People

Helping Hands

The Friends of Miami Animals Foundation (FoMA) helps financially struggling pet owners care for them, with the goal of keeping them out of shelters. In 2016, after recognizing the needs of homeless pets on the street and in shelters, Yolanda Berkowitz founded the organization and its mission.
Words by Bill Lindsey | February 26, 2025 | People

“After advocating for kids in foster care for more than 20 years, I knew that I could bring a fresh perspective and more resources, and apply some of my experience and expertise to save and improve the lives of the most at-risk pets,” she says. By providing access to veterinarian care, pet food, and support for families experiencing food insecurity, the group’s main mission is to keep pets with their families. However, if the family can no longer care for the animal, the organization helps find it a new forever home. This creates an urgent need for foster homes to save lives, and help pets learn to be the best version of themselves. Food, beds, toys and treats are all supplied, so fosters just need to provide a safe, loving, temporary home; FoMAPets.org.