Jacksonville Humane Society Brings Back Reading to Pets Program with Support of The Jim Moran Foundation
Media Contact: Lindsay Layendecker, Office: 904-493-4560, Cell: 904-613-6331
LLayendecker@jaxhumane.org
Jacksonville, FL – The Jacksonville Humane Society (JHS) is happy to announce the return of our children’s program, Pawsitive Reading, where children can read to dogs and cats at our new Adoption, Education and Community Resource center, thanks to a generous grant from The Jim Moran Foundation honoring what would have been Jim Moran’s 99th birthday.
Pawsitive Reading began in 2013 at JHS but due to construction of our new facility, the popular children’s program was put on hold last May. In our new center, Pawsitive Reading will be getting several upgrades including the opportunity for children to read any time during our adoption center hours, seven days a week. Additionally, with The Jim Moran Foundation’s funding, each child will receive a brand new book!
Pawsitive Reading serves a dual purpose, providing a benefit to both the child who reads and the pet who listens. Children may feel more comfortable reading to a dog or cat verses an adult, and this practice helps to increase literacy. Shelter pets, who are facing the stress of living in an unfamiliar setting, are greatly enriched when listening to children read. It helps them relax and feel comfortable at the front of the kennel, which in turn increases the odds of adoption.
“We are very excited to bring back one of most popular programs thanks to The Jim Moran Foundation,” said Denise Deisler, Executive Director. “We can’t wait to share other programs such as camp and fieldtrips with the community, too. Thanks to The Jim Moran Foundation, JHS is now able to provide humane educational opportunities to children in northeast Florida, helping to ensure a bright future for pets and people.”
Children interested in participating must attend a short information session with a parent or guardian held weekly at the Jacksonville Humane Society. Parents or guardians must remain with children throughout the duration of their stay. For more information about information sessions and Pawsitive Reading, please visit jaxhumane.org/read.
About the Jacksonville Humane Society
The Jacksonville Humane Society provides care, comfort and compassion to animals in need while engaging the hearts, hands and minds of our community to bring about an end to the killing of abandoned and orphaned shelter animals. More information about the Jacksonville Humane Society is available at www.jaxhumane.org.
About The Jim Moran Foundation
Founded by automotive pioneer Jim Moran, the mission of The Jim Moran Foundation is to improve the quality of life for the youth and families of Florida through the support of innovative programs and opportunities that meet the ever-changing needs of the community. The Foundation has invested more than $90 million in education, elder care, family strengthening, after school and youth transitional living initiatives since its inception in 2000 – with efforts currently focused in Broward, Palm Beach and Duval counties. Through a long-term Grant Agreement, The Foundation’s significant funders are JM Family Enterprises, Inc., and its subsidiaries, including Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC. It is located at 100 Jim Moran Blvd., Deerfield Beach, Fla. 33442. To learn more, visit www.jimmoranfoundation.org or call (954) 429-2122.
