As Fall approaches in Northeast Ohio the Stark County Humane Society (SCHS) once again gears up for the challenges of changing weather patterns and reconfigures its activities to accommodate the fact students are back in school and most of us have returned to work from extended vacations. Autumn brings shorter, cooler, more colorful days while providing greater opportunities for our staff, employees and volunteers to interact with the public. We will once again be attesting to the therapeutic and emotionally satisfying impact of adopting a deserving animal into a loving home as our personnel visit schools, assisted living communities, religious institutions and social gatherings throughout Stark County.

This year, however, these endeavors will have a bittersweet edge to them. Our Executive Director, Jackie Godbey, has had to come to grips with the horrific circumstances surrounding the death of her son, Ryan. In the face of overwhelming and unimaginable grief, Jackie has persevered and stoically performed her administrative duties in a conscientious and admirable manner. She has done so, and continues to do so, with the total support of the staff, employees, volunteers and Board of Directors of the SCHS. And she is comforted as well by the unconditional love and encouragement she continues to receive from the thousands of friends and supporters of the SCHS who have come to know her over the years.

The efforts to revamp our social media and internet platforms; rebuild the infrastructure of the Shelter; and review our investment and financial planning strategy continue. We remain steadfast in our determination to ensure a safe, healthy, comfortable and welcoming environment at the Shelter and to follow a responsible, thoughtful, and prudent investment and financial planning strategy designed to ensure the stability of the SCHS well into the future.

As a private, non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization the SCHS receives no funding from the federal, state or local government. We are dependent upon the support of the community and, as such, request that you respond generously to our Annual Fund Appeal.

We are also asking that you respond favorably to our requests for support of two upcoming fundraisers: the Annual Mutt Strut at the Shelter from 1:00-5:00PM (Registration begins at 12:00noon) on Sunday September 28, and our “ Barks, Brews and BBQ” at the Louisville Eagles Post on Friday, October 10. The latter event features delicious food and drinks, a silent auction, a reverse raffle and plenty of fun with fellow animal lovers.

As our efforts to maintain the SCHS’s reputation as Stark County’s premiere animal welfare organization continue, we humbly ask for the support of all of our members and friends as we seek...

"Speak for Those Who Cannot Speak for Themselves."