Funding for Fluffy

  "It's a day to day challenge, especially with the disaster challenges we've had recently. Approximately 42 additional animals we wouldn't normally have - that stretches our budget." Diane Sharits knows about the needs of the Joplin Humane Society. As Executive Director, she knows the budget and the seemingly endless list of needs for the cash they have. The needs are growing as the Humane Society houses animals affected by the Newton County tornado. It means extra cleaning supplies are needed... and food ... and overtime for workers dealing with more animals. Balancing funding has always been a delicate process, planning for responsible finances in the long term while juggling day to day demands. According to Sharits, "We've increased our adoption fees some, still making them approachable by the adoptive families but yet enhancing our funds a little bit to make sure we have the daily dollars we need."
  Throw in another challenge with the capital campaign. The Humane Society plans to move to a new building; original plans called for a facility costing around $5.3 million. "That was what we were looking at originally - our consultant told us we don't really need that large of a building so we're looking at maybe scaling back a bit - 15,000 square feet approximately at this time." Donations help. Pledges toward the capital campaign which is still getting underway, money to help to day to day operations and even food and supplies for the animals.