FACES OF YWCA NASHVILLE & MIDDLE TENNESSEE - KATY SHARP
Middle Tennessee native Katy Sharp exemplifies the transformative power of following one's passion and finding purpose in unexpected places. With her roots in the region and an unwavering commitment to animal welfare, she’s emerged as a leading advocate for both pets and their human companions. As the Manager of Abbie's Safe Home, YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee's pet shelter nestled on the campus of the Weaver Domestic Violence Center, Katy has established herself as a dynamic force in redefining the intersection of animal and human welfare.
Katy's journey took an unexpected turn eleven years ago when she left her lucrative marketing job and embarked on a career path that led her to a profound purpose. This shift in focus brought her to the doors of an animal rescue shelter, where she started as an animal tech working with dogs and cleaning kennels.
Within a year, Katy was named shelter manager, responsible for overseeing the care of up to 180 pets at a time. She was exposed to the multifaceted challenges that animals face, including abuse, neglect, and the social conditions that often contribute to their plight. A deep-seated understanding of the interconnection between animal and human welfare began to crystallize within her.
This understanding took on a new dimension when Katy discovered the link between domestic violence and pet abuse. Her experiences in the field made her acutely aware of how pets become both victims and lifelines for individuals trapped in abusive relationships. The trauma shared by both survivors and their animals fueled Katy's determination to provide a comprehensive solution that safeguards not just pets, but families as a whole.
When she learned that YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee was opening a state-of-the-art pet shelter, she jumped at the chance to run the sanctuary that not only shelters pets but also empowers survivors to regain control of their lives.
With a remarkable blend of compassion, empathy, and tenacity, Abbie’s Safe Home offers far more than shelter. Katy and her team provide a lifeline to survivors who have often lost everything, helping them rebuild their lives while ensuring their beloved pets remain by their sides. In an environment that bridges the gap between pet care and case management, survivors are taught invaluable skills such as grooming and basic care, lessening the financial burden of pet ownership.
Katy's journey through personal challenges, including filing an order of protection for herself and her pets from her now former spouse, has only deepened her empathy and determination. She recognizes that not all survivors possess the same support network she had and remains dedicated to ensuring that Abbie's Safe Home continues to serve as a beacon of hope for others.
Katy's insights and experiences are shaping a future where compassion, support, and advocacy converge. Her belief in the interconnectedness of animal and human welfare propels her efforts to establish a holistic approach to addressing these issues. Katy’s journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of pursuing one's passion, and Abbie’s Safe Home has found a tireless advocate. Katy Sharp embodies resilience, compassion, and an unyielding commitment to the well-being of both animals and humans.