White County Humane Society General Information Contact Information nprofit White County Humane Society Address P.O. Box 194 Sparta, TN 38583 Phone (931) 935-8377 Facebook Facebook Email doghousemom@blomand.net At A Glance Year of Incorporation 2005 1
Mission & Impact Statements Mission To eliminate the pain and suffering of animals in White County through an aggressive spay/neuter assistance program. Background The White County Humane Society was initially incorporated in 1990. That organization was dissolved in 2001, and the charter remained in an inactive status for three years. In 2004, the charter was reincorporated, by a small group of people concerned with the problem of animal abuse and neglect in White County. Our primary purpose, as stated in our by-laws was to identify and prosecute animal cruelty and abuse, to educate the public, and to promote a spay/neuter program as a means of eradicating the pet overpopulation problem in our county. Initially our emphasis was on cruelty investigation. We responded to 78 reports of animal abuse and neglect during our first year of existence. In 2005, an investigation by our organization resulted in the prosecution and conviction of a White County man for "neglect"' and "failure to care" for his German Shepherd dog. This was a "first" for our county, and we were very proud of our role in making this happen. Since that time, we have been successful in convincing the County Commissioners of the need for a County Animal Shelter, and a County Animal Control Officer. Our county now has a small shelter, and two county employees, who handle animal control and manage the shelter's adoption program. In addition our current sheriff is very supportive of animal rights. Because of this, our role in cruelty investigations has decreased, and we are now able to concentrate our efforts on prevention, via an aggressive spay/neuter program. In 2005 we were granted 501(c)(3) status by the IRS. This enabled us to apply for grants needed to fund our spay/neuter program. In October of 2006 we received our first $5000.00 spay/neuter grant. We funded six surgeries that year. That number increased to 92 in 2007, 198 in 2008, and 324 in 2009, 550 in 2010, 613 in 2011, 583 in 2012, 586 in 2013, 748 in 2014, 698 in 2015, 663 in 2016, 611 in 2017 and 798 in 2018. Our goal for 2019 is to provide financial assistance to a minimum of 600 pet owners. We currently have approximately 50 dues paying members. A small number assist with fundraisers, but the bulk of our work is carried out by a dedicated group of volunteers. We have no paid staff. We hold monthly meetings, open to the general public. We periodically submit articles to our local newspaper which include a human interest story of one of the spay/neuter surgeries that we financed during that time frame Our local paper also provides free advertising for our spay/neuter program. Impact In 2018 the White County Humane Society provided financial assistance to 798 low-income pet owners, in having their pets spayed or neutered. Our 2018 fundraising efforts included two yard sales, continuation of our aluminum can recycling program, a doggy bank program in which local businesses collect donations for the Humane Society and participation in the Sparta Liberty Square Celebration. In March sponsored a chili dinner in celebration of World Spay Day. We raised $1258.00 which was used to fund 32 surgeries. 2018 was the fourth year of a five-year plan to spay/neuter a minimum of 500 animals each year. We exceeded that number, as we have for the past nine years. We now have over 1000 followers on our Facebook page. It's a great way to keep in touch with our supporters, and ensure everyone is aware of our activities. We will continue to research and apply for additional grant money. Our mascot "Hero" continues to appear at events in our community, promoting our spay/neuter assistance program. Needs Our most pressing need is for additional volunteers. Although we have over 50 dues-paying members, the majority of our programs are run by a handful of dedicated volunteers. Individuals with expertise in fundraising, bookkeeping, education, grant-writing and computer programs would all lighten the work load carried by our small group. We currently perform all of our programs using one home computer. An additional laptop computer would enable us to manage data from more than one location. We often receive requests for dog and cat food. Although we occasionally get food from local grocery stores, we can always use more. We also receive requests for pet carriers and humane traps. We would like to be able to loan these items to our clients, who need them to transport their animals to the spay/neuter clinic. 2
Other ways to donate, support, or volunteer You may mail a check directly to our organization, the White County Humane Society, PO Box 194, Sparta, TN 38583. Make checks payable to White County Humane Society. You may also donate using Paypal, by visiting our Facebook Page, White County Humane Society. Service Categories Primary Organization Category Animal Related / Animal Protection & Welfare Areas of Service Areas Served TN - White The primary area served by our organization is White County, Tennessee. This includes the cities of Sparta (38583,) Doyle (38559,) Walling (38587,) and Quebeck (38579.) When we receive calls for assistance, we help residents of neighboring VanBuren County, but do not actively solicit clients outside of White County. Board Chair Statement I have loved animals since I was a small child. Being born and raised on a farm in Minnesota, I recall crying when my mother would bring baby chicks to the house that had been the victim of the hen house "pecking order." We would lovingly nurse the chicks back to health. Growing up I was surrounded by dogs and cats, as well as a wide variety of farm animals. My busy 24-year career in the Navy didn't leave much time for volunteer work. When I reached