URI is proud to team up with Purina in support of URIPALS (URI People and Animals Living Safely). United by the belief that people and pets are better together, URI and Purina hope to raise awareness about the impact of abuse on the entire family—including pets—and reduce barriers to escape and recovery.
Thanks to Purina’s generous donation of cat welcome kits and educational materials to URIPALS—which is currently accepting cats and small animals during its six-month pilot phase—domestic violence survivors in New York City will now have important resources to help them recover safely with their pets in the shelter.
PRESS RELEASE
Urban Resource Institute and Purina Announce Collaboration In Support of URIPALS—People and Animals Living Safely
Purina to provide welcome kits to residents with cats in URI’s domestic violence shelters
NEW YORK, New York – October 21, 2013 – In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Urban Resource Institute and Nestlé Purina announced today that they are teaming up in support of URIPALS—New York City’s first initiative to allow victims of domestic violence to enter shelters with their pets. Beginning today, Purina will donate much-needed welcome kits and educational materials for families entering URI’s largest domestic violence shelter.
This marks an important collaboration between one of New York City’s largest domestic violence service providers and a leader in the pet care community. By working together, URI and Purina hope to raise awareness about the impact of abuse on the whole family—including pets—and reduce barriers to escape and recovery.
“When victims of domestic violence flee abusive situations, they are often forced to uproot their entire lives, leaving behind key belongings and supplies,” said Nathaniel Fields, President of URI. “Our goal at the Urban Resource Institute is to provide survivors—including pets—with the resources and services they need to rebuild stable, secure lives. We are grateful for Purina’s support of URIPALS, which will provide critical supplies to ensure that families entering shelter with their pets have the resources they need to recover together after escaping abuse.”
“We are proud to support the Urban Resource Institute in its mission to provide comfort to victims of domestic abuse and their pets,” said Michael Kotick, senior brand manager, Purina. “At Purina we believe people and pets are better together, and the strong bond between pet owners and their pets can prove to be beneficial no matter what the circumstances.”
Currently in its six-month pilot phase, URIPALS is accepting families with cats and smaller animals into its shelter, and hopes to expand the program to include dogs this December. As such, Purina’s welcome kits during this phase of the program will be tailored to cats, including items such as food, toys, crates, and other accessories. Purina is also donating a year’s supply of food and litter to families upon leaving the shelter. In addition to these welcome kits, families will receive educational materials designed to guide them in best practices for caring for their pets.
“Years ago, when I realized my daughter, two pets and I would have to leave our abusive situation or we might not make it out alive, everything happened so quickly,” said Muriel Raggi, a survivor of domestic violence. “I didn’t even have time to think, let alone pack the things my pets and I would need. I am confident that through Purina’s program with URI, survivors and their pets can get the support they need to move forward together.”
To learn more about URIPALS and for tips on keeping the entire family safe in domestic violence situations, please visit www.urinyc.org.
About Urban Resource Institute
Urban Resource Institute (URI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides comprehensive, holistic, and supportive human services programs that help individuals and families in the New York metropolitan area overcome obstacles and better their lives. With a rich 32-year legacy of social service research and expertise, deep community relationships, and a flexible, innovative approach to program development and service delivery, URI is uniquely equipped to provide solutions to the challenges affecting New York’s most vulnerable populations. URI’s hands-on programs for victims of domestic violence, the developmentally disabled, and people struggling with addiction and substance abuse are specifically tailored to meet the needs of the individual, while advocacy and community outreach initiatives build wider visibility and support for the issues that have an impact on our clients’ quality of life and New York’s urban communities. In June 2013, URI launched a pilot program called URIPALS-People and Animals Living Safely. It is the first initiative in New York City to allow victims of domestic violence to enter shelter with their pets. For more information, please visit www.urinyc.org.
About Nestlé Purina
Nestlé Purina PetCare Company is a global leader in the pet care industry and promotes responsible pet care, humane education, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. The North American headquarters for Nestlé Purina is located at Checkerboard Square in St. Louis, Missouri. Nestlé Purina is part of Swiss-based Nestlé, the world’s leading nutrition, health and wellness company.
Press Contacts:
Urban Resource Institute: Keren Ritchie, 212-784-5713, kritchie@groupgordon.com
Purina: Bill Etling, 314-982-4825, William.etling@purina.nestle.com
