Abby’s Paws for a Cause Incorporated
The Girl that started it all
Abby’s Paws for a Cause is named after a black lab named Abby who was donated to Executive Director Kim Stanton by the Kramer Foundation in 2014 as a way to help reach youth in our community. Unfortunately we lost Abby in 2016 but through Abby’s Paws for a Cause her legacy will live on.
Board of Directors
Agency Director – Kim Stanton
Presidents – Kim Stanton
Vice President-Ashley Good
Treasurer – Dottie Toby
Secretary- Lexi Stanton
Board Members – Debbie Ebbrecht, Juli Lathrop, Laurie Lathrop and Justin Daum
Our Mission
To provide positive youth development programs that enhance Reading and literacy, encourage Respect for self and others and build Resiliency skills in youth.
Our History
Abby’s Paws for a Cause became a official non-pofit, 501-C3 organization in September of 2017 as a way for our Founder and Executive Director to help build relationships with some of our hardest to reach youth and with a goal to provide programs that focus on the three “R”s of Reading, Respect and Resiliency. Our first working dog was Abby who the organization was named after. Although she was only with us for a short time she helped hundreds of youth through our ChIPs (Children of Incarcerated Parents) Program and reading programs. Roadie was our second working dog and he helped thousands of youth as he not only was a partner in the ChiPs program and summer reading program he also provided morning greetings and office hours at Ernie Davis and Broadway Academy. We now have June who has worked in summer reading programs, ChIPs and provided support with the help of the Kramer Foundation at the Child Advocacy Center. All of our dogs have been donated by the Kramer Foundation and many of our programs are done in partnerships with Juli Lathrop from the Kramer Foundation. All programs from 2017 were done a few hours a week on a volunteer basis while our Executive Director worked a full time paid position at other organizations. As of August 2025 WE ARE NOW A FULL TIME ORGANIZATION OFFERING SERVICES TO YOUTH ON A FULL TIME BASIS
Our Vision
We will work with local schools, community centers and organizations, and park programs to provide positive youth development programs, full time, to enhance our mission of Reading and literacy enhancement, Respect of self and others and build Resiliency skills in youth that will lead to academic growth and life success
Our Executive Director
Kim Stanton is the Executive Director and founder of Abby’s Paws for a Cause. She has over 30 years of experience in positive youth development programming. She started Abby’s Paws for a Cause after seeing first hand the positive impact bringing dogs to her programs had on youth and hopes to continue and grow the organization.
What a Difference a Dog Makes –
We value the opportunity to provide safe spaces for all youth to share and grow regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, family structure, religion, income level or personal experiences. Our dogs provide a non judgmental atmosphere, help relive stress and anxiety, and provide a listening ear and brighten the day of youth and adults alike. Whether listening to stories of bad days or traumatic experience’s, providing an opportunity for reading without judgement or just being a happy furry friend to spend time with dogs can make a huge difference in the lives of our youth.
Want to know more about Abby’s Paws for a Cause?
If you would like to request a visit or if you have a question about Abby’s Paws for a Cause email Kim Stanton at
abbyspawsforacause@gmail.com