If you have been following the reorganization efforts of Houlton Humane, you know that we have made many changes in operations and are continuing to work on review of all policies and procedures.
Not because there was anything “wrong” with the old policies but simply because every non-profit is a living entity, changing and growing and none of these policies had been reviewed for many years.
We also did an internal audit, formed a finance committee, and the committee made recommendations to the board for a full audit. A CPA has been hired and a full and formal audit is underway.
This takes a long time, and is an expensive process, costing in the thousands of dollars, but necessary to assure the public that we take seriously our fiduciary responsibility to you, to show that your tax deductible donation was received and used in the manner intended.
It’s also necessary to have an audit on hand on an annual basis for grant writing and other necessary functions of a nonprofit.
The most important part of an audit isn’t looking back, but looking forward, as a CPA will find and recommend ways to improve the accounting processes.
In the meantime I think it’s important to note that your continued financial support of Houlton Humane Society is appreciated, welcomed and needed, as well as your generous donations of cleaning supplies, canned dog and cat food, laundry supplies and other items.
We also can use kitty litter, as much or as little as you can carry. A shelter goes through a lot of litter in a week. We do not use the clumping litter for the most part but I’m sure if we had some donated it would come in handy.
The Board of Directors continues to work on ways to improve the care given the animals and the compassion and understanding offered the public.
It’s a credit to our staff that they reach out and ask questions when issues arise that they have not encountered before. There are still huge gaps in our service and we are working on those, such as needing host families to provide foster care , emergency teams to be available when a sick or injured critter comes in after hours, and emergency transport teams for trips to the Vet. We invite you to volunteer to foster, transport, or even stop by and do a load of laundry at the shelter, or take a dog for a walk, clean a cage.
We have staff who are worked hard and sometimes have to call out for a family emergency, perhaps you would be able to be available as a call-in during those times. A few days of training would be required and you would always be working with an employee who would be able to answer any questions so this might be a way to volunteer without committing to so many days a week or month, but just be a call in.
These animals need you. You are their only voice. We are a team. Together we can make a difference in the lives of these beautiful creatures. Thank you for your help in the past, we look forward to working with you into the future.
