Make a resolution to help our local nonprofits

I make New Year's resolutions each year and typically they are broken quickly. They are also all about me and pretty stereotypical - lose weight, eat healthier, stop procrastinating, finally become the Yoga master I know I am ... that sort of thing.

I'm trying something new this year. I'm making my resolutions about others. Specifically, nonprofits in our community that could always use extra support.

I want to donate more of my time, energy and resources to the places and people in Tehachapi that inspire me. The organizations I follow year after year.

Three of the nonprofits I plan to support more in 2019 are listed in this column, though there are so many more worth helping in 2019.

Tehachapi Wildlife

Rehab and Education

Founder Sue Hammer has been rehabilitating injured Tehachapi wildlife for about 10 years. Though the federally and state licensed rehab began out of her living room, the center has expanded on her property over the last year.

She has worked with a variety of owls, birds, rabbits and raccoons, to name just a few.

While her clinic is not typically open to the public, she still needs the support of the community in the form of donations, both monetary and supplies.

Typical needed supplies include: paper towels, zip lock bags in all sizes, garbage bags and puppy pee pads.

Monetary and supply contributions can be sent to:

Tehachapi Wildlife Rehabilitation

P.O. Box 2207

Tehachapi, CA 93581

If you find an injured animal or are concerned about its well-being, never touch or relocate them. Instead, call Sue at (661) 822-7670.

Marley's Mutts

Marley's Mutts' mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and find new homes for dogs in Kern County's high-kill animal shelters.

Founded in 2009 by Zach Skow, Marley's Mutts has now saved more than 5,000 dogs. Passionate volunteers help with events, educational ventures and special programs that connect dogs and humans in a powerful way. Some of their special programs include:

Miracle Mutts - "community outreach and education endeavor, through which volunteers utilize therapy dogs for comforting interactivity, emotional and social enrichment, addiction recovery programs, and job-skills training for a wide range of youth and adult populations across Kern County."

Pawsitive Change - "a progressive and intensive rehabilitation program which matches death row dogs with inmates inside California State Prisons."

I've been inspired by Marley's Mutts for a long time and find myself more and more impressed as they continue to grow and expand their outreach.

Visit http://www.marleysmutts.org for more information about volunteering. The website also includes a link to their Amazon wish list.

Have a Heart Humane Society

Year-round, the Have a Heart Humane Society promotes the well-being of Tehachapi's tiniest residents. Through fostering, adoptions and spreading awareness about the overpopulation of pets in the county, Have a Heart does all they can to make sure the dogs and cats of Tehachapi have a happy forever home.

Every Saturday, the nonprofit hosts an adoption event at their storefront location inside Rescued Treasures at 1121 W. Valley Blvd. Twice a month, they hold low-cost spay and neuter clinics. The cost is $25 for cats and $35 for dogs. They fill their 25 available slots quickly, so sign up early.

Visit their website at http://www.haveahearthumanesociety.org for more information about donations and volunteering. More foster mom and dads are often needed, too.

Yes, there is a definite trend to my nonprofits of choice. Animals have always been my passion, but donating your time, resources and attention to any of the amazing nonprofits of Tehachapi, is a perfect resolution to keep in 2019.

Do you know an inspirational group, individual or program that should be featured in an upcoming Grassroots Tehachapi? Email me at [email protected].

See you next time and be kind to one another!