Q&A
Marie Belew Wheatley of Lakewood has been president and chief executive of the national American Humane Association, based in Englewood, since 2004. The organization has about 100,000 members. She is a member of the Society of Animal Welfare Administrators and serves on the board of the National Call to Action to End Child Abuse.
Q. What makes the American Humane Association different from other humane organizations?
A. American Humane is the oldest national organization dedicated to advocating for the protection of children and animals. Our mission since 1877 is to create a more aware and caring society for the benefit of children and animals. We speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, and try to make the humane treatment toward all living creatures part of the national conscience.
Q. American Humane is a national organization, so how do you create and work with local chapters and volunteers?
A. Many local animal care and control agencies, humane societies and organizations and individuals serving children and families are members of American Humane. We provide them with research, training and educational materials to help them do their jobs more effectively, for the sake of the children and animals. We train volunteers all over the country in disaster preparedness and response, and mobilize them when disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina, occur.
Q. Are the issues concerning animal and child welfare changing?
A. Yes. We have known for years that there is a link between cruelty to animals and other violence in our society, and that children who are exposed to abuse in the home, whether it’s toward animals or toward people, are highly likely to become abusers themselves. As federal funding continues to be cut, state and local governments are hard pressed to provide the services that our children and their families desperately need.
Q. What got you involved? What personal reward do you get from it?
A. I came here as president and CEO to lead the organization through a turnaround during some financial challenges. We had to make some difficult choices, but the staff and board are incredibly dedicated to the mission, and together we have achieved amazing success. What more meaningful work could someone wish for? Helping children and animals, speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves, and inspiring people to operate at their highest being, showing kindness toward all.
– Staff writer Joey Bunch
REGIONAL NOTES
PARKER
Youths can help create gym mural
The town of Parker is inviting students from local schools, art groups, clubs and other organizations, as well as individuals, to help paint a mural at the Mainstreet Center gym at 19650 E. Mainstreet.
The theme is “Youth Art in Parker.” Parker children ages 8 to 18 can paint what they think the town looks like. The mural will be created in panels and installed around the gym.
Painting sessions are planned from 4 to 8 p.m. July 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 5 and from 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 9.
For those unable to attend, supplies can be dropped off at their location, and the resulting art panels will be incorporated into the display.
A reception to unveil the artwork will be held in September.
For more information, call Cindy Galasso at 303-805-7728 or e-mail cgalasso@ci.parker.co.us.
JEFFERSON COUNTY
4-H “Old Time Fair” this month
“Old Time Fair” is the theme of this year’s Jeffco 4-H Fair to be held free July 28 and 29 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.
Livestock shows, demonstrations, exhibits, midway games and Westernaires performances are planned. A rodeo is scheduled at 7 p.m. both nights. At 8 p.m. July 29, an old-fashioned hoedown with the group Snake Oil is planned.
For more information, call 303-271-6620.
DENVER POST STAFF REPORTS
