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Pawsperity.org/ Memberships
STEPHANIE 2020 GRADUATE
F OUNDING
Natasha Herdman
BOARD MEMBERS
Tom McDonnell, President
Jarrod Sanderson, Treasurer
Terry Garberg, Secretary
Ann Abercrombie
Scott Bauer
Emma Brooke
Katie Steele Danner
Christian Hill
Jamila Weaver
EDITOR
Jennifer Strickland
DESIGN/ADVERTISING
Reilly Atkins
WRITERS
Reilly Atkins
Heather Solis
Jennifer Strickland
ART DIRECTOR
Kim Tappan
PHOTOGRAPHY/STUDIO
Hallie Sigwing Photography
SPECIAL THANKS
Pawsperity Marketing Committee COVER
Ashley, 2022 Pawsperity graduate, holding Crystal, her Pembroke
Welsh Corgi.
Photography by Hallie Sigwing
@pawsperitykc
@pawsperitykc
linkedin.com/company/ pawsperity
PAWSPERITY
5805 Troost Avenue Kansas City, MO 64110 816.214.5376
www.pawsperity.org
Natasha’s Note Together, We’ve Made a Difference
BY NATASHA HERDMAN FOUNDING CEO
Welcome to Pawsperity’s 4th issue of Grooming, Love and Hope. It is hard to believe we are nearing our organization’s 10th year in existence. There is a lot to be proud of as we take time to acknowledge our decade of impacting lives and ending the poverty cycle. I am excited to bring back our gala in the fall of 2026 to celebrate this momentous year. We hope you can join us. While many plans are underway for the gala and beyond, if you are not already, I’d encourage you to sign up for our monthly newsletter. It is a great way to hear about timely updates with not only events, but also student success stories, dog grooming specials, and so much more.
Natasha Herdman, Founder of Pawsperity
This past year has been filled with many achievements, as well as some challenges. We were thrilled to be notified that we won 2025’s Human Animal Bond Innovation Award for Public Service. To be recognized at a national level is truly an honor for Pawsperity. They highlighted our transformative approach as what set us apart for this prestigious honor.
We have also officially launched our commercial kitchen program, which is taking our food pantry to the next level. By utilizing food and ingredients donated from our generous food partners, we can have small volunteer groups come into our onsite commercial kitchen to make and package breakfasts and lunches in bulk. While students already receive breakfast and lunch, this addition helps ensure healthier options that are not as processed, and eliminates the additional cost we sometimes incur to purchase items we do not get donated. It is proving to be a wonderful way to engage companies and community groups.
From the student standpoint, we made some changes to the overall structure of our school curriculum. Previously, individual students were self-paced and would start individually at various times of the year. Now students join cohorts every five weeks, which has been beneficial, allowing them to move through our program together with other individuals. They study and test through each course together and as graduate at the same time with their cohort. This new process helps students move through the course a bit faster than in the past, which is helpful for them in the long run to secure a new career more quickly. Additional changes, such as a 70% required attendance rate and 80% minimum to pass tests, hold students more accountable than before. Fortunately, our overall student satisfaction rating for our instructors and case managers is high, which is very encouraging.
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We ask students to rate our program after each course so we can closely monitor and evaluate collective feedback.
As we have been slowly increasing students, the need for dogs has also increased for them to groom. Thanks to the generosity of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have renovated part of the current grooming school, adding in more tubs and drying stations, along with additional kenneling. Besides extra learning space for instructors and students, we can now handle up to 100 dogs. Thanks to those of you who have brought your dogs to us or who have recommended our services to others.
As we move into our 10th year of existence, we know we could not continue our mission without the continued support of our incredible funders, dedicated Board of Directors, passionate staff, amazing volunteers, and wonderful dog clients. Thank you! Here’s to 10 more years of working together to change lives.
Sincerely,
FOUNDING CEO
Congratulations to Natasha for being a Kansas City Business Journal’s 2025 Women of Influence honoree and acknowledged for her continued fight to end generational poverty.
Pawsperity Board members support Natasha (center) at the Women of Influence Award Ceremony (from left to right): Emma Brooke, Jamila Weaver, Terry Garberg, and Jarrod Sanderson.
PAWSPERITY HONORED FOR HUMAN ANIMAL IMPACT
Many of us already know from firsthand experience as pet parents that animals and people can have a special connection. The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) shares that people are happier and healthier in the presence of animals. Scientifically documented benefits of the human-animal bond include decreased blood pressure, reduced anxiety, and enhanced feelings of well-being.
Pawsperity is no stranger to this bond. The dog interactions in our school can be a real game changer for students who come from very traumatic situations. Natasha Herdman, Founding CEO says, “The dogs can bring comfort to our students who have unfortunately had a lot of trauma in their lives. At the same time, working with animals forces our students to be in the
present moment. As an unexpected but wonderful result, we have seen our students’ communication skills improve because of these daily interactions.”
