Editorial Note: This is part of a series that profiles the recipients of Lady Freethinker’s Urgent Need Fund 2025 grant program. The program was created to support nonprofit organizations involved in animal rescue and care, as well as those that promote better animal treatment. If you’re interested in learning more about the program, click here.
Hundreds of beloved companion animals on Chicago’s West Side will receive lifesaving vaccines, supplies, and critical support thanks to a new Lady Freethinker grant for Mission Compassion Paw Rescue and Outreach (MCP), a nonprofit working to keep pets in their homes by meeting urgent needs in underserved communities.
MCP Rescue, together with its partner organization, the Chicago Avenue Community Network Foundation for Good (CACNF), is planning three free supply and vaccination clinics for Garfield Park through 2026. These events will be staffed by volunteer veterinarians and vet techs, and will provide rabies and distemper/leptospirosis vaccines, microchipping, and free pet care supplies.
Ricky the Dog, who is being treated for leptospirosis, itchy skin, and an ear infection (Lady Freethinker)
In total, MCP estimates the grant will help them provide vaccines and supplies for 350 dogs, directly supporting families who otherwise struggle to access even basic veterinary care.
Meeting a Serious Crisis in Chicago
“Here in Chicago, many low-income pet owners struggle to afford care for their animal companions,” MCP’s Samantha Schreiner told LFT. The economic fallout from the COVID-19 adoption surge, combined with record inflation, has placed intense pressure on households and city shelters alike. “Chicago Animal Care and Control in particular has seen a dramatic increase in pet surrenders, straining its already limited resources.”
Hershey the Dog, who is in foster care and received a basic checkup (Lady Freethinker)
The need in Garfield Park is especially acute. According to Schreiner, the neighborhood’s “average median income is approximately $30,000, and 38 percent of residents live below the poverty line.” Many pet guardians “struggle to afford even basic veterinary services,” making free clinics an essential lifeline.
Schreiner described the organization’s approach as transformational: “MCP Rescue and Outreach is a pioneering non-profit dedicated to transforming the landscape of animal welfare in Chicago through a community-driven approach. We seek to end the cycle of pet overpopulation and abandonment by integrating low-cost spay and neuter services, animal training, boarding, medical care, and grooming with a youth-focused education program that fosters lifelong compassion for animals in the community.”
What the Clinics Provide
At each event, MCP and CACNF will distribute high-quality leashes, harnesses, collars, toys, bowls, and more than 1,300 pounds of pet food — completely free of charge. Vaccines will be administered by volunteer veterinarians, and microchips will be provided to help keep pets safe and out of shelters.
Lucy, who received a nail trim (Lady Freethinker)
“The free clinics MCP hosted in 2025 were met with overwhelming enthusiasm,” Schreiner said. “Garfield Park residents began lining up more than three hours in advance, and unfortunately, due to limited resources, we were unable to serve everyone who attended. This grant will allow MCP to more than triple its impact.”
A Puppy in Crisis Shows Why These Clinics Matter
Schreiner shared the story of Zoe, a pit bull puppy they met at one of their vaccine clinics. “She was limping — so we offered help — and provided transportation to and from the vet. She had a broken leg, and needed 6 weeks of weekly cast changes and x-rays. MCP paid for all the vet bills, in addition to assisting the family on her care.” Zoe’s recovery was only possible because the clinic connected her family to immediate support.
Ricky, receiving ear medication to treat an infection (Lady Freethinker)
Stories like hers reflect the broader mission. As Schreiner explained, “Access to services and supplies can make the difference between a dog finding a loving forever home and being caught in a cycle of adoption and surrender to shelters.”
Building Toward Long-Term Community Care
These outreach events are doing more than providing urgent assistance. They are also “building relationships and laying the foundation for MCP Rescue’s new brick-and-mortar animal welfare center, which will be located in the heart of the neighborhood and provide affordable care and adoption services for years to come.”
With support from Lady Freethinker’s Urgent Need grant, MCP will expand its reach, reduce financial barriers for families who love their pets, and help stabilize overwhelmed municipal shelters — creating safer, healthier communities for dogs and the people who care for them.
