Meet 2025 GAAR Good Neighbor Sofia Williams

For Sofia Williams, making a difference in the community starts with compassion—and a willingness to turn that compassion into action. Through her work with Roots Animal Sanctuary, Sofia has dedicated her time, resources, and voice to supporting animals in need and helping a small, volunteer-driven organization extend its reach.

As a 2025 GAAR Good Neighbor recipient, Sofia is being recognized for her commitment to volunteer service and her efforts to build greater awareness and support for Roots and the animals it serves.

Sofia first became involved with Roots as a volunteer, drawn to the sanctuary's mission of providing refuge for animals that may have nowhere else to go. Over time, that involvement grew into a personal commitment to helping sustain the organization's work. Today, she sponsors an animal each month and has encouraged others to become recurring contributors, helping Roots build a stronger network of ongoing support. Her involvement doesn't stop with her own contributions. She has also looked for creative ways to introduce more people to Roots and its mission, including connecting the sanctuary with local musicians who have a voice in the community. By bringing together people who share a desire to help, she has helped increase awareness of the sanctuary and create new opportunities for others to get involved.

That community support is especially meaningful for a small organization like Roots. Volunteer-driven sanctuaries often operate without the visibility or resources available to larger nonprofits, yet they can provide a critical lifeline for animals whose needs fall outside those traditionally served by shelters. Through dedicated volunteers and supporters, Roots can offer those animals the care, refuge, and second chances they deserve.

The sanctuary's reach extends beyond New Mexico. Roots is part of a larger network helping animals throughout the Southwest find the care and support they need. They work with shelters and animal welfare organizations in Arizona, Colorado, and California.

For Sofia, the impact of this work reaches beyond animal welfare. Supporting Roots is also a way to foster empathy, encourage others to get involved, and demonstrate how individual acts of kindness can grow into something much larger.

Through volunteering, advocacy, sponsorship, and community connection, Sofia has helped strengthen the foundation of an organization she believes in while inspiring others to join its mission. Her dedication is a reminder that being a Good Neighbor doesn't always begin with a grand gesture—it can begin with simply seeing a need, choosing to help, and bringing others along with you.

Ways to Help

• Volunteer with Roots Animal Sanctuary: Donate your time and energy to help Roots with a variety of tasks, such as building and maintaining living quarters for its residents.
• Sponsor a Resident: Through Roots' Patreon, you can select a specific animal to sponsor. Your contributions support everything from food to medical bills for the resident you choose.
• Become a Medical Fund Sponsor: Make a one-time, monthly, or yearly donation to support medical care for Roots' residents, ensuring they get the care they need to live a happy and healthy life.