In 2025, Pawsperity was recognized by HABRI in the Public Service category of the national Human Animal Bond Innovation Awards. These awards
“The dogs can bring comfort to our students who have unfortunately had a lot of trauma in their lives. At the same time, working with animals forces our students to be in the present moment. As an unexpected but wonderful result, we have seen our students’ communication skills improve because of these daily interactions.”
recognize those doing innovative work designed to advance the humananimal bond.
“HABRI is honored to recognize Pawsperity as the Public Service award recipient of this year’s Human Animal Bond Innovation Awards,” said Steve Feldman, President, HABRI. “By providing comprehensive support to individuals pursuing a career in pet care, Pawsperity exemplifies how organizations can empower people to build brighter futures while nurturing the human-animal bond.”
Pawsperity thanks both HABRI and its supporters for selecting Pawsperity for this prestigious award!
Natasha Herdman accepts the Public Service award at the HABRI Innovation Awards Ceremony.
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Kelly, 2022 Graduate. Photography by Hallie Sigwing
The Power of Perseverance: Kelly’s Journey
Three years ago, Kelly graduated from Pawsperity. Within two weeks, she was hired by Brookside Barkery—where she has been employed ever since. Getting to this point in her life was not easy, but she is deeply grateful for all the support along the way.
In and out of prison for a decade, Kelly was heavily addicted to methamphetamines. “I would have warrants out for my arrest, and I would never check in with my parole officer. I continued to make bad choices, and it finally caught up to me.” She adds, “When I was in prison, I didn’t really think about what I would do with my future.”
But there came a time when Kelly made the conscious decision to never return to jail again. She had the opportunity, during parole, to initially get into the Heartland Center for Behavioral Change, a facility that provides behavioral healthcare and substance use disorder treatment services. Shortly after, Kelly then moved to Sisters in Christ, an organization that offers housing and mental health services to help formerly incarcerated women, often homeless, build stable, purposeful lives. Kelly says, “During counseling, they asked me what I wanted to do. Then they shared information about Pawsperity, or at the time, it was called The Grooming Project. I knew that program. It was mentioned to me a few years before, but I wasn’t ready. But at that moment, I was very ready for a different life. It was my time.”
After being approved and starting the program, the challenge to simply get to school was the next hurdle. “In the beginning, it took two different buses. I had to get there really early in
Only two blocks from the school, the 6-unit apartment facility built in 2021 by Pawsperity, or “dorms” as students call it, allowed Kelly to conveniently walk every day to her classes.
the morning, before school was even open,” Kelly said. Her perseverance paid off because a few months later, she applied for an opening and received a spot at Pawsperity’s Family Residence. Only two blocks from the school, the 6-unit apartment facility built in 2021 by Pawsperity, or “dorms” as students call it, allowed Kelly to conveniently walk every day to her classes.
During her time at school, Kelly worked hard at learning the ins and outs of grooming. At the same time, she was attending the required Power Skills
classes, which includes life skills courses such as emotion regulation, professionalism, and communication. Case Manager and Soft Skills Specialist, Emily Harris, MSW oversees this part of the curriculum. Emily says, “Kelly is so kind and always open to learning, which is what made it fun to have her in the classroom! She is truly dedicated to her personal growth, and you could see that by the way she transformed through the program. I think Kelly is a wonderful Pawsperity graduate role model!”
Another integral part of Pawsperity’s Power Skills is financial literacy, which is led by First Federal Bank of Kansas City. They helped Kelly put together a strategic plan while she was living in the Pawsperity Residence, allowing her to build a good rental history and save money. With the assistance and guidance of First Federal Bank of Kansas City, these plans turned into reality. After graduating from the program and moving out of the Residence, Kelly was able to purchase and move into her first home!
Reflecting now how going through the extensive program affected her, Kelly says how meeting Amy, Pawsperity’s Lead Grooming Instructor, and graduate of the program herself, was extremely powerful. “Being trained and taught by supportive and smart women was amazing. I never had that before.”
“Kelly
is so kind and always open to learning, which is what made it fun to have her in the classroom! She is truly dedicated to her personal growth, and you could see that by the way she transformed through the program. I think Kelly is a wonderful Pawsperity graduate role model!”
“I’m incredibly proud of Kelly and her journey. She overcame things that would break most people. It’s nothing short of inspiring. She found not only a skill, but a purpose.”
Kelly may not realize that she had an impact on the instructors as well. Amy says, “I’m incredibly proud of Kelly and her journey. She overcame things that would break most people. It’s nothing short of inspiring. She found not only a skill, but a purpose.”
“Being trained and taught by supportive and smart women was amazing. I never had that before.”
As a groomer who has been in the field for three years now, Kelly shares, “I really like getting to know the dogs and seeing them time and time again. That’s my favorite part and makes my day.” At home, Kelly is thriving going to the gym daily, working on home projects, and living her best life with her two cats, Onion and Angela. She says, “Being a homeowner is surreal!”
It is hard to believe just a few years ago, Kelly’s life looked profoundly different than it does today. She says, “Pawsperity’s program is beyond life changing.” Although it was not easy, once Kelly’s mind was made up, there was no stopping her determination and perseverance. She says proudly, “I love my life.”
