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Writer's pictureVicky Sprouse

2024: Celebrating the End of an Era and the Continued Impact on NE Ohio Community Cats




🤍2024: A year dedicated to closing past chapters, allowing new opportunities to emerge in the future.🤍


Although 2024 has been a year of struggling to balance what we want to do and what we are finacially able to do, we have still made an impact in the communities we serve.


With your help, more than 200 cats came through our doors to receive medical care, rehab, socialization, and a safe place to land. Over 240 cats found their happily-ever-afters with wonderful, loving families to call their own!


2024 was a year of limitations. Funds still stalled at criticial levels, so many hard decisions were made to slow intake and recoup and restruction. It was also a year of growth and strengthening. We gained partnerships and strengthened our volunteer team base at our centers, foster homes and other areas of need.


In 2024, Euclid Beach Mobile Home Park, where EBCP originated, came to an end. For many years, we endeavored to relocate the remaining cats from the premises into appropriate homes, aware that the park was closing. It was a challenge, but we succeeded. We are delighted that these cats were rescued as the demolition starts to dismantle all the structures on the land they once called home.



🤍2024 We Welcomed New Additions To Our Team🤍



This year, we have grown in numbers. We welcomed new foster families to our well-established care teams. We also added more individuals and families to our store teams who look after the kitties daily as they wait in our adoption centers to find loving families and homes of their own. Without their love and dedication, we couldn't impact the lives of the cats that need us the most.


Our foster families provide these adorable kitties with a loving and secure environment as they await their permanent homes.



🤍Volunteer Spotlights🤍

The members of our volunteer team are the backbone of EBCP. Their commitment, energy, and time are crucial to our operations. We want to shine a spotlight on two women who consistently go the extra mile to positively impact the lives of numerous cats!


Penni D

I retired Dec 2021 and planned to do some kind of volunteering to help fill my time. Then, Jan 2022, I lost my cat of 15 years, Buckeye. Coincidentally, I started seeing posts from Euclid Beach Cat Project, looking for volunteers! I started volunteering at one of the adoption centers in about March 2022 and later became the lead of the store EBCP volunteers. I also post all of the available cats and kittens with the 3 on-line adoption websites. In addition, I've fostered for short times when kittens need medical care or transport.


I have enjoyed working with and snuggling all of the cats and kittens that come through the store.I joke that spending my time with the adoptees is what keeps me from becoming a crazy cat lady. I also love working at the annual cat shows, both as a ring steward and in the EBCP booth. I especially like doing adoptions and love it when a cat or kitten finds their forever home.


It s heartbreaking to see all of the unwanted, abandoned cats in the area and I wish that we could help each one of them.Knowing that we do make a difference to so many cats makes volunteering with EBCP a worthwhile and fulfilling activity.





Renee D

In 2018, I started volunteering as a cage cleaner/socializer at Pet Valu in Shaker Heights with my son.  It was a way that we could give back and he could learn about volunteerism.


Over the years, EBCP has been an organization that I could lean on when I needed help or advice with my cats.  Our cat, Sammy, was diagnosed with FeLV when he was a year old.  We were lucky to have him for 3 more years and EBCP walked that journey with us. Since his passing, we have fostered 13 cats and kittens - failing with one :) - and now I am a transporter for the east side.


My favorite memory volunteering for the rescue is the litter of 5 kittens we fostered one summer - the Ted Lasso crew!  They were a hilarious handful and I will always remember Vicky Sprouse’s rendition of the Jamie Tartt song (sung to the tune of “Baby Shark”). One of my favorite things to do for EBCP making cat-themed bracelets that I donate for raffles and fundraising.  I also love transporting to Valley College because the people there are so fantastic! I wish I could fund a vet clinic that worked specifically with rescue organizations.  It’s so hard when there isn’t anywhere to get care for an animal or the care isn’t within the financial scope of the rescue.


Volunteering is such a great way to put good into the world, which is desperately needed now.  Knowing you are helping these animals in whatever way you can is so personally rewarding, as well.  EBCP is filled with amazing people, some of whom have become my personal friends!



