We’re Now a Service Enterprise!
We have big news: Homeward Pet is now a certified Service Enterprise! This means we’ve been recognized as part of the top 11% of nonprofits nationwide in strategic volunteer management across all leadership levels and departments. Simply put, Homeward Pet is able to engage and extend the impact of our volunteers in service of what we’re all here for: finding animals homes.
What’s required to be recognized as a Service Enterprise? Quite a few standards need to be met…which is why we’ve been working on this project with coaching from Best Friends Animal Society for about two years. From outreach strategy to more in-depth tracking and evaluation of our volunteer program, it’s been a long road with so many benefits for the animals at the end of it. To read more about the details of certification, visit this page: https://www.pointsoflight.org/service-enterprise-program/
This is an incredible honor that we couldn’t have achieved without our stellar volunteers. We’ve missed you all during our time away from the shelter, and we can’t wait to get back and see you all more regularly. Below are a few quotes from fellow volunteers about what keeps them coming back to HPAC; we hope we’ll be able to see you all in person soon!
What has never failed to draw me back to volunteer at HPAC is the community of the shelter itself. It brings me so much fulfillment to interact with so many kind and giving souls who are all dedicated to the same cause; improving the lives of displaced dogs and cats by finding them permanent and loving homes. I typically lead a very busy life as a student and a healthcare worker, but being able to come to the shelter every weekend has been a fundamental stress reliever for me since 2018, and I look forward to returning to reconnect with my HPAC family and to continue doing my part!
- Audrey, Volunteer Dog Walker & Socializer
I miss the dogs a lot. I have three cats which I adore, but there is something so special and hopeful about the dogs. Mostly though, I miss the people. The crew I work with on Wednesday mornings with Will, and all the wonderful friends I have made in our group. Debera Verlinda was a part of this Wednesday group, and she was such a positive force. Some of us have stayed connected through this; however, working together on a weekly basis is something I really miss.
- Lynette, Volunteer Dog Feeder/Cleaner & Walker
As a shelter volunteer for about 10 years (not just at Homeward Pet), there is nothing more rewarding than seeing rescue animals make little improvements from day to day, week to week. Whether that means watching a scared little dog turn into friendly-wigglebutt who wants to greet everyone or a rambunctious puppy with little skills become a master at sit and stay, it’s the little changes that are the most rewarding. I miss giving animals, that are seeking a fur-ever home, the time and attention they all truly deserve. I know that it makes me feel amazing, but to be able to give them that feeling while in a shelter environment is the greatest gift.
- Erica, Volunteer Dog Walker & Receptionist
Here’s what keeps me coming back to Homeward and what I’m looking forward to when we return: the kind community of fellow volunteers, the cats that I get to spend time with and care for, and kitten season (crazy but so fun).
- Anonymous Cat Care Volunteer