retirement age, my greatest source of excitement was the fact that I could now begin "giving back" in the form of volunteering...and the first place I went to volunteer after retiring to Tennessee was the local Animal Shelter in Putnam County. Here I learned of the horrors of pet overpopulation, and knew that I had to do something about it. For several years I worked with the Prevent Unwanted Pets (PUP) organization in Putnam County, but always had the nagging feeling that as a resident of White County, I needed to be doing something to improve conditions here. I was one of the three individuals who took on the task of resurrecting the White County Humane Society after three years of inactivity. I am extremely proud of our accomplishments to date, and have every intention of continuing our work to improve conditions for the animals of our county. CEO Statement We are very proud of the success that we have had over the past 13 years. We've initiated a spay/neuter assistance program in our county, convinced our local government to build a shelter, hire an animal control officer, and get involved in the prosecution of those who neglect or abuse their animals. But I feel that our greatest success is that we've been able to change the attitudes and mindset of many in our county. More and more people are realizing the importance of having their pets spayed and neutered, rather than simply "accepting" a new litter of unwanted puppies or kittens several times a year. More and more people are expressing their outrage at animal abuse when they witness it. More and more of our local officials are realizing that the problem of pet overpopulation and animal abuse is THEIR problem, and that it's their responsibility to do something about it. It's a slow process, but I believe if we continue to work toward our goals, one day things will be better for ALL the animals in White County. 3
Programs Programs Spay/Neuter Assistance Description Our organization provides financial assistance to county residents who could otherwise not afford to have their pets spayed or neutered. We use the services of the Major Michael Shipley Memorial Clinic (also knows as the Humane Society of Putnam County Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic,) located in Cookeville, TN, Paul's Clinic, located in McMinnville, TN (also a low-cost S/N Clinic,) and the Sumner Spay/Neuter Alliance in Gallatin, TN. With the exception of a few cases, all our clients are referred to these three facilities, enabling us to make our dollars stretch further. We screen each potential client to ensure that a financial need exists. Based on the information we determine how much the client can afford to contribute to the procedure, and we pick up the remainder of the cost of surgery. Budget 25000 Category Animal-Related, General/Other Animal-Related, General/Other Population Served Families,, Short Term Success We hope to continue to meet our goals of funding a minimum of 500 spay/neuter surgeries per year. We also hope to continue to meet the needs of 100% of eligible families that seek our assistance. Long term Success Program Success Monitored By Examples of Program Success We hope to see a decrease in the number of dogs entering our county animal shelter and a decrease in the number of animal neglect and abuse cases in our county. We also hope to see a decrease in the number of dogs that must be transported to different parts of the country in order for them to find adoptive homes. Success monitored by comparing shelter intake to number of animals we spay and neuter each year. As our numbers increase we hope to see shelter intake decrease. For nine consecutive years we have met or exceeded our goal of funding 500 or more spay/neuter surgeries for pets owned by low-income families. Information Description Our Information Coordinator makes presentations to community groups such as the Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus, Federation of Women's Groups, etc. to educate them on the goals, objectives, and accomplishments of the White County Humane Society. We solicit their support both financially and in the hope that they will spread the good news about the Humane Society. Budget 100 Population Served,, 4
Promotion Description Several years ago our organization purchased a good quality dog costume, with the intention of having a Humane Society Mascot. Our local newspaper sponsored a "name the mascot" contest, and "Hero" was the winning entry. Since then, Hero has made numerous appearances at community events, schools, nursing homes, etc, promoting the Humane Society and our programs. Although the initial expenditure was high, we feel that Hero has paid for himself many times over, with the goodwill he promotes toward our organization. Occasionally we have to spend a little money to get Hero's costume cleaned, and purchase supplies to keep him "cool" during the hot summer appearances. Budget 100 Population Served,, CEO Comments Our biggest challenge is convincing many of the residents of White County that prevention is the best answer to animal abuse and neglect problems in our county. Many view animals a "possessions," and feel that no one has the right to dictate how they treat these "possessions." Still others feel that it is natural and normal for a female dog or cat to produce a litter of puppies or kittens several times a year. Unwanted litters are "disposed of," much like you would an old piece of furniture, that you no longer have use for. We need to reach these people and educate them...convince them that there are affordable alternatives. 5
