Ana Raphael, DVM
Dr. Raphael has always been inspired by the powerful emotional bond between people and their pets. With her extensive experience in small animal medicine and her unwavering commitment to judgment-free care, she became one of the earliest and strongest advocates for creating a program that met people where they are. Her dedication to compassionate outreach helped shape CARE Project’s philosophy from the ground up.
Taylor Yeates, DVM
Dr. Yeates brings both medical expertise and a heart for community-oriented veterinary work. His focus on accessible, humane care made him the perfect partner in developing CARE Project’s clinical foundation. When the need for a structured outreach program became undeniable, he stepped forward to help give the mission medical legitimacy, stability, and long-term direction.
Jessica Hecker, LVT
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Jessica has built a career centered around compassion, leadership, and improving access to care. Through her work in the community, she witnessed firsthand how many people facing homelessness were desperately trying to care for their pets with almost no support. Recognizing that no organization was filling this gap, she moved to organize and structure what would become CARE Project — bringing the vision, coordination, and heart needed to turn a community need into a true nonprofit.
Who We Are
CARE Project is a community-focused nonprofit providing free veterinary care to people experiencing homelessness or housing instability in the Charleston area. We exist for one reason: to keep pets and their people together during life’s hardest moments. Our work is rooted in dignity, compassion, and meeting individuals exactly where they are — whether that’s on the street, in a shelter, or in temporary housing. We believe every person deserves access to veterinary care, and every pet deserves to stay with the family they love.
How CARE Project Began
CARE Project didn’t come from a boardroom, a grant, or a long-term strategic plan. It came from the streets, from conversations with our unhoused neighbors, and from witnessing the deep love and commitment people in crisis have for their pets. Again and again, we saw individuals skipping meals to feed their dogs, keeping their cats warm through cold nights, and doing everything in their power to provide care — even when they had no access to veterinary support. The need was clear. The resources were not. Three veterinary professionals, each moved by these experiences, came together to build a solution rooted in compassion, access, and community. This is how CARE Project began.
Our Shared Vision
Together, Ana, Taylor, and Jessica realized they had the combined skill set, compassion, and determination to create something meaningful — a veterinary program specifically designed for those who often have the least access to care. They united around one guiding belief: no one should have to choose between caring for themselves and caring for their pet.
What We Do
Today, CARE Project provides free veterinary and medical care, mobile and street outreach clinics, pet retention support to prevent unnecessary surrender, and a community cat program focused on humane TNR and wellness care. Every service reflects our promise: we will show up, we will help, and we will honor the bond between people and their pets.
Where We’re Going
CARE Project is growing because the need is real — and because our community deserves compassionate, barrier-free veterinary support. Our goal is to expand outreach, strengthen partnerships, and ensure that no pet or person faces crisis alone. We’re just getting started, and we’re committed to serving Charleston with heart, humility, and purpose.
