Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with James Oppenheimer, Executive Director, and Dana Konzem, Community Outreach Director, of the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society about their many dozens of jobs, many volunteers and of course hundreds and hundreds of cats, dogs, gerbils and etc. from their website: https://www.sfadopt.com Mission and Values The Sioux Falls Area Humane Society helps over 8,000 animals every single year while creating hundreds of happy families, and helping thousands through education, programs, and services. Serving since 1919, the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that takes in abandoned, abused, homeless and unwanted animals that need tender loving care until they can find a permanent home. We help these animals find their permanent home, prevent animal cruelty and educate people on the humane treatment of animals.The SFAHS is 100% community-funded and is not affiliated with nor funded by any national humane societies or pet organizations. The funds for our organization are raised through donations and bequests, special events, adoption fees, and community fundraisers completed by generous people right here in our own communities. Our mission is to be a safe haven and human voice for all animals in need.We currently provide services to an area with over 250,000 people with humane officers outside Sioux Falls city limits, public low-cost microchipping, and community pet food bank, . We are proud to host many amazing events throughout the year, provide tours and give the opportunity for service groups, and are continually amazed by the generous individuals to donate to our shelter every day. We are blessed to have a community that supports our mission through Monetary donations, adoptions, food and wishlist donations, as well as volunteering their own hours to help us care for the animals in need and so many more ways.We will be known for quality of animal care, a high level of customer service, and our ability to guide every animal to their forever home. ValuesCompassion: We will treat everyone with compassion. We will empathize with the people we serve, regardless of their circumstances. We will uplift each other, showing kindness and understanding as we work together to determine the best outcomes for the animals in our care.Inclusivity: We will be inclusive and accepting of all animals, adopters, staff, and volunteers in support of our work as an open-admission shelter.Community Responsibility: We will be responsible for promoting animal welfare and controlling the pet population in the Sioux Falls Area. We do this by providing education, housing, and animal control services, as well as by spaying or neutering every animal before it leaves our care.Innovation: We will not accept the status quo. We will always be looking for new and innovative ways to improve the care and treatment of animals and how to best serve the people who love them.Transparency: We will be transparent with our staff, volunteers, board members, the public we serve by providing regular and open communication celebrating both success and challenges. We will trust our leadership to share the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society's motivations, processes, and outcomes to gain trust, support, and obtain assistance. OUR HISTORY Serving since 1919, the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society takes in abandoned, abused, homeless and unwanted animals that need tender loving care until they can find a permanent home. We help these animals find their permanent home, prevent animal cruelty and educate people on the humane treatment of animals. Our mission is to be a safe haven and human voice for all animals in need.The Sioux Falls Area Humane Society was first founded in 1910, becoming a recognized organization in 1919.Our first location was located at 110 East 10th Street, which is now a Lewis store! In 1926, they moved their operations to 700 South 8th Avenue, into a 7-room house that was to be used for headquarters for the humane society to use for children and unwanted animals. In 1947, land was purchased north of the penitentiary at 2105 North Drive. The humane society was renovated in 1964 and 1977 while at this location. The address was eventually updated to 2001 N. Third Street. This remained our home until 2002, when we were relocated East of town off Benson Road where we still remain today. In 2012, we went through a large expansion to fit the growing need in Sioux Falls and surrounding communities.We've come a long way and are growing each and every day. We are an open admission shelter, and we have made a promise to never euthanize animals for reasons of space or time, and we've upheld that commitment ever since. Strong community support helps make each and every day at the shelter a possibility and a bright future for each animal.We continue to move forward and be innovative in our ideas and processes to help save more of the animals that ...
