The Animal Welfare Society of Howard County is a wonderful organization run by wonderful, knowledgeable people. I have experienced first hand the love of the animals there and how well they are treated. The animals at the shelter are happy and well taken care of and the staff is top notch.
Review from Guidestar
Interestingly, what I read among comments on Yelp reinforces that my experience today, with regard to Scott, is the norm rather than something exclusive to me. I am a Social Worker and non-profit consultant (with non-profit experience that started over 30 years ago). Scott contacted me for assistance with grant writing/fundraising, and within 3 minutes of our phone conversation, he became abusive and condescending... repeatedly calling me "honey," as he took issue with something I said. What did I say? Well, I asked him about his role at the organization and he claimed he was the "owner." I politely corrected him (as I need to do with many of my non-profit clients, especially brand new ones where a founder thinks of it as "theirs") that no one "owns" a non-profit. He became belligerent. So, other people's estimation that this gentleman (and I use that term lightly) is spot on. He may love animals (or so he claims), but his people skills are sorely deficient. In fact, I think it was the rudest exchange I have ever had in all my professional experience. And, that says a lot.
If you are looking to donate to an organization, I would not recommend this one. Until, that is, they cut this person loose. I certainly hope they treat animals better than they do people. Beyond that, if they are operating under the belief that they "own" this non-profit... I hope the IRS will look at them more closely.
Review from Guidestar
Mjules23 07/18/2016
Hi Mary, My name is Julie Mazurkiewicz and I am the Treasurer of this organization. AWS has held it's non-profit designation since 1951. We are managed and run by a robust and active Board of Directors. There is no one owner of this organization. I am sorry your interaction with one of our members was not pleasant. However, I can assure you this organization is run efficiently and professionally. As a professional with over 20 years of experience, I would not stake my professional and personal reputation on an organization that is not. If you would like to discuss this matter further or if you have any questions, feel free to contact me at the office. Regards, Julie Mazurkiewicz, Treasurer Animal Welfare Society of Howard County