PetSmart Promise program working with local shelters

NEWTON — A new national program is bringing aquariums to Family Promise Day Centers, including right here in Sussex County. PetSmart Promise, a collaboration between PetSmart and Family Promise, will place 50 fish tanks in Day Centers across the country.

“We are grateful to PetSmart for this unique and thoughtful donation,” said Julie Schuldner, Executive Director. “An aquarium will help make our facilities more like a home, which will make for a smoother transition for our families and will also give the children staying with us a great learning opportunity.”

The aquariums will be installed by PetSmart associates. But families and employees at the Day Centers will be responsible for feeding and taking care of the fish, teaching children a valuable life lesson about pet ownership.

“PetSmart’s contributions will make a huge difference in the daily lives of homeless children,” said Karen Olson, President and founder of Family Promise. “It is gratifying to see a major retailer joining our fight against family homelessness.”

In addition to the aquariums, the PetSmart Promise program will build on-site dog and cat kennel facilities at existing Family Promise Day Centers who have opted into the program. The kennels will benefit families throughout the country who are staying at the shelter and are in transition or temporarily homeless. The families, who stay at the shelter for 60 days or less, will be able to continue to care for their pet and keep their entire family — including their four-legged members — together during a difficult time. The PetSmart Promise program is expanding nationwide this year, with the goal of five new facilities opening each year until all 182 Family Promise facilities have the opportunity to participate in the program at a level that is appropriate for them.

“PetSmart is working with Family Promise on a national scale to enhance the lives of the families participating in their programs,” said Joe O’Leary, PetSmart President and Chief Operating Officer. “These PetSmart Promise sponsored aquariums will serve an important purpose — teaching children the joy and responsibility that comes with having a pet — but will also be something fun to have in the facility.”