Photography by Hallie Sigwing
Andis is proud to support Pawsperity and their mission to empower graduates and unleash their potential.
FASTER, CLEANER GROOMS.
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Giving Her Children the Life They Deserve
Ashley’s Path to Creating a New Life
On the day her third child was born, Ashley was praying for a miracle. “That first night was truly bittersweet, lying with Tommy all alone in the hospital. Just him and me. He depended on me, and I wanted him to be able to count on me.” The fear and anxiety of not being able to provide for her three children tainted what should have been a joyous life moment.
While awaiting Tommy’s arrival in 2018, Ashley’s husband was being sentenced for aggravated battery charges, and she had $232 to her name. She was seven months pregnant and living in a homeless shelter with her two daughters. The hopes and dreams for the family she always wanted were slipping away.
Ashley began waitressing to provide for her girls and relied on her roommate at the shelter and her family to watch her kids. With no car, she walked along a busy highway at night from the shelter to work and back. It was during those walks that her darkest thoughts would creep in. “How will I provide for these soon-tobe three kids?” She knew working as a waitress was a temporary band-aid and not a sustainable way to provide the life she wanted for her children.
“How will I provide for these soon-to-be three kids?”
After Tommy was born, a flyer for an information session about Pawsperity’s grooming school and the potential to make a decent living as a dog groomer caught Ashley’s eye. The opportunities a Pawsperity graduate shared during a presentation spoke to Ashley and motivated her to apply. After several months of hard work with hundreds of hours of handson learning and testing through six
Ashley’s Labrador, Diamond. Photography by Hallie Sigwing
Ashley, 2019 Graduate. Photography by Hallie Sigwing
Ashley and her family. Photography by Hallie Sigwing.
different levels of instruction, she graduated. At first, she was nervous about grooming without her instructors there to guide her, but she soon realized they had prepared her well for her new career.
Working at one other salon after graduation first, Ashley then began working at Woof’s Play and Stay in Lawrence, Kansas in June of 2020. Today, she is proudly their Lead Groomer. “I absolutely love what I do—I don’t even feel like I’m working. But most importantly, I am providing my kids with the life they deserve.”
On her own, in 2021, Ashley became a homeowner. Today, she not only
“I absolutely love what I do—I don’t even feel like I’m working. But most importantly, I am providing my kids with the life they deserve.”
provides her children with a safe and stable home, but also the activities and opportunities they love, like dance, cheer, and karate.
Reflecting on how far she has come since those nights walking back to the shelter or lying in the hospital after her son was born, Ashley is grateful that her kids don’t remember those days. Instead, they see the confident mother she has become, the mother they
can rely on, and the one she dreamed of being. Simply put, Ashley says, “Pawsperity was the best decision I’ve made in my life. It was my light in the darkness.”
With the help of Pawsperity, Ashley’s family went from barely surviving to thriving. As a graduate, Ashley is empowered to pay her own bills, buy her own home, and give her kids the life they deserve.
Dressed to Impress: Pawsperity Pup Pageant
As the sun began to set on May 16, 2025, excitement filled the air as creatively costumed canines took center stage for the Second Annual Pawsperity Pup Pageant, sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition. The energy was palpable as supporters and local media eagerly awaited to see which pups would be crowned this year’s winners.
Following the success of 2024’s inaugural event, the Pup Pageant quickly became a cherished tradition for Pawsperity supporters, two- and four-legged alike. The 2025 event marked an exciting milestone, with Hill’s Pet Nutrition stepping in as the event’s first-ever presenting sponsor.
The competition featured three imaginative costume categories: KC Sprit, Fantasy Tails, and Pup + Parent Lookalike. Participants dazzled the crowd and judges alike with their creativity. Highlights included a dog dyed in teal and red in honor of the Kansas City Current, a storybook
The 2025 event marked an exciting milestone, with Hill’s Pet Nutrition stepping in as the event’s first-ever presenting sponsor.
inspired dragon and princess duo, and a dog wearing a wig and sweater to match their owner’s unique style. With many standout entries, the judges faced a tough task selecting the top winners.
Throughout the evening, Pageant Emcee Kate McLiney Wiewel kept the audience
engaged, injecting fun and warmth into the event while also taking time to share the ‘why’ behind the pageant— Pawsperity’s mission to provide job training and support to end the cycle of generational poverty. Kate spoke about her personal connection to the organization as a grooming client for her Great Dane, Blue, and highlighted inspiring successes of alumni. Her remarks resonated with the crowd, especially those learning about Pawsperity for the first time.
The Pup Pageant is more than just a costume contest—it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and compassion, all in support of Pawsperity’s transformative mission.
Pageant emcee, Katie McLiney Wiewel, with her Great Dane, Blue.
A big thank you to our pageant judges, Eric Kromidas from Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Sarah Sipple from The Pitch, and Jackie Nguyen from Café Cà Phê.
