Help educate compassionate kids with Noah’s Nook at Hinsdale Humane Society

10/24/2021

Foreword:
"There are so many ways we can help animals, one of the most impactful ways is by teaching younger generations how to be compassionate to them. I wanted to take this opportunity to share a special project at work. I joined Hinsdale Humane Society in January of this year as the Shelter Director and, excitingly, was promoted in July to overseeing our community programs, which includes our Humane Education Program. Lauren, its manager, came to me on September 1st asking if we could revamp Noah's Nook. These types of projects are always exciting to me so I looked forward to this moment. Here is an awesome opportunity to help children learn how to be better humans - starting with animals. We are looking to fundraise $500 to purchase the items listed in our wish list."

- Jessica Hiltner (Co-Founder of Real Dog Moms of Chicago, Shelter Director of Hinsdale Humane Society)

Post below written by: Lauren Link (Humane Education Program Manager at Hinsdale Humane Society)

At Hinsdale Humane Society, we are committed to bettering the lives of companion animals who depend on us for their care. For over half a century, we have provided a safe and loving environment for animals to relax while they wait for a kind person to invite them into their home forever. While our team of staff and volunteers work tirelessly to care for and adopt out thousands of animals each year, millions more (around 70 million - just in the U.S.) are still waiting for their chance at adoption. Unfortunately, we cannot possibly reach each individual animal directly. What we can do is work to ensure future generations are set up with the tools they’ll need to continue our mission, one of the most impactful tools being a mindset of compassion toward all living beings.

This is Dinkie, a baby Guinea Pig recently brought in as a stray. Dinkie is being taken care of by the youths in our Humane Education Program.

Children who are shown how to be compassionate toward themselves and feel they are capable of achieving their goals are more likely to extend that compassion to others. Data suggests there may even be a link between low self esteem and aggressive, antisocial behavior such as cruelty toward animals. We believe we can use our resources to encourage children in the development of healthy self esteem and a compassionate mindset.

Noah's Nook before.

The goal of our Humane Education Program is to provide children with opportunities to build and experience those incomparable relationships with animals while becoming more involved in animal welfare efforts. Books Barks Meow is our Read to Our Rescues program which aims to encourage the development of self confidence and reading skills while providing attention, love, and social connection for our resident pets. The program’s home base is located in the corner of our lobby - in a space called Noah’s Nook. The name Noah was chosen to represent a puppy who was brought to us a few years ago. This puppy had been the victim of extreme and unimaginable violence and neglect at the hands of a young individual. We believe our programs provide a vital service to give kids the tools to build a better and kinder future not only for themselves, but also for all of the homeless pets who depend on us for their care.

Here’s why we need your help: Noah’s Nook is in need of a makeover. We are reaching out to RDMoC readers to help us make our children’s space more comfortable, inviting, and creative for young animal lovers. We are asking for donations to purchase reading materials, seating, work spaces, craft supplies, storage, and decorations. All donations go directly to the development of Noah’s Nook to benefit kids who visit Hinsdale Humane Society. If you’d like to purchase an item to donate to the cause, please click here for our wish list or see below for ways to contribute financially to the purchasing of these items.

Wish list

If you wish to purchase an item on the list please ship to:
Hinsdale Humane Society
c/o Humane Education Program
21 Salt Creek Lane, Hindale, IL 60521

Please consider helping us as we encourage children to practice their reading skills while practicing compassion for all living beings. Thanks for reading and thank you to RDMoC for the opportunity to share about our growing programs!