🤍Euclid Beach Cat Project Board Of Directors🤍


EBCP is deeply committed to the principle of building a diverse board, recognizing that such diversity is not merely a checkbox to be marked but a fundamental aspect of fostering a effective organization. This commitment is essential for helping EBCP grow stronger and more resilient in the face of challenges. By ensuring that the board comprises individuals from various backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, EBCP aims to enhance its decision-making processes and strategic vision. A diverse board will facilitate greater transparency to donors, as it brings together a wide array of viewpoints that can contribute to more comprehensive discussions regarding resource allocation and developing the most effective plans to help save the most lives. This is vital in building trust with donors, as they seek assurance that their contributions are being used wisely and effectively, aligned with the organization's mission and goals. Additionally, EBCP's diverse board will serve as a powerful reflection of its core values to the communities in Northeast Ohio that it serves.


Euclid Beach Cat Project's love for cats motivates it to learn and grow and continue to make the biggest impact in the communities it serves.

Together we can change the world, one heartbeat at a time!


Seeking motivated individuals to join our Board of Directors

Candidates must be committed to our mission, ready to take on a leadership position and want to help direct a growing organization. We are seeking members who can actively engage and guide efforts to shape and strengthen our direction, vision, stability and community presence. The ideal candidates are people who can be effective in their roles, can create committees, delegate responsibility and carry out tasks in a timely manner.

Animal welfare experience is strongly recommended, but not required.


We are currently filling these board positions:

Please click to see descriptions





🤍Come Visit Our Cats At Our Adoption Centers🤍


When cats first come through our doors they spend time in loving homes while they receive medical care and socialization. Once they are ready to find families of their own, many of them spend time in our adoption centers meeting potential adopters.



Make a difference in the life of a rescue. Euclid Beach Cat Project Adoption Application



🤍Special Care For Special Kitties🤍


In 2024, we have taken in more special needs cats than ever before. These include cats with diabetes, urinary issues, kidney problems, and other conditions requiring extensive specialized care. We are committed to continuing to care for them and enhancing their quality of life.


Please meet a few of this year's special kitties:


Cardio Cats

Top Left to Right: Johnny B Goode, Jalapeno, Cookie Monster

Bottom Left to Right: Peahen, Baby Spice


In January and June of 2025, these five cats will undergo cardio rechecks, which will include echocardiograms and further diagnostics.



Urinary Care

From Left to Right: Rudy Wildwood, Gaige, Jeff


Rudy and Jeff suffer from cystitis, which can worsen during periods of change. They have received treatment to reduce inflammation and improve their bladder comfort. Gaige had a difficult life. He was adopted as a kitten from EBCP and returned as an 8-year-old adult. The stress he experienced over those years in the home led to the development of life-threatening bladder stones. Fortunately, the family contacted us, and we retrieved him from his vet appointment, preventing euthanasia for a treatable condition. We are still addressing his health issues, but his body is no longer forming new stones, and we are dissolving the ones he had developed.



Kidney Care

Left to Right: Wilson, Tuscany, Taye, Muzby


The four cats have different levels of kidney impairment. Many are showing improvement due to a special diet and being removed from the streets where they lacked proper nutrition. We will keep monitoring them with follow-up lab tests and ongoing health support.



Diabetic & Diabetic Remission

Left to Right: Beans, Jewel


Beans is an opinionated gal who is quite difficult to examine and medicate. She was brought in with symptoms of diabetes, which were confirmed through lab work. She is on a newer medication called Bexicat because she is not suitable for injectable insulin due to her challenging nature. Jewel came in with a condition called pyometra and had also contracted FIV while living on the streets. We noticed she was drinking excessively and urinating large amounts, which are signs of diabetes. This was confirmed through diagnostics. She began treatment with insulin and a change in diet. Remarkably, after just eight injections, she went into remission, and her pancreas appears to be functioning properly again. We are thrilled.



Severe Wound Care

Aster

Aster is a four-year-old semi-social cat who arrived with a severe neck wound. Due to his difficult temperament, treating his wound has been challenging. Through multiple surgeries and sedations for dressing changes, we have been making slow progress. Skin grafts from a plastic surgeon would be ideal but are not financially feasible, so we are focusing on preventing him from scratching it open as we gradually heal his significant wound.



Newer Cases Still In The Process Of Diagnosing

Left to Right: Gummy, Gigi


Gummy is a street cat who initially appeared to have no teeth. However, we discovered she has a few teeth in the back that are reabsorbing and causing her pain. We need to get dental radiographs to check if there are any roots left where her teeth are missing and remove the remaining teeth to alleviate her pain. GiGi was abandoned in the entryway of a local pet store by people who quickly returned to their car and drove off. GiGi is blind and approximately 12 years old. We need to determine the cause of her detached retinas to identify any other underlying issues that may require attention.


