Pumpkin Chunkin and a New Chapter
It's time to start collecting Pumpkins! Once your decorating is over, instead of placing these high value items in your garbage can, you can donate pumpkins that haven't been carved, painted or treated to Sanctuary animals for enrichment activities. Every animal here LOVES to partake in pumpkin activities. If you'd like to donate, please bring them to our main gate, 8339 Prov Neap Swan Rd, Neapolis Ohio 43547 and drop them in the hay wagon on the side of the driveway!
As the leaves change, and the breeze cools, I'm reminded of the way life goes through seasons. As the founder of this organization, I have seen it go through many stages, and in both the good times, and bad, I am thankful for what each taught me.
A New Chapter
For those that do not know, this organization is on a soft process dissolution plan, effective in 2031 to discontinue operations under the charitable 501(c)3 status. You can see our formal plan on our home page in our meeting notes and minutes folder. It's been a bitter sweet decision thought through for the last year, and discussed with many opinions and options provided. Ultimately, with the charitable giving climate and challenges faced by Sanctuaries all over the U.S.- The best thing to do is to wind down operations and privatize.
I cannot speak for anyone but myself, in that I am proud of what The Good Shepherd Animal Sanctuary has done, and doubly what I will continue to do even if it looks a little different. I have to give God the glory for each step, even when it terrified me. Because I am walking a path I'd never imagined for myself.
My family will always provide for the animals that call this place home. We can assure you they will not be pushed back into the system. But a few big changes are going to start slowly taking place.
We will be ending tours in 2027. This is due to the high cost of visitor insurance and the fact that legally, Sanctuaries CANNOT or SHOULD NOT charge for tours as it falls under the APHIS/USDA classification of animal exhibitor or Petting Zoo activity. Organizations/Businesses need to hold a license for that specific activity and our organization cannot afford to uphold that financial responsibility, nor are we founded on that model.
Secondly, we will be pausing volunteer activities for new staff. We understand that getting active with animals is a gift of an experience, and we encourage those looking to volunteer with Sanctuaries to look into one of many other options like SASHA Farm Animal Sanctuary, Barn Sanctuary, Ahimsa Safe Haven, Farley's Farm Sanctuary and more!
Our current team of individuals will continue to provide next level care and love to our residents.
As the Sanctuary privatizes, a new social media account will be built for those long time supporters hoping to stay in touch with our residents. This may not begin to take place for several years, but we want everyone to have the comfort of knowing these amazing creatures won't disappear from the public eye completely.
We will certainly need your continued support during this transition. Legally speaking, we will need donations to continue to operate until our programs are secure enough to finalize the dissolution. Our wonderful attorney who is well versed in animal nonprofits is ensuring everything remains legally permissible and to the highest gold standard.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being a part of this organization and continuing to support us through these changes.
Remember that rescue is in my blood, and I will continue to fight for animals within my capacity. I love them all with every ounce of myself and could not have done any of this without the support and hard work of people like you. Thank You.
Please continue to come out to our events, like BINGO at Buffalo Rock Brewing Company. Open Barn Day & More. Let's continue to show up for the animals who have been saved from abuse & neglect by the wonderful people of this community. Let's make memories that count. So that the legacy I had hoped to build will remain in the hearts of everyone these animals have touched.
Until 2031....There's still much work to do. Lives to keep safe and hearts to change. So let's do that together.
Stay Safe,
Elle Cox- Founder of The Good Shepherd Animal Sanctuary
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