In January of 2022, Girl Scout Cadette Josie Clark reached out to Leigh Sweet, Foster and Rescue Specialist for Citrus County Animal Services (CCAS). She was working on her Silver Award Project (the second highest award in Girl Scouts) and wanted to know if Ms. Sweet would be her Project Advisor. A Project Advisor serves as an expert in the area of service chosen for a Silver Award Project.

Citrus County Animal Services Supports Girl Scout’s Silver Award Project

Sweet originally met Josie through the Clark family’s participation in the CCAS foster program. A homeschool student, Josie is the primary caregiver for the foster kittens while they are with her family. “Josie is a true testament that young members of our community not only give back, but give back in a truly lifesaving way,” says Sweet. Josie initially planned on simply collecting donations for the shelter. However, she says, “fostering kittens has really inspired me to do more.”

She now plans to host an educational workshop to teach others about the importance of fostering. “Becoming a Fabulous Foster” will take place at the Homosassa Public Library (located at 4100 S Grandmarch Ave) on Saturday, April 9, 2022, from 11:00am – 1:00pm. Participants will learn about the importance of fostering, find out how to start volunteering, and be able to speak to Leigh Sweet about the foster program. During the all-ages event, attendees can make easily disposable and recyclable cat toys which will be donated to the shelter. There will be a donation box at the event, where community members can drop off any sort of animal care supplies for the shelter, including much-needed non-clumping cat litter and kitten pate. At the end, Josie will have completed her Silver Award Project.

“Young people can be a wonderful part of our foster program,” says Sweet. “We can also sign off on two hours of community service per day, which quickly accumulates for students needing volunteer hours for Bright Futures. There are just so many ways a community outreach like this can benefit all involved.”

For more information about CCAS or to become a foster, call (352) 746-8400.