Everett, Wash.
Published: Monday, July 7, 2008

Animal shelter accused of discrimination

By Gale Fiege
Herald Writer

 STANWOOD -- A former volunteer with the Northwest Organization for Animal Help shelter has filed a complaint with the state Human Rights Commission claiming he was discriminated against because he is disabled.

Officials at the nonprofit animal adoption center said the volunteer was asked not to come back because he sometimes was dropped off at the center without a caregiver, causing extra work for other volunteers and the organization's small paid staff.

Bryce Jones, 33, of Conway was told in May that positions at NOAH for volunteers with special needs were being eliminated. Jones' mother, Lorraine Jones of Mukilteo, complained to NOAH and to the Human Rights Commission.

Her son had volunteered with NOAH for more than three years, doing office chores and petting cats awaiting adoption, Jones said.

"Bryce is extremely high functioning," Jones said. "He was training for getting a job and trying to increase his skills. People there liked Bryce."

Bryce Jones was well-liked at NOAH, said the center's executive director, Austin Gates. That wasn't the problem, she said.

"We still have volunteers with special needs on our volunteer roster. But they come with their caregivers each time," Gates said. "If a staff member has to be with you when you walk a dog, it defeats the purpose of having volunteers. We are here to focus on our mission to help animals."

The Human Rights Commission launched its investigation after reviewing a letter from NOAH's volunteer services manager to Bryce Jones' caretaker. The letter said that NOAH had to "eliminate (its) positions for special needs volunteers."

Gates said the letter was poorly worded and sent without her approval.

Nevertheless, the letter is the starting point, said Marc Brenman, executive director of the state commission.

"On its face, it certainly doesn't look great," Brenman said. "We will be looking at the essential functions of volunteer jobs (at NOAH). Perhaps all volunteers there need a buddy system."

A full investigation into the complaint could take as long as four months, Brenman said. However, if the commission finds that the parties involved just need some help talking, then it will help find some kind of alternative dispute resolution, he said.



Reporter Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427 or gfiege@heraldnet.com.
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA