Juli Bowman is the Youth Volunteer Coordinator for the Humane Society of Loudoun County. Recently, she has been particularly busy working with students on their senior service projects in numerous Loudoun County high schools. Learn more about these projects and Juli’s contribution to HSLC.

How long have you been a volunteer with the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) and how did you first get involved?

I started volunteering along with my kids several years ago. We encountered an HSLC adoption drive outside of Rust Library and spent some time looking at the cats and speaking with the volunteers. We were already fostering kittens with the Loudoun County Animal Shelter, but I saw this as another way to get involved – getting more out into the community, helping animals. HSLC really welcomed my kids (and put them to work!). My children loved working with me at adoption drives and events such as the Flower and Garden Festival.

What are the rewards and challenges of being an HSLC volunteer?

It thrills me to hear when an HSLC animal gets adopted. We have many goals as a part of our mission, but to me the knowledge that there is one less homeless animal and one more happy family member is rewarding news. I like to feel that I am, even if indirectly, a part of that.

It’s challenging to know that we cannot do it all. Keeping that fact from becoming a demotivator takes mental and emotional energy. I say this knowing that there are many HSLC volunteers who put in a lot more time and effort than I do, but I think we all feel this from time to time. However, I remind myself that every little bit helps. We can take a moment to celebrate a rescue or an adoption or an injured or sick animal pulling through, and that’s enough to gather new energy to do more.

Please share a recent initiative you supported.

I am both proud and thankful to have participated in senior service project programs in multiple Loudoun County high schools these past few weeks. HSLC sponsored seniors from the Freedom High School Capstone Program, the Loudoun County High School Raider Outreach Program, the Loudoun Valley High School Capstone Program, and the Tuscarora High School Capstone Program. In these programs, seniors gain foundational skills through short-term externships during the final weeks of the school year. Because HSLC is all-volunteer organization and does not have a shelter or central location, the independent project model is a perfect fit.

What role did you play in this initiative?

I provided initial and ongoing as-needed mentorship and guidance, while the students took on everything from planning, scheduling, time management, interaction with businesses and citizens of the community, all without direct supervision.

Please tell me about the specific service projects.

This year, six student groups opted to complete independent service projects of their own choosing with HSLC. Projects included the following:

1. At Freedom High School, Brennan George, Mia McKinley, Sophia McKinley, and Tim McKinley sponsored a school-wide pet food drive for the Loudoun Pet Pantry.
2. A group from Loudoun County High School consisting of Daniel Butler, Jack Hartmann, Collin Hughes, Matthew Martwinski, George Taliaferro, Ryan Vinci, Ryan Wigglesworth, and Jared Williams created a public service announcement video to convey the message “Adopt, Don’t Shop”.
3. Loudoun County High School’s Katrina Cokain, Alexandra Saravia, and Sarah Van Hook ran a pet food drive for the Loudoun Pet Pantry in front of a local pet supply store.
4. From Loudoun Valley High School, Riley Herr and Meagan Kennedy created a kit for HSLC’s humane education outreach program, making it easier for our volunteers to deliver talks to local youth groups.
5. Tuscarora High School’s Quinn Herbine, Sarah Howorth, Olivia Shaw, and Lindsey Sestak conducted an adoption campaign to get the word out about a few animals that have been with HSLC for quite a while.
6. Also from Tuscarora, Adriana Apintiloaiei, Sydney Bowman, Rosie Hackman, and Alex Nichols designed and constructed a cat tree for HSLC to use in fundraising. They also raised extra cash for HSLC through a bake sale.

What are the benefits of these projects?

All of these projects benefitted the animals in our community in many different ways, including funding, food, finding homes, and getting the word out to the community about HSLC and helping animals. In addition, these students got an opportunity to practice organizational, professional, and life skills through independent volunteer work.

What recommendations do you have for younger students?

It can be difficult for youth under 18 years old to find opportunities to volunteer with animals. HSLC offers kids the chance to help animals in the community through independent, group, or family projects. They can make a big difference through pet food drives, fundraising, awareness, and more. This type of work cultivates planning, communication, and time management skills, while at the same time provides for flexible hours and adaptability to any age.

Is there any advice you could share with someone, adult or youth, who is considering becoming a volunteer with HSLC?

HSLC can be quite a flexible organization to work with – there are so many varied ways to help. Volunteers of any age and capacity can and do make an impact through this organization. We are always looking for fresh ideas and enthusiasm. From very young children conducting fundraisers and awareness campaigns, to the full-time employee/parent/student who can lend technical skills, to the full-time volunteer who fosters and runs events, HSLC truly appreciates everything you do for animals.