Return to flip book view

Patriots and Paws Impact Report

Page 1

ANNUALANNUALREPORTREPORT2 0 2 32 0 2 3

Page 2

Dear Valued Supporters and Donors,As the Founder and CEO of Patriots and Paws, I am filled with immense gratitudeand pride as I write to you in our first-ever annual report. This document is not justa reflection of what we have accomplished in the past five years; it is a testament tothe unwavering support, dedication, and trust you have placed in us.Thirteen years ago, we embarked on a journey driven by a simple, yet profoundmission: to serve our nation's Veterans, Active Duty and Reservists and their loyalcompanions. Since then, our efforts have touched the lives of thousands ofVeterans, Active Duty and Reservists, providing them with essential support,companionship, and dignity. Your contributions have been pivotal in this journey.Whether it was through financial donations, volunteering, or spreading ourmission, each of you has played a crucial role in our story.We have witnessed remarkable growth and impact. Our programs have expanded,our volunteer base has grown, and most importantly, the number of Veterans,Active Duty and Reservists we assist annually has increased significantly. Thesuccess stories we've shared in this report are as much yours as they are ours.Our advocacy efforts, particularly the landmark success with the Pets for Vets Act(SB 245), have not only changed legislation but have profoundly impacted the livesof Veterans, Active Duty and Reservists across California. This achievement is ashining example of what we can accomplish together.As we look to the future, our vision is clear and ambitious. We are excited toannounce plans for expanding our reach, including establishing a new warehousein Nevada and launching a kennel program. These initiatives are designed tofurther our mission and enhance the support we provide to our Veterans, ActiveDuty and Reservists and their pets.Your continued support will be crucial in realizing these goals. Whether it'sthrough donations, volunteering, or sharing our mission, your involvement is thebackbone of our success. On behalf of the entire Patriots and Paws team, I extend our deepest gratitude foryour generosity and belief in our cause. Your support has been the driving forcebehind our achievements and will continue to fuel our efforts in the years to come.Let's continue this remarkable journey together, making a lasting impact in thelives of Veterans, Active Duty and Reservists and their loyal companions.With heartfelt thanks,Penny LambrightFounder and CEO

Page 3

Tom Macias- President, Executive BoardJim Reynolds – Co Vice President, Executive BoardJoe Sandoval – Co Vice President, Executive BoardJeanette Parr – Treasurer, Executive BoardChristine Mantyla – Secretary, Executive BoardPenny Lambright – Founder/Chairman of the Board/CEORobert Freeman – Legal Council2024 ADVISORY BOARDSam Boyd Jr. – NevadaAngie Burkard – CaliforniaTJ Henderson – NevadaRob Krick – CaliforniaPatriots and Paws provides practical home goods and furnishings toVeterans, Active Duty and Reservists at no cost with our Provision forPatriots Program. We serve all of Southern California. Our PawsProgram is working on creating a kennel where the samedemographics can kennel their animals at no cost, when they have aneed.All provided at no cost.About UsAbout Us MISSION STATEMENT2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Page 4

HistoryHistory Since receiving our 501(c)(3) status inNovember 2011, Patriots and Paws hasexperienced remarkable growth and expansion Our CommunityAt the heart of our operations are the Veteranvolunteers. These selfless individuals, whom we've hadthe honor of assisting, are now integral in helping usextend our reach. Their dedication is a testament to thestrength and solidarity of the Veteran community. in our mission to serve Veterans. In November 2013, wemoved to a larger facility and quickly outgrew it,consolidating six full storage units into our warehouse.By August 2018, we further expanded into a 7,700square foot warehouse, reflecting our increasing capacityto support over 13,000 families to date. Rooted in a legacy of service, our organization, fundedby the Founder’s family inheritance from a WWII andKorean War Veteran, echoes a long-standingcommitment to providing essential services to Veterans,Active Military, and Reservists at no cost. Like otherthriftstores, yet uniquely tailored for Veterans, ourcommunity-driven efforts, especially through the'Provisions for Patriots' program, fill a critical gap inVeteran support, ensuring no cost to those we serve.

