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A no-kill shelter and a pioneer in creating a cageless shelter environment, Gifford Cat Shelter was founded in 1884 through the collaborative efforts of Ellen Gifford and Captain Nathan Appleton, who shared a mutual respect for animals and a desire to ensure their welfare.

Assistant Shelter Director Karen Plescia describes the struggle of operating a small nonprofit: “Fundraising is our biggest challenge, especially in these difficult financial times . . . Often when people donate to animal welfare [causes], they send checks to national organizations with strong media presence. We are a relatively small, local organization without a marketing or PR budget.” It was the recognition of this struggle that started Jusani, and it is this need Plescia describes that Jusani seeks to fill.