My Nonprofit Reviews
Blake J.
Review for Second Chance Animal Services Inc FKA Second Chance Animal Shelter Inc., East Brookfield, MA, USA
I started volunteering with Second Chance back in 2003, after retiring from the Corporate World. 15 years later I am a member of the Board of Directors. This is an organization that is driven by the passion of its founder to assist all animals and their families in any way that they can. Having begun life as a home based foster rescue at its inception in 1999, it has grown to serve over 26,000 in 2016 and approaching 30,000 this year, with its 3 subsidized veterinary clinics and its 3 adoption locations. With an estimated 23 million animals living in poverty in our nation, it was an imperative for Second Chance to become the ONLY animal welfare organization in the state of Massachusetts to provide full service veterinary care to the under served families of our communities who can not afford private vet care. Their love of their companion animals is as deep and committed as any pet owner. I am proud to be a part of the most compassionate, committed and talented group of staff, volunteers, donors and friends. This organization is helping in so many ways to make the lives of animals as happy and healthy as they can. It is far, far more than just a shelter!
Review for Second Chance Animal Services Inc FKA Second Chance Animal Shelter Inc., East Brookfield, MA, USA
This is an organization that works to bring help to the underserved. By providing subsidized veterinary care to those who would never be able to afford it frim conventional sources. They helped over 26,000 animals this hear. Their mobil units go direction into the neediest neighborhoods providing care to animals that would never get to see a vet otherwise.
Review for Second Chance Animal Services Inc FKA Second Chance Animal Shelter Inc., East Brookfield, MA, USA
Second Chance Animal Shelter is an amazing place. The passion of each of it's volunteers for every animal is overwhelming. They are a shelter that accepts dogs that most other rescues would either not take, or would euthanize. The most recent in my memory is Mr. Higgens, who was abandoned in a torrential rain storm, weighed 52 lbs, had lost most of fur to flee infestation and was filled with parasites. He went to his new home months later as a 98 lb, healthy, loving companion. And there was Blake the puppy pittie, who was abused and subjected to dog fighting, covered with scars and wounds. He was nursed to health and now lives in a loving home. There was Baron the 3 legged dog, and Rick the cat who had to have a leg amputated... and the list goes on and on. It is sad to read comments by disgruntled self-centered humans who think it is all about them. No dog is ever without love and care at Second Chance. For those angry soles, I suggest you go to Walmart and get yourself a stuffed animal. There is no more compassionate people in any shelter on the planet than at Second Chance. I would love to have these malcontents spend a few days volunteering at the shelter to see first hand what they do. It is insulting to each of the dedicated volunteers to post such inane comments.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
my daily life. The staff is amazing and the work done by the Executive Director is inspiring.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would like to see the organization become more nationally oriented since what they do, their strategies to end overpopulation and animal suffering are exceptional and would serve other parts of the country well.
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
I did suggest back a few months ago that a weekly communication come from the Executive Director to all volunteers. That has been put in place and a weekly update is sent via constant contacts.
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
Yes it did. I began volunteering about 6 yrs ago, and after two years of being there I decided to become a certified trainer of companion dogs.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
Fullfilled!! Helping to do what is done for the animals is the only reward needed. We are part of solution of ending animal abuse and suffering.