Meet Trailblazer Julie Laux

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Laux.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Julie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
The East Side Elves are a non-profit organization (EIN: 82-1678858) that began in the fall of 2015.

We are a group of volunteers that started by assisting with washing shelter blankets at an offsite laundromat to ensure our shelter animals would have clean, soft bedding during the cool/colder Arizona fall and winter. The first winter, (2015-2016) there were three of us and we were able to complete anywhere from 85 – 120 loads of laundry every Sunday morning.

As we started the 2016-2017 season, it became obvious that we needed to recruit more volunteers to help with keeping the laundry clean. By recruiting on social media, our volunteer base grew to 15-20 that helped keep the laundry current. During the 2016-2017 season, we cleaned over 4500 loads at a laundromat which is in addition to the laundry being done at the shelter.

Due to the success with this phase, the decision was made to branch out to provide even more assistance for our shelter animals. Beginning in 2017, we began providing collars, leashes, toys, and training treats to benefit our animals through enrichment. In 2018, we expanded our support to include: Training, supplies for adopters, euthanasia assistance as well as helping pay fees for pet owners that are on a limited income.

In addition to the above support, we are also providing funds to sponsor scholarships through Mesa Community College for Vet Techs ($2250 for 2018 and we hope to continue to grow the funds). The purpose of these scholarships has personal meaning to the Elves as these scholarships have been started in memory of a dedicated volunteer and animal welfare advocate in Maricopa County (Sandy Tennyson).

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road to begin our journey was not entirely easy. The biggest and most important things to remember are: Honesty, transparency, following through on what you say you are going to do/accomplish, recognize those that are with you in the trenches.

Don’t be afraid to reach out for help or guidance. The animal welfare/rescue arena can be full of jealousy, hate, spite and just plain distrust (as with any beginner that wants to pursue their dream). You started your journey because you believe in the mission or opportunity that you are embarking on… follow that dream.

We’d love to hear more about East Side Elves.
Our non-profit supports the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control shelter in Mesa Arizona. What that means is that we help provide supplies and assistance to the homeless animals that are awaiting their owners to come for them or while they are awaiting their new forever families. (In 2018, that was almost 10,000 animals)

I’m extremely proud of the volunteers that help day in and day out with keeping our fundraisers going which provides the funds necessary to help our homeless animals. I’m proud of the community support that we have thus far and the caring people that continue to join our cause.

We’re different from the majority of the other animal rescue groups out there in that these groups essentially rescue stray and owner surrendered dogs and place them with new families. Our mission is to provide for the shelter animals BEFORE they go home, to a new family or even to a rescue.

We’re only beginning and hope to be able to expand our support/services to other areas outside of the shelter.

We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
I don’t feel that there are any barriers to female leadership in the area I am currently focused on. Animal rescue in Maricopa County is primarily driven by women.

Overall, the barriers that women continue to encounter are equal pay for equal work (although the gap is closing).

Contact Info:

• Website: eastsideelves.org
• Phone: 6024711567
• Email: eastsideelves@cox.net
• Facebook: @eastsideelves

Image Credit:
Julie Laux

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