Pat and his human cross the stage in full KC sports spirit.
Barnaby struts in matching plaid pajamas with his dad.
Joon Bug poses elegantly with her trophy for winning the Fantasy Tails category.
Jasper takes home the gold in the KC Spirit Category.
Rocky and Madi celebrate their win as Pet + Parent Lookalike.
FULL CIRCLE
Tanisha’s Journey from Student to Teacher
Tanisha, 2016 Graduate, with her Standard Poodle, Bro. Photography by Hallie Sigwing
Tanisha is not just a Pawsperity Grooming School Instructor but also a graduate from the very first Pawsperity class of 2016. Inspired to give back to the program that helped give her a new life, she decided to come back to Pawsperity two years ago—this time to teach. With smaller cohorts of 8-12 brand new students starting every five weeks, Tanisha still cries each time she sees a student graduate. She says, “I just have such a joyful feeling and am so proud. I know as a graduate what it means. They now have a skill that nobody can ever take away.”
After Tanisha graduated, she went to work for a retail salon for a year. She then moved to a smaller grooming shop for seven years—and she credits the owner of that salon with taking her under her wing and giving her a chance. This owner was the President of the local Poodle Club and passed along those intricate poodle grooming skills to Tanisha, which is her specialty today.
Pawsperity’s curriculum is extensive, spanning seven months in total with over 800 hours of hands-on learning, plus nearly 100 hours of life skills, or what we call Power Skills. Power Skills range from parenting to budgeting to emotion regulation and so much more. The intent of this structured training is to best prepare students for not only the grooming industry, but also for life in general. Just like any school, fulfilling expectations is also a critical part of a student’s success, including attendance and passing grooming tests before moving on to each phase of the program.
When asked what Tanisha loves the most about teaching, she says, “Seeing confidence change. The students sometimes second guess themselves and can be unsure of the
“I just have such a joyful feeling and am so proud. I know as a graduate what it means. They now have a skill that nobody can ever take away.”
best way to talk with clients. It makes me work with them even harder. Once it clicks for them though, it clicks. They transition into a whole new person. That’s the real joy in it for me.” She pauses and reflects, “It is a blessing to be part of their journey.”
Tanisha’s dedication is clear not only to the students she teaches, but to her colleagues, as well. Director of Grooming, Amber Mabrey, says, “Tanisha is awesome! Her students love her because she pushes them to do their best and keeps them on track, but always with kindness. We’re so glad she’s part of the team.”
A recent graduate, Teania, says, “Tanisha is so good. She is a very
After the initial Intro to Bathing and Brushing class, there are five other levels of teaching (102-106), which students must complete. Tanisha teaches the last phase, called Breed Standards (106). This level incorporates the look and feel of a real-world grooming salon with its separate kenneling, bathing and drying rooms, and it serves as the final five weeks of the program. As they work with Tanisha to prepare for graduation and enter the workforce, students also focus heavily on direct client communication.
Tanisha is no stranger to how Pawsperity’s school can change lives. “I was able to be there for my three kids, including one of my sons who went into the Army. I am proud to say all of them went to college. Grooming changed everything for me.”
Photography by Hallie Sigwing
passionate person and motivated me every day that I was at Pawsperity. Even more of a plus—she knows what it feels like to go through the program.”
Tanisha is no stranger to how Pawsperity’s school can change lives. “I was able to be there for my three kids, including one of my sons who went into the Army. I am proud to say all of them went to college. Grooming changed everything for me.”
Like all Pawsperity instructors, Tanisha is invested in the ultimate mission of Pawsperity. She lives and breathes purpose in her work. She has taken the skills she has learned over the years, along with her own personal experience, to help transform the lives of her students for the better. Thanks, Tanisha, for all you do!
Evergy is proud to support Pawsperity in empowering families to uplift themselves from generational poverty through job training.
Hallmark applauds Pawsperity for providing its students the opportunity to break free from the cycle of poverty and become self-reliant.
Tanisha helps Meghan, a student in her class, put the finishing touches on her groom.
Fueling Futures One Meal at a Time
At Pawsperity, supporting students means more than providing job training. It means making sure their most basic needs are met, starting with food. A student can’t learn on an empty stomach, and since being in our new facility in January of 2023, Pawsperity has worked to try to ensure no student, or their family, goes hungry.
Students have long been able to count on having food on the table. While at school, students received daily breakfasts and lunches. On their way out of the door, they can take what they need for their families from our fully stocked food pantry. It’s one less thing to worry about while working hard toward a better future.
In the past, those meals mostly came from big-box stores—frozen, pre-
made options that were convenient but costly. Sometimes Pawsperity would get more nutritional food donated, but there was an opportunity to improve. With the new facility came a fully equipped commercial kitchen. This space is the perfect solution to improving our students’ meals and at the same time engaging volunteer groups from companies and community groups. And so, the Commercial Kitchen Program began.
Mixing dry ingredients for oatmeal raisin cookies.
