About Us
Thank you for your support during our recent auction!
You helped us raise $6,372 for new vehicle wraps for the MCAS transport vans … 91% of our $7,000 goal!
Our Mission
Friends of Multnomah County Shelter Animals is a non-profit that is committed to providing complementary support to the positive work performed by Multnomah County Animal Services. This work includes assuring animals’ safe haven, veterinary attention, compassionate care, reuniting lost pets to their families, and finding loving homes for homeless pets.
History
In 1997, a team from Multnomah County Animal Services (then Animal Control) formed a nonprofit entity to help provide the shelter with essential funding to supplement the county’s basic animal services. This new nonprofit, Friends of Multnomah County Animal Control, was led by MCAC employee/director Frank Dixon, who received legal authority from the county to serve as the first director of both the county’s animal services and the Friends’ nonprofit. Within a year, a new director (Rod Strand) assumed leadership of Friends, adding board members (who would also later become Friends directors) and developing the nonprofit's mission as it helped fund Multnomah County Animal Services with significant contributions.
In 1999 (and after an organizational name change), Friends of the Shelter Foundation funded an expansion at the shelter which included a modern surgical unit and a visitors area. Friends also funded the shelter’s microchip program and a designated area for the spay/neuter facility. The foundation paid a year’s rent on a building at Washington Center Mall that allowed for spay and neuter overflow, and covered medical treatments.
More recently, Friends of the Shelter Foundation funded:
A $10,000 matching donation for the 2019 Kitten Triage Program
A mobile trailer, originally used for spay and neuter surgeries, that has most recently housed the Kitten Triage Program
“Adopt Me” vests for dogs to wear at adoption outreach programs
Two new vans wrapped with eye catching graphics
One, used to transport adoptable animals to outreach events and offsite adoption venues
The other, used for the live trapping and safe transport of feral cats to and from spay/neuter surgery, and to provide community cat education throughout the county
Fencing material for the shelter’s dog yards
New humane-sized cages for the cattery
Rolling cat enclosures for adoptable animal overflow
New sterilizing dishwasher
Trailer base for the “Pitties in Pink” parade float
Park-like yard with agility equipment for dog walks and enrichment
Dog grooming tools such as a grooming table, clippers, combs and brushes
Belly bands for dogs in foster homes
Sherri Goldstein, past President of Friends of the Shelter Foundation and a longtime member of the board (2003-2018), has said that one volunteer can make a world of difference for the shelter and for Friends. One such volunteer was Jan Cook. Jan spent countless hours and years of service at MCAS donating personal funds for adoptions. She paved the way for mentor programs, educating and recruiting volunteers as well as the general public, and showing how each one of us can make a world of difference one pet at a time. Jan also set an extraordinary example in setting aside money from her estate to continue supporting Multnomah County’s shelter animals after her death.
In October 2018, Friends of the Shelter Foundation renamed its nonprofit to Friends of Multnomah County Shelter Animals. New board members will carry on Sherri Goldstein’s vision for raising awareness about responsible pet ownership and supporting foster animals and their families. Additionally, Friends will continue to dedicate itself to the mission of raising funds to provide the best care for all homeless, neglected, and abandoned animals that come into the shelter. It is our deepest desire that each animal is afforded the humane respect needed in order to be placed into loving homes with owners who will provide the best pet care possible.
Current Board of Directors
Kim Swaney, Acting President & Secretary
Kim Swaney has worked for OnPoint Community Credit Union for 28 years, and is currently serving as its Retail Support Manager. Over the years, she has volunteered at many rescues and could not be more excited to be on the Friends board, supporting the efforts of Multnomah County Animal Services. Kim feels strongly that animals need a “voice” and she looks forward to helping them in any way possible.
Kim lives in Troutdale with her husband Robb, four dogs, and one cat.
Mapsy Powers, Treasurer
Mapsy has spent much of her life around and advocating for animals. As a child, her family called her “Elly May” (reference to "The Beverly Hillbillies”) as she always seemed to surround herself with animals wherever she went. She has been a regular volunteer at MCAS since July 2018, and decided to get involved with Friends to help more. She has a B.A. in Communication and Media Studies and an M.A. in Educational Leadership and Administration, and works in adventure tourism.
Darlene Anderson, Board Member
Darlene has had an affinity for animals since early childhood. She was raised on a farm and helped care for cows, pigs, chickens, dogs, cats, and her very own horse which she first received at age 5. She especially reveres cats, so after retirement from a nursing career she began volunteering in the cattery at Multnomah County Animal Services in 2012. Darlene’s participation in MCAS’s TNR program led to working in the kitten triage program and fostering feral kittens; she has continued this work, often fostering orphaned bottle babies and ill or fragile kittens.
These experiences were formative in Darlene’s desire to help the public become more aware of both the good work and ongoing needs of the shelter. She believes that Friends shares this vision and commitment, and she joined the board to help facilitate communication and support between MCAS, Friends, and the local community.
Cindy Davison, Board Member
Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Cindy enjoys camping, hiking, gardening, spending time with her three rescue cats and long walks with her English Cream Golden Retriever, Candy. She has spent the past several years advocating for the welfare of animals including working to help support feral cat organizations and volunteering in several foster care and adoption programs.
Cindy works as an Oregon Real Estate Broker and has joined the Friends board to continue fulfilling her passion and dedication toward the welfare of all animals.
Susan Boyl, Board Member
Susan a retired social worker, has been volunteering with MCAS since 2015. Her volunteering has included T.N.R., working in the cattery and laundry duties. Growing up on the Oregon Coast her family said at an early age Susan was fascinated by any insect or animal that crossed her path.
Susan joined Friends with the goal of helping shelter animals and the public. She lives with her husband and two special needs kitties Leo and Mitts.
In Memory of Jan Cook
FMCSA was initially funded almost entirely by Jan Cook, an avid cat lover and local animal advocate. Jan volunteered personally at the shelter and consistently pressed management to make policy and program changes for cats during a time when the Live Release Rate for cats was a mere 38%. She personally sponsored cat adoption specials and paid the fees for cats to be adopted. She turned up the heat on management until, at one point, she was actually barred from physically volunteering at the shelter; yet, she continued advocating from home. Even after passing away 2008, Jan’s legacy continues to fund, support, and promote better programs in the shelter through FMCSA.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many animals come through MCAS per year?
More than 5,500 dogs and cats come through the animal shelter every year, in addition to other animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, reptiles, goats, etc.
How many people are on the FMCSA Board?
The Board can have up to nine members, but currently there are five. Interested in joining? Send us a note at support@friendsofmultcopets.org.
What is the time commitment to volunteer on the Board and what are the duties of Board members?
The Board meets a minimum of once per quarter, but may meet more frequently when planning a specific project. Members can also expect duties outside of the Board meetings, ranging from researching and/or writing grants to fundraising and event planning.