Page 5

ImpactImpact Our ReachFrom Fresno to the Pacific, the Mexican Border toArizona, we support our warfighters in six counties.Our primary goal is to assist those who have served,irrespective of their service branch, rank, orcircumstances. We proudly stand as a beacon ofsupport for the 8% of Americans who have served andthe 0.04% currently in service.Our ImpactSince our inception in 2011, we have significantlyimpacted lives, with an estimated 95% of those wehelp having overcome homelessness throughHUD/VASH housing vouchers or other housingsolutions. Collaboration and GrowthWe collaborate with over 130 Veteran organizations,creating a strong network that ensures every Veteranin need can access our services. Our future endeavorsinclude establishing a kennel for the pets of Veteransand service members, reaffirming our commitment totheir well-being.Our PromiseTo serve, support, and stand with our Veterans andActive Military members. At Patriots and Paws, we aremore than just a helping hand; we are a family, unitedin our mission to honor and empower those who haveserved our nation.

Page 6

At Patriots and Paws, the "Provisions for Patriots" program is much morethan just a service; it's a commitment to enriching the lives of Veterans asthey transition back to civilian life. This program, at the core of ourmission, is designed to provide essential home furnishings and householditems at no cost, aiming to restore dignity, offer comfort, and create a senseof home for those who have courageously served our nation.Provisions for PatriotsProvisions for Patriots Empowering Veterans Through Essential SupportEmpowering Veterans Through Essential Support "After sleeping on the floor for months,having a bed and a couch changed for me.I finally feel like I'm home."-A U.S. ArmyVeteran"The day Patriots and Pawsfurnished my apartment was the dayI truly felt I had support in mytransition back to civilian life."-A U.S. NavyVeteran13,084 Veterans Helped 11,834Pickups140,621.20VolunteerHours$11,688,032Donations

Page 7

As a furniture bank, we prevent thousands of poundsof furniture from entering landfills each year. Thisapproach not only serves the environment but alsoensures that these items find a new purpose in thehomes of those in need.Beyond FurnitureBeyond Furniture A Sustainable and Responsible ApproachA Sustainable and Responsible Approach 1,131,000 pounds of waste 16,000 cubic yards oflandfill space **numbers are approximate and based on in-kind donations since 2011.Eight semi-trucks full ofappliances from TemcoLogistics ranging frommicrowaves torefrigerators, ensuringVeterans have access toessential home appliances. Approximately 60 pallets of various items are receivedfrom Gander Products, which not only serve ourdirect mission but also support community partnerraffles, extending our network of assistance.Fort Irwin Outreach: Our mobile warehousemakes regular trips to Fort Irwin, approximately145 miles away, delivering home goods andfurnishings. This initiative supports around 225families annually, directly addressing the needsof those living in remote areas.Supporting Families at Camp Pendleton:Almost every week, our other mobile warehousejourneys to Camp Pendleton, supplementing theinventory of the Camp Pendleton Rotary andserving over 300 families a year.Items from FashionFurniture on aquarterly basis, whichincludes couches,dressers, dining roomtables, coffee tables,end tables, artwork.

Page 8

Community BuildingCommunity Building 2023 marks our eighth yearproviding ‘Turkey Fixin’ Bags’ tomilitary families. This year, the250 Thanksgiving giveawaysincluded a box of fresh organic fallproduce, fresh bread and a $50 giftcard to give families a choice ofprotein. At the heart of our community space,the 'Let It Go' wall stands as apowerful symbol of emotionalrelease and healing. This uniquefeature allows Veterans and theirfamilies to write down burdensomethoughts, memories, or struggles ona pallet and then publicly or privatelyspeak these words as a symbolicgesture of letting go. ‘Let It Go’, It's not just for karaoke!Holiday TraditionsThis cathartic experience, not only fosters personal growth and healing but alsostrengthens the sense of solidarity among those who share in this experience.It's a testament to the power of vulnerability and the shared journey ofresilience in the Veteran community.

