New Jersey First Lady Mary Pat Christie has named Jordyn Cascone, founder of Jordyn’s Cause 4 Paws in Mercer County, as her 49th New Jersey Hero. Sixteen-year-old Jordyn was recognized for a program she began to help homebound individuals ensure their pets are nourished. In 2014, Cascone founded her organization after research showed that some Meals on Wheels recipients gave their food to their pets because they could not afford to buy pet food. She started out by making weekly meal bags that met the needs of 11 dogs, 15 cats and one fish. What initially began as a Girl Scout Silver Award project has continued and further developed into a nonprofit organization that has partnered with Meals on Wheels to provide pet food for the animals of the home bound.
“I’m so impressed by Jordyn’s initiative and determination in establishing this unique service that focuses on the dietary needs of Meals on Wheels recipients and their pets,” said Mrs. Christie. “It’s so inspiring to see the commitment of this young woman to improve the lives of others and I am indeed proud to name Jordyn Cascone as my New Jersey Hero of 2017.”
Jordyn’s Cause 4 Paws currently provides food for dogs, cats, birds and fish and distributes approximately 150 pet meals a month to 40 households. Since 2014, the organization has delivered over 50,000 pet food meals and spends nearly $8,000 a year on maintaining a pet food supply. Jordyn’s Cause 4 Paws uses specific questionnaires to ensure that these meals are tailored to the dietary needs of each individual recipient and their pet.
“I never imagined Jordyn’s Cause 4 Paws would become what it is today. It is so important to so many people. Serving my community has been a privilege knowing I am comforting the homebound by supporting their loving pets,” said Miss Cascone. “Words cannot express what this award means to me. I am just so grateful.”
Jordyn’s Cause 4 Paws also spreads awareness, solicits donations through various fundraisers such as car washes and bake sales. For more information about Jordyn’s Cause 4 Paws, please visit their website: www.jordynscause4paws.org.
