About Community Cat Champions

Community Cat Champions, a 501(c)3 was founded in 2022 to improve the lives of felines in the communities we work in. Our focus includes cats living in permanent homes, temporarily in shelters, and community cats. We feel that caring for cats is frequently an afterthought in the animal welfare and veterinary industries and we are working to increase awareness of specific feline needs and improve their quality of care in all settings.

Some of the aid we may provide to improve the lives of cats in our community could include:

Spay/Neuter and Medical Care for Feline Family members of area residents struggling with the cost of veterinary care.

Spay/Neuter and Medical Care for Felines being cared for by area animal shelters, rescue groups, local municipalities, and foster organizations.

Grants to purchase life saving medical equipment and supplies for area animal welfare organizations.

Grants to purchase humane traps for TNR programs to area TNR groups and shelters.

Our Work

As much of our funding comes from the clients, employees, and owners of Community Cat Clinics we focus our work on the communities where the clinics are located. Currently, our work is focused on Cherokee and Gwinnett Counties and the surrounding areas in Georgia.

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Spay/Neuter Assistance

Spay/Neuter is key to improving the lives of pet cats and community cats and we are determined to increase the sterilization rates in the communities we work through sponsoring Spay Days, spay/neuter programs, and working to educate the public and government officials about the importance of increasing spay/neuter rates to the quality of life in their communities. Increasing spay/neuter in owned pets and community cats is one of the most effective tools available for decreasing shelter admissions and euthanasia.

Providing Funding for Sick Pets in Need

Access to Veterinary Care is becoming a major challenge for people in all wage brackets as the rising cost of veterinary care greatly outpaces the increases in the cost of living. A report on Access to Veterinary care by the University of Tennessee’s Program for Pet Health Equity found that in the preceding two years, 1 in 4 households experienced barriers to access to care.  The entire report can be found at Access to Veterinary Care Coalition (AVCC) - Program for Pet Health Equity (utk.edu). That same report found that more than 80% of respondents considered their pet to be a member of the family. When a family’s pet suffers due to inability to access veterinary care, the entire family suffers.

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Equipment and Medical Care Grants for Shelters/Rescues

Animal shelters and rescue organizations frequently struggle to care for all the pets entering their shelters and are challenged to invest in life-saving equipment and medical care when facing the overwhelming costs of daily operations. 

Lives Changed

Read Midnight's Story

Midnight, a sweet 4-year-old tomcat, was brought to his veterinarian for a routine checkup after his owner noticed excessive spraying. During the visit, they discussed neutering, updating his vaccines, and testing for FIV/FeLV. However, Midnight’s owner, living on a fixed income, was worried about affording the necessary care. Understanding the deep bond between Midnight and his owner, the veterinarian reached out to Community Cat Champions. Without hesitation, they stepped in, covering the cost of the neuter and vaccines. This ensured Midnight received both the vaccines and the surgery needed to alleviate his territorial behavior, like spraying, and to improve his overall health. Thanks to their support, Midnight is now healthier, and his owner can rest easy knowing he's in good hands.

Read Rasengon’s Story

Rasengon’s family found themselves in a heartbreaking situation at the emergency vet when radiographs revealed a potential foreign body in their cat. With no funds for surgery and after being denied both Care Credit and Scratch Pay, they feared they might have to make the devastating decision to euthanize their beloved pet. They had already borrowed money just to cover the ER visit. Determined to help, the vet scheduled an exam for the very next morning and a surgeon confirmed the presence of a foreign body through blood work and further diagnostics. Understanding the family’s distress, the vet reached out to Community Cat Champions for financial support. Champions covered the down payment for an in-house payment plan and contributed toward the final invoice. Thanks to their generosity, the was able to perform the surgery and remove the foreign body. We’re happy to report that Rasengon is doing well and on the way to a full recovery and remains loved and cared for by his thankful family. 

Read Penny's Story

Penny, a 13-year-old spayed female cat, was brought to her veterinarian for a severe ear infection. Her owner, deeply concerned, explained that they could barely afford the exam fee, let alone the treatment. Understanding the importance of keeping Penny healthy, the veterinarian contacted Community Cat Champions, who quickly stepped in to cover the cost of her treatment. Thanks to their support, Penny’s ears are healing, and her owner is relieved, knowing that Penny is back on the path to health and comfort.

Read Howl's Story

Howl, a 2-year-old male cat, had been vomiting for several days when his worried owners brought him to the veterinarian. After a series of diagnostics, including a barium x-ray series, Howl was diagnosed with an obstruction. By the time they discovered the issue, his owners had already exhausted their funds just to get the diagnostics done. Desperate to help their beloved cat, they needed assistance to set up a payment plan for the surgery. Community Cat Champions was able to help! They covered the setup fee, making it possible for Howl to receive the procedure he urgently needed. Thanks to their assistance, Howl has made a full recovery, and his owners are incredibly grateful to have their playful companion back to full health.

