HART for Animals in Garrett County was awarded a $5100 grant by CTF to provide low-cost spay/neuter services to pets of owners in low-income households who cannot afford the cost of the surgeries. In a report following the 2024 grant, HART indicated that they provided spay/neuter services to 71 pets in low-income households in Garrett and Allegany Counties with the 2024 grant proceeds.
Low-income household qualifications fall within the Maryland WIC income guidelines. The grant impacted local resident’s lives and reduced the number of unwanted dogs and cats in local shelters, plus decreased the euthanasia rate of healthy animals. “We are so grateful to have been awarded these funds to help our community afford to keep their pets healthy and happy!”, reported Paula Yudelevit, Executive Director of HART. She further reported that as of December 2024, HART had performed 10,393 low-cost spay/neuters since the program started in 2009.
Leah Shaffer, Executive Director of CTF, commented “the HARTHelp grant is just one of the twelve that benefited Garrett Countians in 2024. Our mission area encompasses the three counties – Garrett & Allegany in Maryland and Mineral in West Virginia – so all our donors can be assured that all contributions to CTF remain local to enhance the lives in this region.”
This grant was funded by the Community Trust Foundation’s Invest in Allegany County Fund, Ray and Brenda Morriss Community Fund, and the Frank and Linda Lancelotta Animal Welfare Fund.
Community Trust Foundation (CTF) is your local community foundation created with gifts from generous people committed to local causes. Through the support of its donors, the Foundation grants to local nonprofit organizations working to build a stronger community in the areas of Arts & Historical Preservation, Health & Wellness, Vibrant Communities & Thriving Environment, and Education & Youth Leadership. Connecting philanthropy with community good in Allegany, Garrett, and Mineral Counties.
