Matt Baker; Director/Tres
Circumstances brought me in, but it’s my love for animals, and for all of God’s creatures that keeps me going. The stray epidemic in Evangeline Parish is well beyond its critical stage! Unchecked breeding and containment laws that are not enforced are only two of the factors which contribute to this explosion of unwanted pets. The culture is much different in the south. Dogs are guardians of the farm animals or motivated hunting partners, while cats live in the barn to protect the feed from mice. It is not the life I would choose for them, but I cannot control that. What I can do; however, is join the others down here who speak up for the mistreated, discarded. pets who cannot speak for themselves. People need to HEAR the truth about this situation: we caused the problem by allowing our pups and kittens to roam freely, intact. And why shouldn’t they? Law enforcement is well known for instructing complainants to shoot the dog (illegal; even here) that they are calling about! We live in a parish with no animal control officers, no animal shelter, very few resources available to our rescue, and none at all for all of the “renegade rescues" (families or individuals who take in numerous strays, see to their vetting, including spay/neuter procedures). I have not lost hope, and I'm not giving up. I'll save as many as I can until I run out of resources. It's heartbreaking, life changing, gut wrenching work that I never would've imagined myself doing. Now I sit and wonder how I didn’t get more involved sooner. Help me by spreading the word about the depravity these innocent creatures experience daily, and by supporting this life saving work.
Heroes Vice President and Secretary, Linda contributes a great deal to the organization and the animals in our care. At 72 years young you might expect her to be among the 1st to call it quits, but on the contrary, this woman has outlasted quite a few people. Her most difficult task is putting up with me…lol. She is at an advantage since, as my mother, she is all too familiar with my ways and is quite proficient at encouraging me to keep going when I think I cannot go anymore. Not only is she my biggest fan, but she has more intestinal fortitude than I, or anyone I know. She has sacrificed financially while on a fixed income. She is spending her “retirement” at the shelter, working with me. She has bonded with the hardcases, and she walks and plays with the non-pulling pups. There is not enough room for me to write all of the different ways it blesses me and all of the animals by having Mom out at the rescue. I can say with absolute confidence that Heroes would not have made it through some of the stuff it has been through had she not been helping the way she does. My Mother turns 73 this year, LORD spare.
Linda Hanshew; VP/Se
My Approach
What began as a passion project has evolved into something more. We’re proud of where we’ve been and even more excited for what’s ahead. What sets us apart isn’t just our process—it’s the intention behind it. We take time to understand, explore, and create with purpose at every turn.
Simple ideas
Through every step, we've focused on staying true to our values and making space for thoughtful, lasting work.
Lasting impact
We build with clarity, act with integrity, and always stay curious.