June 10, 2025

Rural and Underfunded but Still Making It Work: How to Lead Local Change featuring Brandi Winkleman, President and Executive Director of A HOPE.

34 minutes

"Everybody has a role, and if we open up the conversation just a little more, we can help change the numbers—and the lives of these animals."

This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund.

In this powerful and emotionally resonant episode, host Stacy LeBaron welcomes Brandi Winkleman, President and Executive Director of A HOPE Inc., an animal welfare organization based in Milton, Florida. Brandi shares the raw, eye-opening experiences that catapulted her from volunteer to changemaker, including heart-wrenching scenes from her local shelter that inspired her to take action. Through grassroots advocacy, community education, and data-driven approaches, Brandi and her team have transformed a once high-kill county into a model of collaborative, humane solutions.

Listeners will gain insight into the complexities of rural animal welfare and the lifesaving gaps Brandi is working to bridge—especially around low-cost spay/neuter access and shelter-to-rescue transfers. She also provides a behind-the-scenes look at A HOPE's upcoming spay/neuter clinic, designed with input from top industry professionals to meet the unique needs of her community. This episode is a masterclass in how local leadership, transparency, and positive collaboration can create sustainable change.

Press Play Now For:

A vivid account of the moment that changed Brandi's life forever
How data visualization helped shift public opinion on shelter euthanasia
The two key "lifesaving gaps" Brandi identified—and how she's solving them
Tips on navigating small-town politics and turning skeptics into allies
A sneak "peek" at A HOPE's new 4,000 sq. ft. clinic designed for both efficiency and compassion

Resources & Links:

A HOPE Website - https://www.ahope4src.com
A HOPE on Facebook: @AHOPEMilton - https://www.facebook.com/ahopemilton
Florida SART Emergency Management Courses - https://flsart.org/
Bissell Pet Foundation - https://www.bissellpetfoundation.org/
Florida Animal Friend Grant Program - https://floridaanimalfriend.org/grants/

Sponsor Links:

Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies616)

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By The Community Cats Podcast

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