At HSVC, our mission is at the heart of everything we do. To ensure we continue providing the best care for the animals and communities we serve, our Board of Directors and staff recently participated in a retreat and training day with strategic planning consultants Jackson Galaxy, aka The Cat Daddy, Kristen Hassen of Outcomes for Pets, and Heather Lewis of Animal Arts. The experience was both inspiring and productive, reinforcing our commitment to growth, collaboration, and innovation in animal welfare.

To kick off the day, our shelter staff took part in engaging and hands-on training designed to enhance teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. The day was packed with interactive exercises to brainstorm ideas on how to improve daily operations, from streamlining animal care routines to enhancing the adoption process. Employees worked through real-world scenarios, developing solutions to common shelter challenges with the support of strategic planning experts. By the end of the day, staff members walked away with a greater sense of unity, fresh ideas for improving shelter operations, and a shared commitment to our mission.

Following the staff training day, our Board of Directors embarked on an offsite retreat of their own. Led by our strategic planning consultants, the session was a valuable opportunity to step away from daily operations and focus on the bigger picture for HSVC. Board members engaged in discussions about the future of our shelter, assessing our strengths and identifying areas for growth. They explored funding strategies, brainstormed ways to increase community engagement, and identified new approaches to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our various programs. The retreat concluded with a renewed commitment to strategic priorities that will guide our organization forward.

To conclude the exciting week, HSVC hosted a donor appreciation event to recognize the generosity and support of those who make our work possible. Donors were invited to join us for an evening of drinks and light refreshments, where they had the opportunity to engage directly with our leadership team. HSVC board President Ron Schmidt (above, left) addressed the group and expressed his deepest gratitude for their unwavering support. Jackson Galaxy and Kristen Hassen then sat down for a spirited Q and A session (above, middle left) that encouraged guests to ask questions about HSVC's future plans. One lucky attendee even won an autographed copy of one of Jackson Galaxy's books (above, right)!

This retreat, training day, and donor appreciation event served as a powerful reminder that achieving our mission takes teamwork at all levels. With our Board and staff aligned on strategic goals, and our donors inspired by the vision ahead, we are more prepared than ever to continue our lifesaving work. As we move forward, we are excited to implement the insights gained and continue making a difference for the animals and community we serve. Stay tuned for updates as we put our plans into action!