Read Cheeto's Story

Cheeto, a 1.5-year-old male cat, was brought to the vet after struggling with breathing and lethargy for two days. His owner, a full-time college student working full-time, was facing financial constraints and worried about how to afford the care Cheeto needed but knew he was very sick and must get help. An ultrasound revealed free fluid in Cheeto’s chest, but further diagnostics and treatment were essential. Understanding the urgency of the situation, the vet contacted Community Cat Champions, who offered their support to cover the additional costs. With their help, Cheeto received the critical care he needed. Now, both Cheeto and his owner have found some much-needed relief, and Cheeto is on the road to recovery.

Read Hugo's Story

Hugo, a 5-year-old kitty, was scheduled for a euthanasia appointment. He had a history of urinary obstruction and had undergone PU surgery three years prior. His owner was still paying off her Care Credit from that procedure and was currently unable to work. Hugo was straining to urinate, vomiting, and in considerable pain. However, during his examination, it was determined that he wasn’t blocked; his urine was very bloody, yet he remained bright and alert, walking around the exam room and being friendly despite his discomfort.

His owner expressed a deep desire to help Hugo but was at a loss, having no funds available and unable to afford cremation after euthanasia. After discussing the clinic decided to reach out for assistance from Community Cat Champions.

Veterinarians performed X-rays and sent off lab work, along with administering pain medication, subcutaneous fluids, and antibiotics. By the time of discharge, Hugo was doing well, albeit a bit grumpy from the X-rays. Thanks to the support from Champions, Hugo was not put to sleep. He received the care he needed, and his owner felt a renewed sense of hope for her beloved companion.

Founders

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Rick DuCharme | President

While employed in the heavy equipment industry Rick fused his passion and his professional skills as he became an active volunteer in the animal welfare category. Bringing his business experience to the movement he came to understand that an effective spay/neuter program was a vital first step and he became a member of the Mayor’s Task Force for Animal Control in Jacksonville and the driving force behind the city’s eventual drive to become a no kill community...
His passion and vision came together when he founded First Coast No More Homeless Pets in 2002, a 501C3 non-profit dedicated to ending the killing of dogs and cats in Duval County and beyond. Rick grew the organization into a national thought leader in the No-Kill movement, a key partner for local shelters across two states, 10,000 square mile service area and became a lifesaving part of the First Coast Community as the area has achieved No-Kill status with local partners in the core three county metro area.

While at FCNMHP targeted spay/neuter programs were always maintained as a priority, providing 22,000+ surgeries each year targeted at segments that were at high risk of ending up in shelters. These programs were credited with decreasing shelter admissions more than 50% over the years.

In 2013 while at FCNMHP Rick was one of three founders of the Target Zero Institute, a program that has helped dozens of communities along in their evolution to higher live release rates.

When Rick left First Coast No More Homeless Pets in July 2019 it was a $10+ million a year organization with 165 paid team members including 20+ veterinarians operating two large safety net hospitals with a combined 20,000 square feet of hospital space. FCNMHP also operates other lifesaving programs including a regional Pet Food Bank, Shelter, Neuter, Return Programs and Mega Adoption Events.

Rick has now founded RLD Consulting, LLC to help organizations anywhere that are working to save more dogs and cats. He specializes in Access to Veterinary Care, Spay/Neuter clinics, nonprofit start-ups along with other topics of importance to animal welfare nonprofit organizations. He has expertise in feasibility studies, strategic plans, implementation, and sustainability.
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Stacy LeBaron | Treasurer

Stacy LeBaron has been involved in animal welfare for over 20 years. She currently hosts a weekly podcast called the Community Cats Podcast where she interviews nationally and internationally renowned experts helping with the problem of cat overpopulation and cat welfare. In addition to the podcast, Stacy is committed to the model of virtual education by holding three-weekend conferences, the Online Cat Conference, The United Spay Alliance Conference and the Online Kitten Conference. She hosts day-long sessions covering specific topics around Feline Leukemia, Behavior and Fundraising.  At the end of 2020, she also partnered with Neighborhood Cats to hold monthly virtually trapper training and certification workshops to better introduce individuals to best practices for trapping community cats.
Previous to starting the podcast, Stacy served for 16 years as president of the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society (MRFRS). Under her leadership, the MRFRS assisted over 105,000 cats and kittens through a variety of innovative programs. Among the MRFRS’s programs are two mobile spay/neuter clinics, known as the Catmobile, and an adoption center in Salisbury, MA. Stacy ran the MRFRS Mentoring Program, which began in 2011 and assisted 11,000 cats through its work with 77 different animal welfare groups in 14 states.

