Latest news with #SFAHS
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Recess program gets dogs out of the shelter for a day
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Christie Schenefeld started fostering in March, but as summer approached, her schedule got busier. Just when she thought she had to take a break from volunteering, she found out about Rescue Dog Recess. 'It's just so fun seeing the dogs start out their day. Just excited to get out, go on an adventure and come back and they're resting their head on your arm or they're curled up snoring in the seat next to you. It's just so rewarding to see them just get to be dogs and be happy,' said Christie Schenefeld, a volunteer at the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society. Crews respond to fire at Delux Motel on West 12th Street Schenefeld has taken dozens of dogs on field trips since the program launched in April. Some of her favorite stops are Great Bear and Falls Park, but they all end the same way. 'And then, of course, you gotta finish up with a treat or a pup cup,' said Schenefeld. None of this would be possible without the employee who started the program. 'I saw other shelters kind of do a doggy day out program. But I like to be unique, so I named it something different. Rescue Dog Recess. Because we want them to have fun at recess like kids,' said Lexy Nuttbrock, a kennel supervisor and foster coordinator at the SFAHS. Even though Rescue Dog Recess is still in its first few months of operation, it's been successful so far. 'We've seen less behavior problems. Dogs are walking better on leashes, they are being introduced to strangers better, less reactions. This is a super stressful place. So we are seeing dogs being allowed to be dogs,' said Nuttbrock. 40% of the dogs who went out for recess last month found their fur-ever homes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nonprofit leader named executive director at largest eastern South Dakota animal shelter
The Sioux Falls Area Humane Society, the largest nonprofit animal shelter in eastern South Dakota, has named Jami Gates Grieve as its new executive director, according to a Monday media release. Grieve will begin her new role on Feb. 24, after 18 years of nonprofit leadership experience with the American Cancer Society and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sioux Empire (renamed Climb in 2019 after consolidating with Lutheran Social Services) and two years as the membership director for the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce. Most recently, Grieve worked in employee benefits roles with Aflac and Midwest Employee Benefits Inc. The previous Humane Society executive director, James Oppenheimer, vacated the role after about a year and a half to assume the role of CEO at the Sioux Falls YMCA last September. Chief Financial Officer Michelle Hentschel has served as the interim executive director since then and will continue in her role as CFO once Grieve begins in her new position. More: New YMCA CEO hopes to 'positively impact' city through family, youth activities 'I think she'll be a great fit here,' Hentschel said. 'We have a fantastic, strong leadership team here, and I think she's going to complement them so well. We're excited to get going with her and just continue the great work that we have going on.' Grieve, a Sioux Falls Washington High grad, earned her bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Management at the University of Sioux Falls and her Master's in Business Administration - Strategic Leadership at Dakota Wesleyan University. Grieve has also served as a classroom volunteer with Junior Achievement of South Dakota, a Sanford Metro Consumer Advisory Council member and a selection committee member for the SIOUXPERHERO Citizen Recognition Program. The makings of SIOUXPERHEROES: Council to recognize 'Siouxper' heroes, bring more positivity to Carnegie Town Hall The Sioux Falls Area Humane Society, located at 3720 E. Benson Road, has been serving animals since 1919. The nonprofit organization takes in abandoned, abused and homeless animals and helps them find permanent homes through training, veterinary care and compassion. According to Hentschel, the SFAHS currently houses 220 animals, including dogs, cats, guinea pigs and more. The organization remains committed to its mission and is projected to serve thousands of animals this year. Thanks to the dedication of the SFAHS team, the last two years have broken records in how many animals were adopted - 4,437 last year and 3,807 in 2023. As of Thursday, 492 adoptions have already been completed this year, surpassing last year's numbers at this time. The organization is funded through donations and bequests, special events, adoption fees and community fundraisers. Anyone who wishes to help can donate pet food, make a financial contribution, purchase items from the humane society's shelter, Amazon or Chewy wish lists, become a foster and volunteer their time. More: Sioux Falls Area Humane Society over capacity, unexpected equipment donation helps Visitors can also fill out an application to meet the animals and maybe even find a new furry friend (or they choose you) through adoption. Adoptable animals are listed on the humane society's website at This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Sioux Falls Area Humane Society names new executive director