The concept is simple. Volunteers sign up to cook in the kitchen, choosing from a collection of easy, nutritious recipes designed for large-batch cooking from the Pawsperity cookbook.
The program officially launched in July of 2025 after a few pilot sessions. The concept is simple. Volunteers sign up to cook in the kitchen, choosing from a collection of easy, nutritious recipes designed for large-batch cooking from the Pawsperity cookbook. The volunteers spend a couple hours chopping, stirring, sautéing, and packaging meals that are then frozen for students to enjoy later. Depending upon the group, volunteers can also bring ingredients for their recipe. Sometimes, like with muffins, the food is served the very next day.
Chopping tomatoes for garlic butter spinach pasta.
Volunteers from Insperity put the final touches on their dish.
The impact has been immediate. Students now receive a greater variety of fresh, nourishing meals that help them stay energized during long days of hands-on training. Ultimately, Pawsperity also hopes with the support of this program to never have to spend additional money when food donations are low. The frozen, prepared meals will always be there with the consistency of weekly volunteer groups.
Equally as important, volunteers walk away with something meaningful, too. Whether cooking with coworkers, friends, or family, they often leave feeling more connected— to each other and to the cause. There’s a shared sense of purpose in knowing that a few hours in the kitchen can directly support someone working hard to change their life. Pawsperity is fortunate to have had a variety of companies and community organizations give their time to make this new program a reality.
Rockhurst University’s Vice President & Dean of Students, Matthew D. Quick, Ph. D., shares his group’s experience, “Each year, as a part of the Finucane Service Project, Rockhurst University freshmen join up with community partners to offer service on their first full day of being a Hawk. Preparing healthy and fresh meals for the students of Pawsperity, in their beautiful commercial kitchen, was a unique and meaningful way for us to live out Rockhurst’s mission. Rockhurst students not only left with a sense of accomplishment and desire to serve again, but a clear understanding of how Pawsperity is equipping their students to break the cycle of generational poverty and offering them a sense of transformational hope!”
At its core, the Commercial Kitchen Program is about more than food. It’s about the simple truth that when people are well-fed, they’re better able to learn, grow, and succeed. That’s exactly the kind of future we’re working to build—one meal at a time.
Preparing healthy and fresh meals for the students of Pawsperity, in their beautiful commercial kitchen, was a unique and meaningful way for us to live out Rockhurst’s mission. Rockhurst students not only left with a sense of accomplishment and desire to serve again, but a clear understanding of how Pawsperity is equipping their students to break the cycle of generational poverty and offering them a sense of transformational hope!”
Serving up cookies at the commercial kitchen launch.
community impact tailored to
Through team building, workplace giving, drives, and sponsorships, Pawsperity can meet the needs of your company or group. Let’s work together to make a real difference in our community.
The Power of Belief How Pawsperity and Community Partners Helped Karla Rewrite Her Story
“I’m not the same person I was two years ago,” Karla shares. Four years into her drug addiction, in 2010, she lost custody of her children. This devastating blow sent her spiraling deeper, and eventually, she became homeless. In 2014 after her first arrest, she spent five years in and out of prison due to drug charges. Once released, Karla returned to the streets. While she didn’t go back to jail over the next few years, she says she alone can’t take credit for staying out of prison. She says, “Someone was watching out for me.”
Everything changed on December 6, 2023. Karla was just days from losing her apartment. Returning to the streets was unthinkable and would be brutally cold this time of year. That’s when Karla had a real turning point in her life and made the decision to enter Ozark Recovery Housing, a sober living facility.
While at Ozark, Catholic Charities introduced Karla to Pawsperity’s program. Before then, with children to support and bills to pay, Karla never believed she could support herself financially. Inspired by a team member at Ozark who was also in recovery, Karla could see a future through Pawsperity’s job training and wraparound services. After entering our program, she met many women who had become financially independent as dog groomers. Their stories served as an example of what was possible.
She shares, “It is unbelievable all the energy that was poured into helping me. For the first time in a long time, Pawsperity made me feel that I had value and was worthy of help.” Karla credits the trust built between instructors, case managers, and students, along with the range of resources, including the life skills
“It is unbelievable all the energy that was poured into helping me. For the first time in a long time, Pawsperity made me feel that I had value and was worthy of help.”
classes and the Family Residence, with making her completion of the program possible.
Karla says, “When setbacks and challenges happen, because they are going to happen, the team is there to teach you that one mistake doesn’t have to undo all of your progress.”
When Karla stumbled, unlike in the past, it was the first time she knew immediately she didn’t want to return to her old life.
“Karla took full advantage of all the support and resources Pawsperity offers and put in the work to overcome her failure mindset about her past and changed her narrative (and future) to one filled with hope and success,” said Crystal Ralston, Pawsperity Case Manager.
Budgeting for unexpected financial setbacks are part of the Pawsperity curriculum, but without time to grow their savings, problems like
unexpected car troubles can derail an early career. While students and new graduates are building their savings, they can request help from the emergency assistance fund. Instead of seeing these kinds of setbacks interrupt a student’s success, these safeguards are built into the program to ensure students can continue down their new path.