An expert in her field, Stacy is currently the Treasurer for the United Spay Alliance, President of the Board for PAWSitive Pantry in Vermont and Massachusetts, Treasurer for the Vermont Humane Federation, Treasurer for the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society. She is a past board member of MAC and the New England Federation of Humane Societies. She serves as the current administrative trustee for the LeBaron Foundation.

Stacy graduated from Vassar College. She now lives in Vermont with her husband.
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Kristen Petrie | Secretary

Kristen Petrie is a graphic, web, and sound designer, as well as the "Technical Tabby" at The Community Cats Podcast. Since 2005, she’s filled a variety of roles while volunteering or working in animal welfare. She was part of the MRFRS board of directors for the better part of a decade and enjoys using her skills to help promote animal welfare causes and feline-friendly culture.
In her spare time, Kristen fosters cats who need time and patience to overcome behavioral issues or recover from trauma and is always up for an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Support Our Work

 
DONATE ONLINE
 

Checks can be made payable to Community Cat Champions and mailed to:
Community Cat Champions
PO Box 11918
Jacksonville, FL 32239

Community Cat Champions is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (Tax ID 88-3503758), and donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll-free within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state.

Questions?

    Or email us directly - info@communitycatchampions.org.

    Resources

    We suggest these sites to learn more about Trap/Neuter/Return and its benefits to the community can feral cats.

    The Community Cats Podcast
    www.communitycatspodcast.com

    Neighborhood Cats
    www.neighborhoodcats.org

    Alley Cat Allies
    www.alleycat.org

    Best Friends Animal Society
    resources.bestfriends.org

    Humane Society of the United States
    www.humanesociety.org

    ASPCA
    www.aspca.org

    We suggest the following sites to learn more about access to care issues and to try and find help for your pets.

    United Spay Alliance for help finding spay/neuter programs
    www.unitedspayalliance.org

    Pet Help Finder Website
    app.joinchorus.com

    University of Tennessee’s Program for Pet Health Equity & AlignCare
    pphe.utk.edu
    www.aligncarehealth.org

    Waggle Crowdfunding Site for Pet Health
    www.waggle.org

     

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    The Sue Black Memorial Scholarship

    In loving memory of Sue Black, a dedicated community cat program coordinator, we invite you to join us in honoring her legacy. For the last five years of her life, Sue passionately served the community, advocating for and improving the lives of countless community cats. Her work was far more than a job; it was her life’s purpose.

    Why Your Donation Matters

    By donating to the Sue Black Memorial Scholarship, you are helping us continue Sue’s mission. Your generous contribution will support individuals committed to community cat management, allowing them to receive specialized training and make a significant impact in their communities.

    How It Works

    Donations

    All donations are processed securely by Community Cat Champions, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to community cat welfare. When you donate, please leave a note marking your donation for “Sue Black” or “Scholarship” so that your funds are appropriately directed. Click here to donate online.

    Scholarship Applications

    Applications are accepted during specific periods each cycle. Scholarships are awarded for an eight week online Community Cats Program Management Certificate Course, offered through Benerd College at University of the Pacific. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply by submitting their application through this website.

    Selection Process

    Awardees are carefully selected by the board of Community Cat Champions, with significant input from Sue’s daughter, Rylie Black. This ensures that recipients are truly passionate about continuing Sue’s legacy.

    Apply for the Scholarship

    If you share Sue's passion for community cats and are looking to make a difference, we encourage you to apply for the Sue Black Memorial Scholarship. Click the link below to access the application form and submission guidelines.

    Submit an Application

    Applications are not being accepted at this time. Our next application period will open around Feb/March 2025.

    Eligibility
    Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to community cat management.

    Application Periods
    Applications will be accepted during each eligible period, up to three times per year. Current application periods will be updated here.

    Application Requirements
    • Complete application
    • Letter of recommendation from organizations you have worked or volunteered for or an individual who can attest to your dedication and potential in the field of animal welfare, preferably specific to community cat management.

    Submission Guidelines
    • Complete the online application form on this website.
    • Attach letter of recommendation

    Selection and Award Process
    • Awardee(s) will be selected by the Community Cat Champions Board of Directors, with significant input from Rylie Black.
    • Awardee will be notified within three weeks of the beginning of the next available course.
    • Funds will be applied to the next available 8-week online Community Cats Program Management Course at University of the Pacific.
    • If the awardee is unable to attend the next available course for any reason, the board will make a determination as to whether the eligible use period may be extended.


    This form is currently closed for submissions.