July 2026
Meet JW
As a Shelter Support volunteer, JW wears many proverbial hats. Some weeks his role is clean team or cat care, while other shifts he focuses on supporting the foster team. He may take on odd jobs like mounting a TV, taking apart a washing machine, or fixing the plumbing in the dishwashing area. Other days, he’s helping a scared kitten eat.
“I love that it’s something different every shift,” JW says. “It keeps it fresh and exciting!”
Why He Volunteers
JW moved to Seattle from Florida nearly 20 years ago. He had just graduated college and taken a job in the area. Today, he continues to explore all the city has to offer, always trying out new bars and restaurants.
For JW, volunteering was another way to seek new experiences. One family member in particular gave him lots of encouragement.
“My uncle got me started thinking about [volunteering] a few years ago,” JW explains. “He was regaling me with accounts of his medical missions with an NGO, and it got me thinking about how I could plug in and give back closer to home.”
JW with one of his many friends in the SAFe community.
Finding SAFe
JW started looking for volunteer opportunities in the fall of 2022. He immediately honed in on openings in animal welfare.
“I knew that I wanted to work with cats, as my wife and I had just finished befriending and ultimately adopting a stray cat who moved into our backyard the year prior,” JW explains. “After looking around a bit, SAFe’s clarity of mission drew me in.”
Visiting the Rescue in person sealed his decision.
“I was so impressed with how much was going on and how many cats we helped on a regular basis, even in the small Aurora location!” JW tells us. “That, and the friendly staff were so welcoming when I joined, it was immediately clear it was a great environment to be in.”
Despite this positive impression, JW still had some hesitation.
“I haven’t done much volunteering prior to starting at SAFe,” JW says. “I expected it would feel more like “work” to show up and do a repetitive thing every week. That was definitely not the case.”
Instead, JW found a space to build meaningful relationships, both feline and human.
“I love feeling connected to the community and supporting a cause I care about, and making some new friends along the way,” he says. “Every time a cat I’m helping reaches out and wants to cuddle, that really drives home the impact the rescue makes and I’m proud to be a part of that.”
Summer Plans
JW works hard at his various Rescue responsibilities, so he’s scheduled some well-earned rest.
“My wife and I are taking an Alaska cruise to celebrate our fifth wedding anniversary,” JW tells SAFe. “It’s a reprise of our honeymoon cruise in 2021. I’m looking forward to a summer vacation somewhere cold and wild!”
Safe travels, JW! We wish you a fun and relaxing trip and look forward to catching up with you on your return!
Thank you, JW, for trying something new and volunteering – we’re so thankful you took that leap to be part of our community!
