Finalists for animal welfare award drive meaningful change in their communities

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Jewell Brown helps pets and people impacted by housing insecurity.

Jewell Brown, Nashville, Tennessee

Born and raised in Nashville, Jewell Brown knows her community well. And she’s spent years giving back to the people and pets she lives alongside, many of whom she knows by name.

“She has built a home rooted in kindness—one that has long welcomed animals and people in need alike,” says nominator Shelley Carney, with Pet Community Center, a nonprofit veterinary clinic in Nashville. “Jewell is a trusted and consistent source of support for her community, particularly people and pets experiencing housing insecurity.”

In a city where access to affordable housing is severely limited, Brown goes into neighborhoods to give warm meals, clothing and supplies to those most in need. Many of the people she helps have pets.

“A lot of times you’ll see a homeless person sleeping on the street or on the sidewalk. And I know [their] love for their dog is good. You can tell that they love them,” Brown says. When she first started handing out meals, people would give food to their pet before eating themselves. Now she brings kibble with her so everyone gets fed.

After a friend with nowhere else to go asked if he could camp in her backyard with his two dogs, Brown welcomed him in. Then she worked with Pet Community Center to get the dogs food, medication and vaccines.

“The little things you can do can mean a whole lot to somebody,” she says.

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Luisa helps connect pet owners with the resources they need.

Luisa Lopez, Atlanta, Georgia

Over the years, animals of all kinds have passed through Luisa Lopez’s care, from turtles found on the side of the road to rabbits she took in from a neighbor who was facing financial challenges.

Lopez has been working with LifeLine Animal Project in Atlanta for years, supporting both people and animals in her community. It all started after a neighbor rescued a goose who was hit by a car. Lopez helped look after the bird before LifeLine Animal Project staff took him into their care. After that experience, she started volunteering with the organization, helping to trap-neuter-return the many free-roaming cats living in her neighborhood.

Now she spends a lot of her time connecting community members with the resources they need to keep their pets. At first, many people can’t believe there is an organization willing to help for free.

“Thanks to Luisa, many pets have been able to remain with their families. We’ve provided medical services, food [and] supplies all because she’s been able to advocate for her neighbors,” says nominator Brenda Ramos with LifeLine Animal Project. “Luisa is a superhero in the neighborhood, not because she seeks recognition, but simply because she cares. In a community where resources are limited, her commitment has made a real, lasting difference for animals and the people who love them.”

“Whenever there is an opportunity to help an animal, I’ll be there,” Lopez says. “They are truly everything to me. I couldn’t be without animals.”