A PURR-fect Fit

Frank the Cat Brings Happiness to Domestic Violence Survivors at New Life Center

In the far West Valley lives a cat that’s perhaps the only C-level pet in the Valley, and he’s making a big difference in the lives of people in need.

Frank the Cat appeared out of the blue one day on the campus of New Life Center’s domestic violence shelter. He was a stray with an unknown origin story who just happened to stumble across what would become a new home for him.

Frank was a little worse for wear, and he’s definitely not a show cat. His coat is scruffy on a good day, he has a noticeable overbite, and his eyes tend to be a bit on the goopy side.

Frank’s story, in some ways, mirrors the journey of many who come to New Life Center. Like Frank, who arrived at the shelter seeking refuge, individuals and families arrive here in need of a safe haven where they can find support and begin to heal. New Life Center provides that safe space, offering a path toward a new life, just as it has done for Frank.

New Life Center is one of Arizona’s largest domestic violence shelters, supporting more than 1,200 survivors last year alone with a trauma-informed approach designed to start a true healing process for those who have endured violence and abuse.

“We understand that domestic violence survivors not only need immediate shelter but also require long-term healing from trauma,” said Kate Thoene, interim CEO of New Life Center. “This healing process can begin a month after leaving an abusive relationship — or even 20 years later. No matter where someone is on that journey, we offer services to support them.”

Children make up 70 percent of the individuals served at New Life Center, so the organization works to ensure that the campus and services are child-friendly, creating a space where kids can heal. One of the unique aspects of the shelter is its casita-style campus, where every family has its own private living space.

“We view our shelter as a temporary home for survivors, so we strive to make it as comfortable as possible,” Thoene said. “That’s why we allow pets — and even embrace the presence of a small colony of cats on-site, including Frank.”

Only 3 percent of domestic violence shelters nationwide allow pets, and even fewer allow them to live alongside survivors. Thoene said that animals are often a barrier to leaving a dangerous situation. Some survivors refuse to leave because they don’t want to abandon their pets, while others are manipulated by abusers who threaten harm to their animals.

This brings us back to Frank, who wandered into the shelter one day and never left.

“Over the years, we have cared for him, and in return, he has become an integral part of our community,” Thoene said. “Unlike many cats who tend to be wary of strangers, Frank welcomes everyone. He is known and loved by all — children, adults and even the other animals on campus.”

Frank’s temperament is what could best be described as “chill.” He doesn’t spook easily and enjoys the company of almost all people and creatures. And that chill attitude creates a soothing and healing effect for those who interact with Frank.

“We recently named Frank our ‘Chief Happiness Officer’ because of the positivity he brings to our shelter,” Thoene said. “He is just this really sweet, friendly guy. A lot of times, he’s in the front of the shelter, sitting on this bush he likes to perch on. It’s really kind of funny. He walks around and brings people joy.”

Thoene cited two examples of Frank’s impact. One was a teenager at the shelter whose favorite activity became petting Frank on the porch of the family’s casita. Another was a woman in her 80s who connected with Frank and often welcomed him into her living quarters.

“She was here for a couple of months, and Frank was her little companion. She let him right into her casita, took care of him and gave him baths, and he was very sweet to her,” she said.

It’s not lost on anyone that Frank’s story mirrors that of many survivors.

“He arrived at the shelter rough around the edges, having been neglected, yet he found a home here — just as many families do,” Thoene said. “No one expects to end up in a shelter, but we strive to make the experience as safe and supportive as possible.”

The pet-friendly policies of New Life Center have resulted in collaboration with local nonprofits in the animal rescue space, including the Arizona Humane Society and Lost Our Home Pet Rescue. Those interested in supporting Frank — or any of the pets at New Life Center — can do so by donating pet supplies at Hope’s Closet, the center’s thrift store in Goodyear. And, of course, financial donations are welcome as well.

Frank’s presence is a confirmation that pets can be an integral part of the healing process.

“Healing takes many forms,” Thoene said. “Some survivors gravitate toward traditional therapy, while others find comfort in music, art or animal therapy. Whether people realize it or not, Frank provides a form of therapy. He has never been a source of complaint — whether someone loves cats, is allergic or is indifferent. Frank simply roams the property, checking on everyone and spreading happiness.”

That uplifting presence is exactly why he earned his special title. “He may just have the most important job here,” Thoene said. “If we achieve nothing else but make people happy, I think that’s a success.”

To learn more, visit newlifectr.org.