Going Home Greyhounds Inc.

            The job of running an organization such as Going Home Greyhounds is both dynamic and challenging. We wouldn’t be where we are today if it weren’t for the hard work and dedication of our numerous volunteers. Our members have provided hands-on assistance in different areas such as participating on committees, representing GHG at events around the city, staffing meet n greets, authoring articles and much more. We would like to introduce you to some of the talented people who work behind the scenes using their unique skills to benefit all aspects of GHG.

Meet and Greet Coordinators – Colleen Smith and Nancy Shade:  These ladies are on the front lines scheduling stores and events for GHG to appear at every weekend, and some weekdays as well! Once the schedule is verified, all those places need to be staffed with multiple volunteers and greyhounds, which is no small task!  There is no better way to educate the public and promote adoptions.  The more people we have helping them, the more exposure we can get for greyhound adoption.

Adoption Team - Martha Steckel (Adoption Coordinator), Elaine Pensenstadler (Foster Coordinator), Judy O'Data - Bev Stulen - Maryann Flot - Linda Drago (Adoption Consultants)  and Erika Tardio (Follow Up Call Representative):  If you have adopted from GHG within the last few years you have had contact with this team. Their responsibilities are too numerous to list but include reviewing new applications, doing vet checks, adoption consults, home visits, matching dogs to families, organizing vet care for all foster dogs, updating the GHG database and doing post adoption follow up calls. Hats off to all of you for all the hours you spend behind the scenes facilitating successful adoptions.

Behavioral Consultant - Lillian Akin:  Whether it is your first greyhound or your fifth greyhound, Lillian is always available to consult with should any unwanted or baffling behavior occur after adoption.  She offers free phone consults to all GHG adopters, or you can hire her to come to your house and evaluate a more challenging behavioral situation.

Website Photographer - Paul Schofield:  Not only does Paul take pictures at our numerous events, he organizes them, solicits adopter photos, and he and wife Nora are responsible for all the cute little captions you see under the pictures.

Grant Coordinator – Barbara Emert:  We like to call Barbara our “Collector of funds extraordinaire”. Barbara has made it her mission to seek out any and all sources which disburse funds to charitable organizations and spends numerous hours filling out applications and researching new funding sources.  If it wasn't for her, we may not have the funds to provide the great vet care we currently do for all our foster dogs!   

Reunion Organizers - Vicki Marasco and Mary Frantangelo: These boundless energy wonders are GHG's new Reunion Coordinators as of 2011.  They handle everything from organizing vendors to scheduling volunteers and working out all the details in between.  They are also available the entire day of the reunion to make sure everything runs smooth.  

Community Dining Events Coordinator - Sue Froyd: This is a new fundraising opportunity through various local restaurants that has presented itself in 2011 and took off so big and so fast, that we needed one person to manage all the details. Sue was brave enough to take that challenge and is doing a fantastic job!  Details include scheduling restaurants like Applebee's, Wendy's, Chic-fil-A, etc. on a monthly basis, posting details on our website and sending out email reminders so we all remember where and when to go eat while at the same time raise money for the hounds!

Purchasing Agent - Trish Bufano:  We like to think of Trish as our Secret Shopper. If you have ever bought any merchandise from GHG, chances are that Trish found it for us to resell at our events and on our website. Just when you think you have seen all the greyhound products in the world, Trish always finds something new and exciting for us to bring to you!

Our purpose in highlighting some key roles within GHG is twofold. First we need to remember that GHG is only as successful as the volunteers who support us, and second we may have touched upon an area you feel you may be qualified to lend assistance. All of us have enjoyed being part of some extremely rewarding experiences working with volunteers who’s confidence and belief in their abilities have grown as they gain and practice skills.  What a difference they have made for GHG and the greyhounds that ultimately benefit from a team effort in the end by having a whole new life. 

While our volunteers take on a variety of roles and responsibilities, we are all working towards a common goal and our goal is to expand our volunteer team, even in leadership roles. Each of the above listed Coordinators would benefit from having their own expanded team members. New volunteers always bring fresh ideas to the organization and help to keep everyone’s energy alive.

If you are interested in exploring any and all types of volunteer opportunities, please email us at volunteer@goinghomegreyhounds.org and your message will be forwarded to the appropriate team leader.