Animal shelter receives award for domestic violence help program

NORFOLK, Neb. -- A local animal shelter is getting renegotiation for the work they do not only for animals but for the community.

Animal Shelter of Northeast Nebraska received the 2025 Outstanding Community Partner award from Bright Horizons.

Bright Horizons in Norfolk has been partnered with the animal shelter since 2017 doing the Paws for Hope program.

This program lets domestic violence victims give their pet a safe place to stay while they are attempting to leave their situation.

"We just loved working with them," Fundraising and Public Relations Manager Jill Grovijohn said. "It's so great to see the impact that program can have. We've had so many people come to us and share just horrifying stories and then share how we have helped them get to a better place in their life and that's just the most rewarding part about it."

Bright Horizons is an organization aimed at providing resources for domestic violence survivors.

The animal shelter will take in pets of survivors for 30 days free of charge until they can get back on their feet and can take their pets back safely. The animal shelter puts the pets in what they like to call "Witness Protection" keeping their identity away from the public to preserve the well being on the animal and owner.