This morning we spent some time at the Humane Society for Boone County (HSforBC) with Erin and Susan, their Executive Director to discuss his success in working with our Main Street Pilot Program funded by the Bureau of Disability Services’ Innovation Pilot Program. This program is supporting us to fund up to the first 90 days of a person’s employment in a small local business and also can support transportation needs and fund reasonable accommodations not funded by other programs. We are also working with the Zionsville Chamber on this project, who helped to connect us with HSforBC through their nonprofit network events.
Erin is nearing his 90 days at HSforBC, and has found a supportive and meaningful role in his job as a part-time kennel attendant. Erin’s role includes coming to the shelter in the early morning hours and cleaning, letting dogs out and feeding them. He works with some of the shelter volunteers, who expressed true appreciation of his efforts which allow them more time to work more directly with animals, socializing with them and helping them prepare for what the organization calls their “furever” homes.
Erin is a very quiet young man who expressed that he finds it easier in working with the animals than people sometimes, as he knows his role is to make them as comfortable as possible and he enjoys caretaking. When showing us around, it was clear that Erin’s quite presence is appreciated by the animals, especially the puppies who greeted him with much enthusiasm. He discussed that his favorite part is seeing the animals and knowing that he is providing them with a nice place to be while they have to stay at the shelter and feels as sense of accomplishment when his tasks for the day are done.
Susan shared that she saw this opportunity as an opportunity to partner with another community nonprofit which then meets the needs of both of our organizations. She truly sees this partnership as a win-win situation and is thrilled to have found a dedicated and dependable employee, who also likes to work on holidays!
We also had the opportunity to visit with one of the volunteers who works with Erin on some of his work days. She echoed how much easier things are with Erin there so they have more time to spend with the animals, and can partner on tasks that require two people.
We are so thrilled to see this partnership working for both Erin and HSforBC. If you want to learn more about the program, contact us at info@thearcgbc.org
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