Through the Nonprofit Spotlight series, Advancing Macomb highlights the work of a Macomb County-based nonprofit. This month, we feature Szajna-Carr For The Paws.

K-9 officers work tirelessly in communities throughout Macomb County and the region to ensure public safety, often at great personal expense. Recognizing this need, a Macomb County-based nonprofit called Szajna-Carr For The Paws has stepped in to provide essential support. Founded by Evette Szajna and her husband, Mark Carr, this all-volunteer organization is making a difference for K-9 teams throughout Macomb County and beyond.

After attending K-9 events in Georgia and Florida, Evette and Mark were inspired by the strong support systems in place for K-9 officers in those states. They discovered that many K-9 officers in Michigan are self-funded, covering essential equipment and training costs out of their own pockets. These costs add up quickly, from bite sleeves and tracking vests to specialized goggles for navigating wooded areas.

“K-9 officers are on duty 24/7,” Evette shared. “They’re always ready to assist. Supporting them means supporting the safety and well-being of our entire community.”

Evette has strong ties to law enforcement. Her father served as a reserve officer in Center Line, and she has worked as a dispatcher for both the Fraser and Sterling Heights Police Departments. Additionally, her husband has family members who are involved in law enforcement.

“Our mission is to help the law enforcement community with equipment, training and essential needs,” Evette explained.

Since its inception just two years ago, Szajna-Carr For The Paws has assisted police departments in Clinton Township, Eastpointe, Roseville, Shelby Township, Sterling Heights and Warren. The Wayne County Sheriff’s Department even reached out to them to help prepare their K-9 team for the NFL Draft, which required round-the-clock security. Szajna-Carr For The Paws provided support for training, bomb-sniffing kits and other essential supplies to help prepare local K-9 units for the event.

“We were just a couple who wanted to help,” Evette said. “Now, thanks to word-of-mouth and support from the community, we’ve grown to serve the tri-county area with just three volunteers.

Despite their invaluable contributions, K-9 officers often face significant challenges. Funding and budget cuts for K-9 units are common, leaving departments scrambling to cover basic necessities. Once a K-9 retires, healthcare benefits typically vanish, leaving handlers to shoulder vet bills alone. Szajna-Carr For The Paws has stepped in to help cover these expenses, even covering cancer treatment for a retired K-9 in Warren.

As a small, all-volunteer nonprofit organization, Szajna-Carr For The Paws realized they needed additional support and guidance. Mark and Evette started attending Advancing Macomb’s events to network with other nonprofit leaders and gain insights into effectively running a nonprofit organization. Following attendance at an Advancing Macomb workshop on grant writing, the organization obtained funding to purchase a new K-9 for Shelby Township and to cover training expenses.

“Advancing Macomb has opened so many doors for us,” Evette said. “They’ve provided invaluable resources and connections.”

Community members interested in supporting Szajna-Carr For The Paws can attend an event, donate or help spread the word about the organization’s mission. The organization will host its second annual “For the Paws” bowling fundraiser on Saturday, April 12, from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at Bowl One Lanes in Troy, Mich. General admission tickets and lane sponsorship opportunities are available here.

“We want people to know that 100% of everything we raise goes back to helping officers and their K-9 partners,” said Evette. “Donations, event participation and simply thanking these officers go a long way.”

To learn more about Szajna-Carr For The Paws or to donate, visit www.forthepaws.org.