Governance Board Chair Board Chair Ms. Monica Lois Jicha Company Affiliation Community Volunteer Term Dec 2009 to Dec 2019 Email doghousemom@blomand.net Board Members Name Affiliation Status Ms Susan Fischer Community Volunteer Voting Ms Grace Grebel Board Member Voting Ms Molli Hennessey Retired Voting Dr. Tara Lemaire MD Community Volunteer Voting Ms Donna Parker Community Volunteer Voting Ms. Diana Verble Community Volunteer Voting Dr. James M. Winans MD Community volunteer Voting Board Demographics - Ethnicity African American/Black 0 Asian American/Pacific Islander 0 Caucasian 8 Hispanic/Latino 0 Native American/American Indian 0 Other 0 0 Board Demographics - Gender Male 1 Female 7 Unspecified 0 Governance Board Term Lengths 10 Board Term Limits 5 Board Meeting Attendance % 70% Written Board Selection Criteria? Written Conflict of Interest Policy? Yes Yes Percentage Making Monetary Contributions 30% 6
Percentage Making In-Kind Contributions 0% Constituency Includes Client Representation Number of Full Board Meetings Annually 1 Standing Committees Communications / Promotion / Publicity / Public Relations Education Development / Fund Development / Fund Raising / Grant Writing / Major Gifts CEO Comments Our greatest challenge is convincing many of the residents of White County that prevention is the best answer to animal abuse and neglect in our county. Many view their pets as "possessions" and feel that no one has the right to dictate how they will treat these "possessions." Others feel that it is normal and natural for a female dog or cat to produce several litters of puppies or kittens every year. Unwanted litters are treated much like a piece of furniture...that can be disposed of when no longer needed or wanted. Reaching out to this segment of the population, and educating them is the most difficult task we face. 7
Management Executive Director/CEO Executive Director Ms. Monica Jicha Term Start Jan 2010 Email doghousemom@blomand.net Experience Monica Jicha is a retired Navy Master Chief Petty Officer. She holds a BS Degree in Recreation and Park Administration, from Mankato State University in Mankato, MN and a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. Monica has served as a volunteer with animal rights groups since Jan 2000, when she retired from the Navy. She has served as a volunteer in the Putnam County Animal Shelter, was a member of the Prevent Unwanted Pets Organization in Putnam County, was a founder of the White County Humane Society, and is a member of the Upper Cumberland Animal Network. Monica volunteers at our county animal shelter, and coordinates activities with other animal welfare groups in White County. Co-CEO Co-CEO Ms Linda Keller Term Start Dec 2009 Email kellertn@blomand.net Experience Linda Keller is a real estate broker. She was a member of the original White County Humane Society which was established in 1990. She was one of three individuals who re-instituted the current White County Humane Society. Staff Full Time Staff 0 Part Time Staff 0 Volunteers 7 Contractors 0 Retention Rate 0% Plans & Policies Does the organization have a documented Fundraising Plan? Under Development Does the organization have an approved Strategic Plan? Under Development In case of a change in leadership, is a Management Succession plan in place? Does the organization have a Policies and Procedures Plan? Does the organization have a ndiscrimination Policy? 8
Does the organization have a Whistle Blower Policy? Does the organization have a Document Destruction Policy? 9
Financials Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Start July 01 2018 Fiscal Year End June 30 2019 Projected Revenue $40,000.00 Projected Expenses $40,000.00 Endowment Value $0.00 Endowment Spending Policy N/A Endowment Spending Percentage (if selected) 0% Detailed Financials Revenue and Expenses Total Revenue $0 $0 $0 Total Expenses $0 $0 $0 Revenue Sources Foundation and Corporation $0 $0 $0 Contributions Government Contributions $0 $0 $0 Federal $0 $0 $0 State $0 $0 $0 Local $0 $0 $0 Unspecified $0 $0 $0 Individual Contributions $0 $0 $0 Indirect Public Support $0 $0 $0 Earned Revenue $0 $0 $0 Investment Income, Net of Losses $0 $0 $0 Membership Dues $0 $0 $0 Special Events $0 $0 $0 Revenue In-Kind $0 $0 $0 Other $0 $0 $0 10
Expense Allocation Program Expense $0 $0 $0 Administration Expense $0 $0 $0 Fundraising Expense $0 $0 $0 Payments to Affiliates -- $0 $0 Total Revenue/Total Expenses -- -- -- Program Expense/Total Expenses -- -- -- Fundraising Expense/Contributed Revenue -- -- -- Assets and Liabilities Total Assets $0 $0 $0 Current Assets $0 $0 $0 Long-Term Liabilities $0 $0 $0 Current Liabilities $0 $0 $0 Total Net Assets $0 $0 $0 Short Term Solvency Current Ratio: Current Assets/Current Liabilities -- -- -- Long Term Solvency Long-Term Liabilities/Total Assets -- -- -- Top Funding Sources Top Funding Source & Dollar Amount -- -- -- Second Highest Funding Source & Dollar -- -- -- Amount Third Highest Funding Source & Dollar Amount -- -- -- Capital Campaign Is the organization currently conducting a Capital Campaign for an endowment or the purchase of a major asset? Capital Campaign Goal $0.00 State Charitable Solicitations Permit TN Charitable Solicitations Registration Yes - Expires Dec 2019 Organization Comments Our fundraising efforts include yard sales, aluminum can recycling, membership dues, "doggy bank" collections at local businesses, our annual chili dinner and outright donations. We have several individual donors who are generous in their support of our spay/neuter efforts. We firmly believe that every animal spayed or neutered with our financial assistance is a victory, and a step in the right direction. 11
GivingMatters.com Financial Comments This organization filed a 990-N form with the IRS, which does not provide specific financial information. Most small tax-exempt organizations whose annual gross receipts are normally $50,000 or less ($25,000 for tax years ending after December 31, 2007 and before December 31, 2010) are required to electronically submit Form 990-N, also known as the e-postcard, unless they choose to file a complete Form 990 or Form 990-EZ instead.comment provided by Kathryn Bennett 7/16/18. Created 04.18.2019. Copyright 2019 The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee 12