Our History
Owner & CEO of Simply Fabulous Catering, Fabiola Francis established the nonprofit organization Unity For Animals in 2016. She is dedicated to working with rescues and fostering animals, providing a safe haven as they transition between shelters. Born in Lebanon and raised in Guatemala, she shares her home with seven rescue cats and one rescue dog, driven by deep compassion for animal welfare. With a Bachelor’s in Sociology from the University of Memphis (2004) and a passion for martial arts, music, and community leadership, she believes in continuous learning and self-growth. Fabiola inspires others to support animals in need, advocating for a kinder world, and lives by the motto: “When you stop learning, you start dying.”
About Unity for Animals
Unity for Animals is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides a safe foster home for dogs and cats until they can be moved to rescues or permanent adopters. We connect with the community to address local animal welfare issues and work toward a shelter system in Memphis that doesn’t euthanize animals for space or time. We also educate the public about affordable spay, neuter, and vaccination services, and promote responsible pet ownership, especially in at-risk areas. Our goal is to inspire compassion and empower at-risk youth to become advocates for animals.
Challenges
Stray Dog Problem: Over 200 million stray dogs exist worldwide.
Shelter Overcrowding: In the U.S., about 3.2 million dogs enter shelters yearly.
Rescue Efforts: With limited shelter space, many dogs must find homes quickly or face euthanasia. Rescuers and fosters play a crucial role in saving these at-risk animals by providing temporary care until they can be adopted or moved to a safe rescue
Unity Foster House Journey
The Unity Foster House is located in the Frayser neighborhood of Memphis, Tennessee. Fabiola spent a long time searching for the right place, and one day she drove past an abandoned house that seemed perfect. It had a big backyard and was in the right neighborhood. The house had been closed and abandoned for over 12 years, after being used as a childcare center. Fabiola loved the house but feared being outbid again. As she passed by, she said a prayer: “God, if this is meant to be, let no one else bid on it.” She placed an initial bid, and a few days later, the city contacted her to complete the purchase. And that’s how Unity Foster House came to be. Since its opening Unity has added commercial cannels and space outdoors where dogs are able to play in the rain.
What We Have Accomplished
In 2016, Fabiola Francis recognized the problem of animal abandonment in the city and decided to make a change. With shelters often full and a lack of foster homes, she founded Unity for Animals, a 501c3 organization, to help animals and reduce urban blight. Her idea was simple: create a place to shelter animals while also helping communities with fewer resources. By repurposing abandoned homes, we could provide both shelter for animals and an opportunity to educate the community. Fabiola transformed an abandoned house into Unity for Animals, which has since provided temporary shelter for over 180 animals in the past seven years.