From: Nuzzles & Co. Board of Directors
Date: January 18, 2025
Re: Recent Staff Layoffs at Nuzzles & Co.
At the heart of any successful and sustainable nonprofit lies its financial operations, which, in many ways, function similarly as in any business. Sometimes, it becomes necessary to take a hard look at organizational and financial management in order to ensure the long-term viability of the nonprofit mission.
Recently, Nuzzles & Co. made the difficult decision to implement staff layoffs due to a need for internal restructuring and resultant budget reallocations that would help the organization to approach its work more effectively and with an eye on financial sustainability and mission achievement. This decision affected two valued and dedicated employees: Arin Meade, Director of Operations and Josh Stasinos, Development Manager. It is important to emphasize that these were layoffs, not firings, which leaves open the possibility for both individuals to return to Nuzzles in new roles, should our financial conditions and organizational priorities allow and per the professional interest of both Arin and Josh.
Arin served as Nuzzles’ Director of Operations since mid-2020. Prior to 2020, Arin played other key roles at Nuzzles, including managing our Adoption Center and she began leading our foster relationships. Josh boosted Nuzzles’ visibility in the community for the past two plus years, managing public events such as the local puppy Snuggle Lounges in the community and he oversaw our social media outreach, and supported donor engagement.
In August 2024, Leslie Barcus joined Nuzzles and Co as its executive director. Leslie brought over 25 years of nonprofit management experience, including in shelter management and all functional areas of nonprofit leadership. The Nuzzles Board is confident in Leslie’s ability to lead the organization’s day-to-day operations moving forward.
Nuzzles & Co. has been a beloved community organization for many years, sustained by the goodwill and support of our community. Larger financial windfalls also have played a considerable part in Nuzzles’ financial operations from time to time and while fortunate in many respects, they are unpredictable. Nuzzles cannot rely on these sporadic windfalls of funding in building a sustainable future.
As part of our immediate financial strategy, we are facing the hard truth that we must rethink our budget while also exploring ways to engage a committed network of volunteers and fosters to assist with animal care and community events. We are considering new approaches to enhance our financial sustainability, with the understanding that our long-term success depends on diversifying our revenue streams and building a more stable financial foundation. Our goal is to create a sustainable operating model that enables us to continue our important work while alleviating the stress and uncertainty that currently defines our day-to-day operations. Ultimately, Nuzzles’ future depends on its ability to partner with a growing and committed donor base.
As Nuzzles & Co. celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, we remain confident that, with the continued support of our community, we will overcome these challenges and continue to serve the animals that need us most. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Arin, Josh, our fosters, volunteers, partners, and everyone who remains committed to helping Nuzzles save animals in need. Your support makes all the difference and all of us working together are the community face of Nuzzles & Co.
Thank you,
Nuzzles & Co. Board of Directors