In August of 2024, as Karla was graduating from Pawsperity, her determination to turn her life around was tested once again. Her excitement about starting a career at Petco took a stressful turn when her car broke down. Because her new job wasn’t easily accessible via public transportation, Karla had to piece together different modes of transportation, requiring her to leave at 4:00 AM each morning. Pawsperity, together with several community partners, ensured Karla kept her job. Great Jobs KC helped with transportation vouchers and
Karla, 2024 Graduate. Photography by Hallie Sigwing
Great Jobs KC helped with transportation vouchers and Missouri Vocational
Rehabilitation, Church of the
Resurrection, and Pawsperity’s alumni emergency fund assisted with the car repairs.
Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation, Church of the Resurrection, and Pawsperity’s alumni emergency fund assisted with the car repairs. To make matters worse, at the same time, she was having severe dental issues. Fortunately, Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation also covered muchneeded dentures, which were lifechanging for her confidence.
A couple of months later after overcoming these hurdles, and gaining even more self-assurance, Karla shared with the Petco store manager that someday she’d be interested in becoming a salon manager. With previous professional experience and solid grooming skills, her manager asked her, “Why not now?”
Amazingly, Karla graduated in August of 2024 and within a few short months
in October of the same year, she transitioned from groomer to salon manager, supervising two other groomers. A year into her new role, she proudly shares that at 42 years old, for the first time in her life, she is supporting herself, paying her bills, and living in her own apartment—
...she proudly shares that at 42 years old, for the first time in her life, she is supporting herself, paying her bills, and living in her own apartment—something she never thought was possible.
something she never thought was possible.
Over the next year, Karla is focused on staying grounded and continuing to grow, both personally and professionally. As a salon manager, she plans to keep learning and building her skills. More than anything, she hopes to give back—to support others the way Pawsperity supported her. She wants to pour into others the same belief that was poured into her. Karla’s message to Pawsperity is clear: “You are breaking the cycle. You are showing people who don’t think they are worthy of being loved, that they are loved (and supported) unconditionally.”
While Pawsperity knows its program works and definitely assisted Karla with getting to where she is today, we also know that our students often receive help from many other excellent nonprofit agencies across Kansas City. A big thanks to all of those organizations who were a part of Karla’s success and who continue to help countless others within our community.
We could not do what we do without the partnership of countless community agencies who contribute in many different ways to our students’ success.
A special thanks to Bishop Sullivan Center , Great Jobs KC , Heartland Center for Behavioral Change , Journey to New Life , and Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation .
keys to the future
THE PAWSPERITY FAMILY RESIDENCE
The 4,800 square foot Residence, only two blocks from the school, features six fully furnished, private apartments, shared kitchen and living areas, plus an outdoor playground and gardens.
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE GENEROUS SUPPORTERS WHO MADE THE RESIDENCE POSSIBLE
95% of students who lived at the Residence completed the program.
100% of the graduates utilizing this temporary space secured post-graduate employment.
The Jack F. and Glenna Y. Wylie Foundation
Mabee Foundation
McDonnell Foundation
Sherman Family Foundation
Sunderland Foundation
Tom McDonnell
William T. Kemper Foundation
Juno, 2025 Graduate. Photography by Hallie Sigwing
Reclaiming Her Life
Juno’s Transformation
Juno, a 2025 Pawsperity graduate, can’t believe the life she has now. She spends time with her children, works in a job she loves, is making more money than she ever has in her life, and has even purchased Worlds of Fun season passes for her family. Five years ago, this was all beyond her wildest dreams.
In August of 2022, Juno was separated from her children, living on the streets, and using drugs. After spending months in jail for drug possession charges, she was at a crossroads. She knew she had to make a change or risk never seeing her kids again. Juno spent the year after her release in and out of various sober living houses and rehabilitation facilities, which is where she first heard about Pawsperity.
A friend told her that she was planning on attending the program once she was sober. Juno was intrigued—maybe this would be right for her, too. She had always loved animals, and she needed a fresh start and a new career to support her family. After her friend tragically died from an overdose, Juno took it as a sign. To honor her late friend and build her own life, she would apply to Pawsperity, too.
In March of 2024, she entered Ozark Recovery House, where she was able to focus on her sobriety and apply to Pawsperity. She knew this was the key to changing her life.
Juno was overwhelmed at her first shadow visit. The grooming room was hectic with fur flying everywhere, and it was all so different from what she knew. She was determined, though,
to take her life in her own hands and gain the skills she needed to change her and her children’s path for the better.
By the end of that first day, Juno knew Pawsperity was going to be her saving grace. It took hard work, but over time, she felt herself getting better, and she fell in love with dog grooming.
Juno shared, “I thought that I loved animals, but after coming here, I had to re-learn to love them a bit. I had to pour my heart into [grooming], but I realized this was really something I wanted to turn into my life.”