Page 9

Paws ProgramPaws Program Pets Assisting With ServicePets Assisting With Service The PAWS (Pets Assisting With Service)Program at Patriots and Paws representsour dedication to fostering the healing andenriching bond between Veterans andanimals. Since its inception, the programhas evolved into a vital component of ourservices, offering not just companionshipanimals but also a non-judgmental,comforting presence for our Veterans.Expanded Pet Adoption OpportunitiesFollowing the successful advocacy for Senate Bill 245, there has been asignificant increase in pet adoptions. This legislation, effective in January2020, has enabled Veterans in California to adopt pets from any county shelterwithout incurring any adoption fees, easing the financial burden andpromoting the therapeutic benefits of pet companionship.

Page 10

Las Vegas Warehouse We are currently working with communitypartners in Las Vegas to open a satellitewarehouse to serve the Southern NevadaVeterans, Active Duty and Reservists.This expansion into Southern Nevada is astrategic step towards providing our invaluableservices to over 278,000 Veterans and Active-Duty personnel in the region. Future GrowthFuture Growth Expanding Our Reach and ServicesExpanding Our Reach and ServicesKennel FacilityUnderstanding the vital role pets play in the lives of manyVeterans, we are planning to open a kennel facility. Thisinitiative is a heartfelt response to the needs of Veterans whorequire temporary care for their pets during challengingtimes.The kennel will offer a safe and nurturing environment forpets of Veterans who are hospitalized or temporarily unableto provide care, ensuring peace of mind for our heroes at nocost.

Page 11

The impact of our volunteers is immeasurable. They are often the first pointof contact for the Veterans we serve, setting the tone for the compassionateand respectful service Patriots and Paws is known for. Our volunteers are theglue that keeps us together, they come from all walks of life. Some just want to give back and make a difference in the lives of others. Some for school credit. Some are what we call Voluntolds, they are with us while fulfilling theirrequired community service.VolunteersVolunteersthe heartbeat of our missionthe heartbeat of our missionPatriots and Paws extends our heartfelt gratitude to every volunteer for theirinvaluable contribution. As we look to the future, we are excited to welcomemore volunteers into our family, each bringing unique perspectives andenergy that will help us continue to grow and serve more Veterans. Together,we are more than just a team; we are a community united in a noble cause,making a lasting difference in the lives of those who have served our country.

Page 12

The Data

Page 13

REVENUE:IN-KIND GOODS & SERVICES: $1,508,590 (This includes donated goods, from companies like Fashion Furniture, Gander Group, Temco Logistics, the general public and volunteer hours).GRANTS: $1,735,970INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS: $1,325,340SPECIAL EVENTS/OTHER: $118,132TOTAL INCOME: $4,688,032EXPENSES:PROGRAM EXPENSES: $3,029,268DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES: $337,348ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES: $233,648TOTAL EXPENSES: $3,600,264ASSETS & LIABILITIES:BEGINNING NET ASSETS: $1,287,521ENDING NET ASSETS: $2,375,289TOTAL LIABILITIES: $423,371TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS: $2,798,660990'S AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST1 0 Y E A R ( 2 0 1 2 - 2 0 2 2 )F I N A N C I A L S U M M A R Y

Page 14

Join Us in Making a DifferenceJoin Us in Making a DifferenceOur impact goes beyond material assistance; we offer acommunity of support and gratitude. We also serve as a vitalresource for those recovering from natural disasters, helpingthem rebuild their lives with dignity. Here’s how you can be apart of this meaningful journey: Make a Financial DonationDonate Goods Volunteer Your TimeBecome a Corporate SponsorShare our story and mission Whether it’s a financial donation, a few hours of your time, orsimply spreading the word, your contribution has a profoundimpact. Together, we can ensure that our nation’s heroes andtheir companions receive the support and care they deserve.Mailing Address:9121 Atlanta Avenue #471; Huntington Beach, CA 92646Warehouse Address:1825 E Via Burton; Anaheim, CA 92806info@PatriotsandPaws.org714-323-PAAW (7229)patriotsandpaws.org501(c)(3) EIN # 38-3852940NV20232942881