After retiring, Kimberly began looking for a meaningful way to give back. She found it close to home. “I came here, learned more about the organization, and just thought it would be the perfect place. I love the mission. I love everything they do.” What began as volunteering with the dogs has grown into a leadership role. Today, Kimberly is one of the driving forces behind the Adventure Club, an innovative program that gives shelter dogs the chance to experience life beyond the kennel.

“I want to make their lives as rewarding as they can be while they’re here,” Kimberly said. “When you take these dogs off campus, they’re just different dogs. You see them relax. You see them light up.” Under her leadership, the Adventure Club has grown dramatically, from just a couple of participants to a thriving group of more than 60 volunteers. “It was so rewarding to me, and I saw what happened when you take these dogs out. I thought, we have to get more people involved.”

These outings do more than provide enrichment, they reveal who these dogs truly are. “Almost every dog I’ve taken out that has some kind of behavioral note, is completely different off campus,” she explained. “They relax, they explore — it’s like you’re finally seeing their real personality.”

Senior Volunteer Coordinator Alex Accomando shared, “Kimberly has been instrumental in growing the Adventure Club, as well as helping us train new volunteers about dog walking. Her leadership, passion, and commitment have expanded opportunities for both our dogs and our volunteers, making a lasting impact on the program.” For Kimberly, every outing, every connection, and every adoption is a reminder of why she volunteers. “You can’t take them all home,” she said. “But you can definitely help them get there.”