On the harder days, her fellow students and her instructors gave her the encouragement she needed. She said, “We all uplifted each other—we were in it together. Every single instructor pushed me to be
my best and helped me on the hard days. It helped me push myself.”
After a few months at Pawsperity, Juno’s time living at Ozark was coming to an end. She moved into a recovery house, which provided a safe place to live. However, she knew she was ready for more independence and a chance to try life on her own terms.
Juno spoke to one of the Pawsperity case managers who let her know there was an opening at Pawsperity’s Family Residence. Here she would have the opportunity to prove to herself she could live solo and have her children stay with her on the weekends.
“[The Residence] was a good steppingstone for me with my kids. We were away from each other for so long; they had to learn how to trust me again. We had so much fun; we would play downstairs, and on the playground outside. It was a really special time for us.”
As Juno’s graduation drew near, Pawsperity helped prepare her for a new career. She worked tirelessly on her resume and portfolio to give herself the best chance of landing a grooming job near her children in the Northland.
“[The Residence] was a good steppingstone for me with my kids. We were away from each other for so long; they had to learn how to trust me again. We had so much fun; we would play downstairs, and on the playground outside. It was a really special time for us.”
“I had my interview for my current job before I even graduated. Pawsperity’s employment specialist helped me with my resume and to find the right places to apply. The mock interviews made me feel less nervous for the real thing.”
“I had my interview for my current job before I even graduated. Pawsperity’s employment specialist helped me with my resume and to find the right places to apply. The mock interviews made me feel less nervous for the real thing.”
She impressed her current employer with both her grooming skills and interpersonal skills, and had a job offer before she graduated. Things were coming together. The life Juno dreamed of was at her fingertips.
Juno says, “The thing I love most about dog grooming is the responsibility factor—these dogs are counting on me. No matter how hard it may be, I will accomplish it and feel fulfilled every single day. I’ve never ever felt like that in my life.”
After graduating, Juno started her new job and set out looking for somewhere to live. With help, she found the perfect spot at Hillcrest Hope—a two-bedroom apartment near work.
These days, Juno grooms six to seven dogs every single day and the time goes by quickly because she loves what she does. She has a car, has paid off her probation and intervention fees,
“I’m able to do the normal mom things I was supposed to be doing before. I just can’t believe this is my life. It’s so beautiful.”
and is working towards putting a down payment on a house. For the first time in a long time, she’s planning for the future.
Juno’s sons, her number one reason for getting sober and changing her life, live with her every other week. She’s able to be the mom she wanted to be, taking them to school and to activities, and
spending every free moment together. Juno has the support, the career, and the funds she needs to be the mom they deserve. She cherishes this time together because of what it took to get here. Juno says, “I’m able to do the normal mom things I was supposed to be doing before. I just can’t believe this is my life. It’s so beautiful.”
Juno and her boys. Photography by Hallie Sigwing
A Celebration of New Beginnings
Each year in early fall, Pawsperity celebrates its graduates from the past year with an official ceremony, complete with diplomas, caps, gowns, and a pianist playing Pomp and Circumstance as graduates file in. The air hums with anticipation and pride, as friends, family, and supporters take their seats, eager to witness a moment that represents so much more than a certificate. For many, this may be their first-ever graduation ceremony. It may be the first time they have ever been recognized and honored themselves. For some families, it may be the very first time any family member has graduated at all.
The celebration offers more than just applause and photographs. It is a deeply personal opportunity for each graduate to reflect upon the journey that brought them to this point, including hundreds of hours in our program honing their grooming skills, developing personally, and preparing for their new careers.
Pawsperity’s Case Manager/Soft Skills Specialist, Emily Harris, MSW, shares, “Having the opportunity to witness individuals displaying a feeling of confidence and accomplishment in front of their friends and family is wonderful. I love nothing more than observing our graduates believing in themselves, while seeing all of their hard work and dedication pay off.”
The last graduation was particularly moving as several graduates took the stage to share their stories and speak about the impact Pawsperity has had on their lives. Among them was Andrea, who spoke with pride about the new possibilities she has created for her family.
“It really felt amazing to finish what I started with the program and the skills I acquired have really changed my life. I’m grateful to have a career in grooming,” Andrea shared. The impact her new career has on her family is great. Today, Andrea can provide for them in ways she didn’t think was possible, like purchasing a car for her teenage son.
Another graduate, Ecko, shared her aspirations for the future. She spoke about the grooming business she’s taken steps to start and her dream of creating something lasting for the next generation. She hopes to pass along a legacy to her children, ultimately building a better life for her entire family.
Each story shared is a reminder of what’s possible with the right support, skills, and determination to keep going. Every graduate who crosses the stage puts in extensive work to perfect their grooming skills and prepare for financial independence. Graduation day is more than a celebration— it’s the beginning of a new chapter filled with hope, purpose, and pride.
The Pawsperity class throw their caps in celebration.
something special is coming...
THANK YOU, DONORS!
We are grateful for the incredible support received from all of our donors. This is a comprehensive list of gifts received from 1/1/2024 to 12/31/2024.
