself.
My role at ReEmployAbility is working on the Community Care Team. I am one of the liaisons for the injured workers and Volunteer Coordinators. Part of my job is answering questions or addressing any concerns the injured workers and Volunteer Coordinators may have with assignments. I also build rapport with our Volunteer Coordinators and injured workers, making sure everyone is working within their restrictions, following their duties, and making sure the not-for-profits are in compliance with the CDC guidelines.
Why did you choose to volunteer at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, and how is the organization’s mission significant to you?
I chose to volunteer at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay because I’ve worked with the organization in the past and had an enjoyable experience. I also wanted to spend my time with animals, because I’m an animal lover and wanted to help displaced animals as much as possible.
What were your duties and responsibilities while volunteering?
I didn’t have a specific role, duties, or responsibilities. There are many duties that needed to be fulfilled and I was able to perform various activities; from washing dishes for cats and dogs to cleaning out kennels and walking dogs. Every moment was enjoyable and fulfilling.
Would you recommend others to volunteer at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, and what should they expect as a volunteer?
I would definitely recommend working at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. There’s so much that needs to be done and they could use as much help as possible. Working with animals can be fun, seeing the dog’s personalities as they fetched tennis balls, ran around the yard, and sunbathed. There were some moments I wasn’t prepared for, but overall it was a wonderful experience and I was very fortunate to provide my time and energy to help as much as I could.
Click the link to learn more about the Humane Society of Tampa Bay and how to get involved
