Good Mews

Goals & Accomplishments

Accomplishments - 2003-2006

A few of our accomplishments over the last three years include, but are not limited to:

1.  In 2005, we began microchipping all cats in the shelter.  Good Mews registers the microchip under the new adoptor’s name and Good Mews is listed as a secondary contact in the event the cat is lost and the owner cannot be found.

2.  We continued to improve the care of our cats through stringent medical protocols and clean and feed procedures.  During 2005, the clean and feed manual was updated and volunteers were re-trained on procedures, we initiated periodic steam cleaning of cat trees to minimize the spread of ringworm and other related diseases, and we updated our vaccination protocol.

3.  Key committee head positions including Fundraising Chair and Grants and Corporate Sponsorship Chair were filled.

4.  Since moving into our existing shelter in October 2003, we have experienced an increase in the number of volunteers.

5.  We introduced the HALO program to find permanent homes for senior and/or special needs residents.  Since the inception of the HALO program in 2005, 16 designated cats have been placed in permanent, loving homes.

6.  Good Mews renewed its commitment to stringent foster care guidelines, our representatives conducted foster home inspections at 6 month intervals, and we were 100% compliant with Department of Agriculture requirements.

7.  In 2005, the Good Mews quarterly newsletter, Purrs & Prattlings, was redesigned to better highlight the programs and activities of the organization in a more reader-friendly format.

8.  Custom shelves were added to the Transition Room, Kitten Room, and Main Shelter for the enjoyment of Good Mews residents.

Goals for Good Mews Animal Foundation

Ongoing Goals

1.  Continue to provide the best shelter environment and medical care for our residents.
2.  Research new ways to increase and maintain higher levels of revenue (events, programs, etc.).
3.  Develop a plan to increase the number of quality cat adoptions.
4.  Maintain the commitment to Good Mews’ strict foster home criteria, which sets us apart from other rescue groups. 
5.  Continue to streamline the internal operations of the organization.
6.  Fill board vacancies and continue to increase board member visibility and interaction among the volunteer base.
7.  Fill vacant committee head positions with non-board members when possible, so the Board has the time to focus on the
overall operation and goals of the organization.
8.  Increase volunteer retention.
9.  Continue to improve communication throughout the organization.
10.  Support legislative efforts that prevent or deter cruelty to animals and lobby when appropriate.
11.  Further develop our community outreach program and increase promotion of spay and neuter.

Short-term Goals (1-3 years)·

Research and initiate a capital campaign, including a determination of whether moving to a larger facility means free-standing or whether a larger space in another strip mall would be acceptable (approximately 4,500 square feet desired).  Also, develop a back-up plan in case the Good Mews lease for the current space is not renewed in October 2008.  Recruit volunteers and supporters to participate in this endeavor.

· Improve the Good Mews website in the following ways: increase the functional use of the site as a marketing, revenue, and communication tool; increase the frequency of updates; and feature more cats in need on a weekly or monthly basis.

· Finalize the Disaster Recovery plan and refine the plans as new technologies or best practices become available.  Also include education for the public on disaster preparedness for companion animals through the Good Mews newsletter.

Long-term Goals (3+ years)·

Explore the feasibility of automating more shelter records (medical records, adoption records, archiving/ scanning old files to CD, etc.).

Donate Now

Click the paw to donate financially to Good Mews programs. Or read about the Programs you can donate to first.

Petsmart Charities

Good Mews has been awarded a $6,000 grant for the support and expansion of our foster care program.

Our Grant Committee applied for it last November and just received notification of the award. 

This sum will go a long way toward caring for more abandoned and abused kitties in the coming year and we are grateful to the Petsmart Charities Foundation for their generosity and to our Grant Committee for their continuing efforts to secure funding for Good Mews.

This grant will enable us to rescue more cats and kittens from death row in animal control, and bring them to our Good Mews foster homes as space allows.

To learn more about Petsmart Charities, click Charities.

To donate to help the kitties of Good Mews, click Help-Our-Kitties.