An extra special thanks to The Jack F. and Glenna Y. Wylie Charitable Foundation for providing a very generous match opportunity to other donors!
$100,000 & Above
Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The Dehaemers Family Charitable Trust
Doctors Morrill Foundation, Great Plains Trust Company, Trustee
Hall Family Foundation
Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
The McDonnell Foundation, Inc.
Sherman Family Fund
The Jack F. and Glenna Y. Wylie Charitable Foundation
$50,000 to $99,999
William G. McGowan Charitable Fund
Philip and Patricia Muck Charitable Foundation
$20,000 to $49,999
Andis Company and Andis Foundation
Anonymous
G. Kenneth & Ann Baum Philanthropic Fund
Bauman Family Foundation
Fresh and Clean by Pet-Ag, Inc.
Meta
Oracle
SkillBuilders Fund
Edward F. Swinney Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee
$10,000 to $19,999
Abe and Anna Bograd Memorial Trust
The Ina Calkins Charitable Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee
The Ronald D. Deffenbaugh Foundation
Dodd Family Foundation
Dunn Family Foundation
Thomas Fahey Family Foundation
First Federal Bank of Kansas City
Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Oppenstein Brothers Foundation - Commerce Bank, Trustee
Pfriem Family Fund
Fred and Jami Pryor Foundation Fund
Vivian & Hymie J. Sosland Charitable Trust
Truman Heartland Community Foundation
$5,000 to $9,999
Anonymous
Balocca-Clements Family Charitable Trust
Evergy
David V. Francis and Janis Francis, the Francis Family Foundation
Sandi and Ed Fried Family DAF of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater KC
Terry Garberg
Gattermeir Family Foundation
Global Prairie Foundation
Arvin Gottlieb Charitable Foundation
Hallmark Corporate Giving Fund
Mara and Chris Johnson
Kauffman Foundation Matching Gifts Program
Kirk Foundation
The Mos Family Foundation
David Nicol
Robert D. Regnier Fund
J.B. Reynolds Foundation
Victor E. and Caroline E. Schutte Foundation Trust
The Stueck Family Foundation
Tantillo Family Foundation
Jill and Tom Turner
Emily and Todd Voth
$1,000 to $4,999
Ann Abercrombie and Genny Nicholas
Gerry and Bruce Barker
Joan and Bert Berkley Blue Heron Foundation
BOK Financial
Jamie and Jason Buchanan
Largo and John Callenbach
Central Presbyterian Church
CKCS Charitable Fund
Combined Federal Campaign
Country Club Bank
Country Club Christian Church
Country Club Plaza
Beth and Steve Davis
Ann and Gary Dickinson Family Charitable Foundation
Eichman Family Fund
Jenny and Warren Erdman Charitable Fund
Sharon Goldstein
The Flo Harris Foundation
Frederick and Louise Hartwig Family Fund
Shirley & Barnett Helzberg Jr. Donor Advisory Fund
Hockaday Family Fund
The Horn Family Fund
Cheryl Jernigan
Mary Joneson
Kenner Family Foundation
Charles Koester
Brenda and Jerry Kolb
Rachel B. Krantz & Edward J. Goldstein DAF of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater KC
Rebecca and Steve LaNasa
The LAZ Parking Charitable Foundation, Inc.
Marilyn Lederer Charitable Giving Account
Lockton Family Foundation
Machens Family Charitable Fund
Linda Marcusen
McCullough Family Foundation
McLeod-Davis Giving Fund
Midwest Turf, Inc.
Judge Cleveland F. Moulton Christmas Poor Fund Trust
Martha Gayle Packer
Melissa Palan Goldenberg Charitable Giving Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater KC
Perkins Malo Hunter Foundation
Norman and Elaine Polsky Family Charitable Foundation
Victor L. and Helen B. Regnier Fund
Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church
Carol Saunders
Lisa and Charles Schellhorn
Ralph L. Smith EMPOWERMENT Fund
Elaine Feld Stern Charitable Trust
The Stolzer Family Foundation
Samuel George Terbovich
Tom’s Town Distilling Co.
Village Presbyterian Church
Visitation Church
Michael Weaver
The Westlund Family Fund
White-Simchowitz Family Charitable Fund
$1 to $999
Many, Many, Valued Supporters
It is our goal for this to be an inclusive list. We apologize for any omissions or errors.
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Harnessing the Transformative Power of Purpose
As a purpose-driven marketing firm with the top B Corp score in the world, Global Prairie celebrates our client and partner, Pawsperity, for their life-changing work in our community. Thank you for unleashing the power of human potential through training in the art of dog grooming!
thank you,
FACILITY MAINTENANCE
Our volunteers are vital to our mission. Whether spending one or one hundred hours with us, volunteers make a measureable impact on the lives of our students.
COORDINATING FOOD DONATIONS
volunteers
We are fortunate to have many groups and individuals who share their time and talents with us. We’d like to extend a special thanks to our Board members, social work interns, and committees who provide ongoing support to our organization. Thank you for everything you do!
