We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kaitlin Thompson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kaitlin below.
Kaitlin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
Melissa’s Second Chances opening in January 2019 with the singular mission of making Second Chances happen for as many deserving animals as possible. We rescue dogs, cats and small mammals (bunnies, ferrets, guinea pigs and hamsters). Our small but mighty rescue is run mostly by volunteers, myself included. We have one paid full time leader, our director of rescue operations, and several staff who help take care of animals living in our building.
Despite our humble roots, and present, we have never slowed down in our pursuit to save as many animals as possible and do what is right for people and pets, even when it is more difficult.
Kaitlin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m a nurse by training and was recruited to help run Melissa’s Second Chances social media as a volunteer when the rescue opened in January of 2019. Never one to hide from a challenge I took my role and ran with it. Since opening the rescue I have managed our social media platforms, published a monthly newsletter, formed relationships with news and media outlets, built our website and our brand, formed relationships with local pet stores where our cats live in their store catteries and where we host adoption events.
I manage an incredible and dedicated team of volunteers who help make each of these things possible. Earlier this year my professional work was influenced by my volunteer work and I was recruited to craft communication for nonphysician patient care professionals.
Melissa’s Second Chances provides refuge for pets in need of a Second Chance. We have a small shelter building but most of our life saving occurs in our community with our foster homes. We help unite people with the pets who make their families complete.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
I have three rules for MSC’s social media. Be honest and open. Be vulnerable. And be positive.
Animal rescue is heart breaking work. But I have always insisted that 90% of our posts be positive and that we avoid bashing former owners or our community. After all, the animal is getting there Second Chance and that is always something to celebrate.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
We usually Canva for all of our designs and I design all of our print myself. For the first year of the rescue I fumbled around using Canva’s free options before I learned that nonprofits can have a premium Canva account for free!
We utilize it heavily and are so grateful for their generosity.
Contact Info:
- Website: mscrescue.org
- Instagram: @melssecondchances
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melssecondchances