Letter from Lisa Meschutt

Help Us Meet Our $$ Goal

Have you ever reached the end of the race only to find they moved the finish line?

In January 2022, Super Heroes Humane Society submitted a grant application to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ Companion Animal Capital Fund toward the renovation of our new shelter building located at 160 Pony Farm Road in Oneonta. The first phase of renovation focuses on completing all the animal housing and handling spaces and was estimated at that time to cost approximately $642,000.00. Once phase 1 is completed, we will be able to move our operations to Pony Farm Road.

In February 2022, we were thrilled to be informed that the need for our organization was recognized by New York State, and we were being awarded $440,347.00 toward our project! Thanks to the support of our incredible Super Heroes community, we raised the remaining $200,000.00 and were set to begin construction. However, due to New York State staffing shortages, the grants were not processed and we did not receive access to the funds until this spring (2023). As you know, during the past year inflation hit hard and building materials and labor costs have skyrocketed. The same project proposed in early 2022 at an estimated cost of $642,000.00 now has a cost of $775,000.00. In order to begin our renovations in September as planned, we must raise the difference of $133,000.00.

Over the past year while waiting for our funding to be released, Super Heroes HS has diligently cut costs to continue to manage two properties and still fulfill our mission to better the lives of our community’s companion animals and their caretakers through compassion, expertise, and engagement.

Even during these tough times for our organization, we provided more than 900 pounds of free pet food through our pantry, have helped residents from 61 communities fix more than 600 cats, provided more than 300 days of pet boarding for our neighbors in crisis, and found loving homes for hundreds of animals in need. It is clear that our services are needed in this area.

We must raise the $133,000.00 now to begin the renovations on our new facility so we have a permanent home to serve our community, engage with you in new and needed ways, and provide high-quality care for the animals in our program. We know our community is made up of some of the world’s best volunteers and supporters. We are asking that all Super Heroes show your support with a donation today to ensure the vital and valuable services that we provide to the people and animals in our region continue to be available. We are so close to our goal!

Lisa Meschutt,
Vice President
Super Heroes Humane Society