Nonprofit donates Ring cameras to elderly residents after animal cruelty incident

JEFFERSON COUNTY – 9/12/24 — After a disturbing incident of animal cruelty in western Jefferson County, a nonprofit organization is working to better monitor the Chinese population.

Eight elderly and disabled residents in China will receive Ring cameras, a rapid response from the Rise Center of Beaumont, a nonprofit organization that supports disabled people to live independent lives.

The nonprofit learned that someone had strangled an 83-year-old woman's three kittens in the community and left them lined up in her yard. Someone also blocked her door. Melanie Powell, co-founder of China Community Services, was alarmed by the incident.

“This is psychotic. This is psychopathic behavior and the thought that something like this exists in our area is frightening,” Powell said.

Powell and another woman, Laura Zaro, are the founders of China Community Services and are equally passionate about protecting their elderly neighbors.

“Most of them have been here since the beginning of China's existence, so it is very important for us to ensure their safety and make them feel safe where they live,” Zaro said.

The gift of Ring cameras is intended to do just that – provide a sense of peace and security.

Stacy Jackson, an independent living specialist at the Rise Center, saw KFDM's report on the strangled kittens and felt compelled to act.

“There aren't a lot of community services in this area. And so we thought, hey, this is something we can help with and make a difference,” Jackson said.

Jackson is disabled himself and says the Ring cameras make it easier for him to see what's going on outside without putting himself in danger.

And now crimes that happen just steps from a front door are being recorded. Zaro and Powell say they're just getting started and are already accomplishing important goals for the community.

“I think this was a great way to get our foot in the door and kind of pave the way for even bigger things to come,” Zaro said.

“Make it a safer and more engaged community,” Powell said. “We need to get back to neighbors helping neighbors.”

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office says the kitten incident is still under investigation, but supports the installation of the Ring cameras, saying the footage can help solve crimes.