Community Partnership

Community partnerships are essential to fulfilling our mission. In 2018, we forged a partnership with local food pantry and community resource Project Just Because. Thanks to a generous grant from Middlesex Savings Bank and the dedication of our volunteer Pet Pantry Coordinator Jus Puntini, we collaborated with Project Just Because to create a section of their pantry dedicated to meeting the needs of MetroWest pet owners.

Jus shares, “Witnessing first-hand the impact PJB has on Hopkinton and its surrounding towns is nothing short of a miracle. Playing a part in providing pet supplies for the pantry is truly an honor. I love knowing that I am able to help families feed their pets.”

For the past five years, shelves of wet and dry food, treats, bowls, leashes, litter and other basic pet supplies have greeted individuals and families when they visit Project Just Because, allowing them to provide for their cherished animal companions. The generosity of Baypath supporters help stock the pet pantry, as our team happily pays forward any excess donations we receive at the shelter.

Despite the success and impact of this beloved community collaboration, the need is currently greater than ever. Development Coordinator Katy Kesselman chatted with Cherylann about how this incredible partnership continues to keep pets together with the families who love them.

Katy: How did Project Just Because become involved with Baypath?

Cherylann: A few years ago, Baypath’s Executive Director, Liz Jefferis, toured our pantry. We formed a strong connection almost immediately and decided to work together to establish a pet pantry to expand the ways in which Project Just Because helps local families in need.

Katy: How does this critical partnership serve the local community?

Cherylann: So many families who utilize PJB’s services have pets. Baypath supplies the dog and cat food that local families rely on to feed their much-loved animals. Because the need is so great, we have to limit the amount of pet food each family can take home each week. For example, instead of one family receiving a large bag of food, we create smaller Ziplock bags to stretch the pet food out to more families in need.

Katy: How do the community members you serve feel about and benefit from the pet pantry?

Cherylann: Our clients love it! Jus regularly fills the pantry, so clients feel secure that food will be available to feed their pets each week. Recently, an elderly man waited in line just so he could obtain some food for his adored kitty. Clients’ pets are their family, and they want to take good care of them, even when they are in need themselves. It’s comforting to know clients of Project Just Because can count on pet supplies being available because of our partnership with Baypath.

Katy: Has there been an uptick in need recently or since the pandemic?

Cherylann: During Covid, many of our clients received some form of pandemic relief. Now that those programs have ended, the need for our services has increased. We understand at PJB how special animals are to families, and pride ourselves on providing robust community services so no pet goes without to the best of our ability.