Caring for special needs cats is central to our mission. These cases are particularly challenging due to the high cost of specialized care, and as a nonprofit organization, we operate on a very limited budget. We strive to offer them the best care possible, relying heavily on the support of our donors. This year has been the most difficult so far, with numerous cats arriving with requirements beyond those of typical cats.



🤍Together We Can - Partnerships🤍


This year, we wanted to highlight our collaborations with other local Ohio nonprofit cat rescues. With resources stretched thin and the demand to assist abandoned, stray, and neglected cats at an all-time high, it can be difficult to see a way forward, let alone take on the responsibilities of other organizations. Every day, we have to turn away people seeking help for cats that we fear won't find assistance elsewhere. It's daunting to consider taking on additional work. However, when the need arises and others join forces with you, that effort not only impacts the lives of those cats but also renews your hope. We can all benefit from remembering the power of supporting each other more often. With the help of others, we can make a greater impact.


This year, we learned about a shelter near Cuyahoga County that was considering euthanizing animals due to lack of space. This broke our hearts, and we quickly contacted several other organizations to collaborate in assisting these lovely cats. We also reached out to the shelter, which agreed to let us rescue from their euthanasia list. While this doesn't address the larger issue, it meets the immediate need and offers these cats the chance to live and find permanent homes! We try to cherish today's success so we can focus on finding a solution for overcrowded shelters that face the challenge of euthanizing friendly, healthy cats and kittens.


Collaborating with each of these rescue groups not only contributed to saving cats but also introduced us to numerous talented individuals with varied backgrounds. This diversity will aid future efforts in addressing this issue directly, with innovative ideas that may lead to a solution for the broader need. The organizations are excellent allies, and we take pride in partnering with them.



Alley Cats & Aristocats

Alley Cats & Aristocats from Medina, Ohio has been proactive from the start. They have not only taken in many cats from the shelter but have also brought in people who will help us find solutions that won't burden already stretched nonprofits like ours. The director of this group was formerly with EBCP and started her own organization in her local area. This group has significantly impacted communities in and around Medina County. They have become a powerhouse and are making massive changes in the lives of many!








Viva Los Gatos Cat Rescue

Joanne, one of the founders of Viva, holding a cat that would have otherwise been euthanized.

Viva Los Gatos Cat Rescue is an organization based in Greater Cleveland. They also found it devastating to think about cats that would be euthanized without their intervention. They decided to assist by rescuing cats from the euthanasia list, aiming to help those cats while creating space for others who might face the same fate without their support. This group is remarkable, striving to make a positive difference in the lives of cats and the people who care for them!







We are beyond gratful to have had the opportunity to work with not only these organizations but also other individuals and groups to make a big impact and save so many lives. We hope we can continue to join forces on this situation and others to come. #TogetherWeCan


Meet Some Of The Cats We Saved From This Situation




🤍We Need You More Than Ever🤍 


Even with hundreds of adoptions this year, we face the daily heartbreak of turning away cats and kittens in need due to lack of space and funds. We hope to count on your continued support in 2025. Our need for supplies like food, litter and vaccines, along with funds to cover medical procedures, remains greater than ever. 


🤍How Can You Help?🤍


Help us tell our story

Connect with us and like and share our social media posts. Raising our profile keeps us on people’s minds when they want to adopt or know someone who does. Find us on Facebook, TikTok,and Instagram


Volunteer 

Want to hang out with our cats? Volunteer to feed and socialize them at adoption locations, events, transporting, and as a foster while they await their forever homes. Want to help TNR, transport, or provide recovery space after surgeries? We’d love to add you to our TNR Division! Contact Us: Volunteer@ebcatproject.org 


Donate 

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer group, we rely on donations. Your financial support, of any amount, means the world to our cats. One hundred percent of every dollar is used for the cats in our care. Ask your employer if it has a matching gift program to maximize your contribution. PayPal Giving Fund  Venmo


If you prefer to donate supplies, we have an Amazon wish list and a Chewy wish list of most-needed items to care for our cats. 





Everyone deserves their happily ever after. Somewhere outside is a cat that desperately needs us. With your help, we can find it, love it, and give it the fairy tale ending it deserves.

Thank you for your support!




























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