Celebrating Five Years of Partnership and Progress with FOLCA

Today I’m proud to recognize a milestone in our community - the fifth anniversary of Friends of Lawrence County Animals (FOLCA) as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Over the past five years, FOLCA has proven itself to be more than just a nonprofit—it has become an essential partner in our efforts to make Lawrence County a safer, healthier place for people and animals alike.
What began as a grassroots effort to support our new animal shelter—The Doggie House—has grown into a countywide movement, powered by volunteers, compassionate citizens, and strong partnerships across Middle Tennessee. FOLCA is more than a fundraising arm; it’s a driving force behind community education, shelter support, and the Lawrence County SNIPS! spay/neuter program.
Just look at what’s been accomplished:
Over $350,000 raised for The Doggie House, which serves all of Lawrence County.
A successful “Evening with Friends at Soulshine Farm” fundraiser, generating $27,000 for shelter play yards.
Essential equipment purchased, like a commercial dishwasher, and countless other items that fall outside of the shelter’s budget.
1,266 dogs and cats spayed or neutered—a number that represents thousands of animals who will not end up homeless or in our shelters.
Creative outreach, including educational programs in elementary schools, a weekly WLX-WDXE broadcast averaging up to 3,500 viewers, and the purchase of a community microchip reader to help reunite pets with their families—without burdening law enforcement or veterinary staff.
Behind these achievements are local leaders and volunteers who give their time, energy, and hearts to make Lawrence County better. I want to personally thank FOLCA’s board, led by President Rosalind O’Steen Fort, as well as the many citizens who give so generously of themselves.
Looking ahead, FOLCA is planning even more impact—expanding low-cost clinics, launching a task force to address feline overpopulation, and raising funds for a much-needed intake and quarantine building at the shelter. These are ambitious goals, and they deserve our continued support.
As County Executive, I believe strongly in the power of public-private partnerships to solve real problems. FOLCA is proof of what we can accomplish when government, nonprofits, and citizens work together.
I encourage anyone who wants to be part of this work to get involved. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word, your support helps create a community where people and animals thrive together.
To learn more or to volunteer, reach out to FOLCA at folcavolunteer@gmail.com. Let’s keep the momentum going—for our families, for our future, and for our four-legged friends.