- January 9, 2025
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Development coordinator Jeffery Ritter holds one of the many pups FHS helps. Now FHS wants the community to tell them what they need in a shelter. Courtesy photo
Sport, 36224508, is a male 12-year-old doxie/corgi mix, available at Flagler Humane Society. Courtesy photo
Fiona, 36004293, is a female 5-year-old mastiff/boxer mix, available at Flagler Humane Society. Courtesy photo
Bitty, 35206023, is a female 1-year-old cat, available at Flagler Humane Society. Courtesy photo
Stormy, 36015683, is a female 5-year-old cat, available at Flagler Humane Society. Courtesy photo
Flagler Humane Society has received a $25,000 grant, and is working toward an even larger amount that can be used to expand and enhance services to Flagler County residents.
“I got a call about the grant and immediately called back,” Jeffery Ritter, development coordinator for FHS said. “Getting invited to apply for a grant is a big deal.”
The first requirement of the grant was for a self-assessment, and to get community input on which ongoing services residents
“It was one of those things where our reputation proceeded us.” JEFFERY RITTER, FHS Development coordinator.
know about, and which should be added. During the past couple of weeks, and in this issue, a community survey has been printed in the Palm Coast Observer. The survey is also available online.
“The self-assessment makes us take a better look at ourselves and what we can do better,” Executive Director Amy Carotenuto said.
The grants that will be awarded vary in amounts up to a possible $500,000, they are not for structural or administrative use. The funds are for employee training and the implementation of services the community has indicated it needs through the survey.
“Not that many shelters were invited to apply. That is an honor in itself,” Carotenuto said. “Even if we don’t get any additional funds this is beneficial for us.”
The survey data will be analyzed by Creating a Caring Community, the Flagler Humane Society, and the Palm Coast Observer.
Carotenuto is hoping that even non-pet owners take time to fill out and submit the survey.
“Even if you don’t like animals you are probably going to deal with one, a stray dog or injured cat in the road,” Carotenuto said. “People who don’t like us, or have never used us, are the ones we want to reach.”
Ritter credits being considered for the grant to the shelter staff’s involvement in legislation and their trip to Tallahassee for Humane Lobby Day.
“It was one of those things where our reputation proceeded us,” Ritter said. “People at the state level have noticed us and our work.”
