Bay State Animal Cooperative

A Safe, Loving, No Kill Rescue for our Animals

I am the volunteer coordinator with the Bay State Animal Cooperative and could not be happier with my choice of volunteer work. I was first introduced to Bay State approximately 18 years ago when I was looking for a companion for my adult cat. I was introduced to a friendly feral cat named Cinnamon, and while my family thought my cat was too attached to me to share his home, it could not have been a better fit. They were best friends, and Cinnamon is still with me today at 20 years old!

I started out volunteering with fundraising and administration and was happy to expand my services to volunteer coordinator and working with the cats within our adoption center. I am proud to be a member of BSAC not only because of their no-kill philosophy, but also with its dedication to providing valuable resources to reduce animal overpopulation, assisting pet owners who would otherwise have not humane alternative and educating young and old about rescuing and caring for animals. I also attracted to BSAC as the organization takes in special needs and older cats and will care for them until the exact fit if found...as long as it take. There is no better feeling than finding the purrfect forever home for our beloved felines and brightening the lives of their new families.

I currently have three cats, all adopted through BSAC. I am a Realtor with Keller Williams and love the fact that I not only help find homes for people but for cats who, without BSAC, might not benefit from a second chance to be part of a loving family.

Although my official start in animal welfare was only within the past few years, I have been an animal lover throughout my life. I grew up with cats and currently have two rescues, Kiki and Munchie, and I couldn’t imagine my days without them! In addition, my home is frequently utilized as an emergency haven for cats that must immediately be removed from a dangerous situation. Providing them with the love and gentle attention they need to gain reassurance in humans before moving on to a more permanent placement is incredibly rewarding.

I received my BA in English/Sociology and MS in Human Resource Development and spent most of my professional life in HR and office management. When the pandemic hit in 2020, I decided there was no better time to focus on what I’ve always wanted to do, which is to save and improve the lives of animals. I started out at a large shelter in Boston, learning the ropes of animal care and shelter programs and policies, and then moved on to a cat-only shelter in a directorial role. During this time, I also earned a certificate in Animal Shelter Management and it has given me a wealth of knowledge on best practices and goals for successful and impactful animal-centric organizations.

I am so happy to have joined BSAC. I was drawn to the philosophy of not only no-kill, but that we are not limited to any single way of helping animals and the people who love them. We recognize that while we strive to place animals in homes through adoption, there are other functions we can fulfill that are just as critical and meaningful like spay/neuter and vet care assistance, community outreach events such as our annual dog wash, providing opportunities for education in the fields of animal welfare and pet ownership, and supporting long term fosters with animals that may remain in our care for their entire lifetime.

In my role, I will continue to work on all aspects of BSAC’s mission and partner with our wonderful team to pinpoint even more ways we can assist our community.

Having been an animal lover from a young age, I am so happy to be able to volunteer with BSAC as Director of Operations. Growing up, our family had a range of pets, including dogs, cats, bunnies, fish, and even a snapping turtle at one point. I first learned of BSAC years ago while my sister was volunteering for them. Our first cat, Louie, was adopted through Bay State and he was the most wonderful kitty!! BSAC’s no-kill philosophy and humane approach to animal rescue is what

drew me to volunteer with the organization. Volunteering for this amazing organization allows me to continue to foster my love of animals, specifically cats.

Outside of BSAC, I am a kindergarten teacher. Working with animals can sometimes be a nice reprieve from working with kids! I also have an adorable Old English Sheepdog named Remi.

Jessica brings a unique blend of professional expertise and personal passion to BSAC as the Clerk to the Board of Directors. Since adopting her cat, Lexie, from BSAC in 2009, Jessica has experienced firsthand the transformative power of animal companionship. For over two decades, she has admired the significant contributions BSAC has made to the community and the difference the organization has made in the lives of so many suffering animals.

As Volunteer Clerk, she takes a step toward deeper understanding of the nonprofit's operations and is excited to contribute more directly to its mission.

Professionally, Jessica is the Global Nonprofit Industry Lead at SoftwareOne Impact. SoftwareOne Impact is a dedicated group within the larger global technology and software services company, SoftwareOne. In her full-time work, she has the pleasure of helping nonprofit organizations across various causes with technology solutions that amplify their mission and enhance their service delivery. This role reflects her dedication to making a meaningful difference in the world, leveraging her expertise to support nonprofits in scaling their impact.

Jessica is an animal advocate at heart and believes in the power of technology to foster positive change. She is enthusiastic about the future and possibilities for BSAC.

www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-jesenik-2389575a