Humane society gets Hispanic outreach grant

GAINESVILLE - A $10,000 grant will be used by the humane society in Gainesville to improve its outreach to the Hispanic community.

The agency's director, Rick Aiken, said Monday the money will be used to help pay for a bilingual receptionist, Jenny Serna, who is already on board. Aiken says a growing number of Hispanics are using the services of the humane society - either bringing in found or unwanted animals or coming in to adopt animals.

Aiken says he also hopes to begin printing brochures and other materials in Spanish as well as English. The grant is from a private organization, Banfield Charitable Trust.