Woodbrey confident in leading Windham’s MSSPA

By Ed Pierce

When the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals was looking for a new leader to replace longtime executive director Meris Bickford last month, it didn’t have to search very far. Kathy Woodbrey of Raymond, who has been part of the leadership team at MSSPA for the last 11 years, has assumed the leadership role for the nonprofit organization and is eager to put what she’s learned through the years to good use.

Kathy Woodbrey of Raymond will lead the
Maine State Society for the Protection of
Animals as its new executive director. Woodbrey
has worked for the MSSPA for 11 years and
succeeds Meris Bickford, who has retired.
COURTESY PHOTO 

Woodbrey was born in Pennsylvania and her family moved to the mid-coast of Maine the summer before she entered sixth grade. She graduated from Lincoln Academy in Newcastle and went on to receive an Associate of Science degree in animal medical technology from the University of Maine at Orono. In 2004 and 2005, Woodbrey attended Andover College to study accounting and in 2021 she earned a Non-Profit Management certificate from the University of Southern Maine.

She originally joined MSSPA because she was looking to change careers.

“Before working for the MSSPA, I worked for the Raymond School Department while attending Andover College in the evenings. Shortly after graduating from Andover College, I saw a job listing for a "local non-profit," Woodbrey said. “The job listing was a little vague and it did not disclose the name of the organization. Imagine how thrilled I was when I learned it was the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals. I have always loved animals, I am one who roots for the underdog, so I was very pleased to work on behalf of the horses.”

Based in Windham, the mission of the MSSPA is to provide refuge, rehabilitation, and placement of seized equines. MSSPA does not charge for its shelter services and seeks no reimbursement from any public source. Horses cared for by the MSSPA come from Maine law enforcement officials and most of them have been abused or neglected.

The MSSPA’s goal for each horse is rehabilitation and a new home, but if no suitable adoption is found, horses may live out their natural lives at the organization’s farm.

“Most of the MSSPA herd has experienced abuse and neglect at some point in their life,” Woodbrey said. “So, for me the best thing is seeing them content in their surroundings, watching them happily munching on hay, and hearing them nickering to one another.”

According to Woodbrey, she’s not planning on making significant or community engagement regarding MSSPA.

“I have to say that our local community is incredibly supportive of the MSSPA. Members of the local community volunteer at the farm and donate to fundraising campaigns,” she said. “Residents of the Southern Maine Re-entry Facility regularly volunteer and one resident at SMWRC is employed by MSSPA. Students from Windham High School and Windham Middle School volunteer every Friday during the school year. And the Windham Primary School second graders hold a fundraiser for the horses and then come for a field trip each spring. It's a wonderful community and we are glad to be a part of it.”

But like every other nonprofit organization these days, MSSPA is adapting to changing needs in the 21st century, such as working with other groups to help save the lives of animals.

“We are expanding collaborations with other equine shelters in New England and beyond. The MSSPA, the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals and the New Hampshire Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals occasionally transfer equines between the shelters which ultimately increases adoptions and affords each organization to help more horses in need,” Woodbrey said. “MSSPA is one of 10 equine shelters in the U.S. to be named as a Mentoring Partner of the Equus Foundation. The Equus partners are recognized for operating at the highest standards for business and equine welfare practices. And last summer, MSSPA transported three wild mustangs from the River Road farm right here in Windham to Skydog Sanctuary's 3,000 acre ranch in Bend, Oregon.”

Her family is excited and supportive about her new leadership role with the MSSPA.

“My husband, Mitch, has always been supportive of me and he values the work of the MSSPA. We live on a small farm in Raymond with two horses, one of which we adopted from the MSSPA,” she said. “Mitch and I share in their daily care. I do morning chores before work, and he does the evening chores after work. My sons Patrick and Justin are also very supportive and help out on the farm when they can.”

She says that her favorite horse at MSSPA is the one who hasn't quite made its way there yet.

“It's the horse who is out there waiting for human intervention, waiting to be brought to the MSSPA where it will receive the very best care from the skilled staff and volunteers,” Woodbrey said. “I’d like readers to know that the MSSPA couldn't rescue, rehabilitate, and adopt formerly abused and neglected equines without their support. Last year MSSPA provided life-saving programming to 134 equines, 32 horses were adopted, fundraising efforts exceeded $1 million, and volunteers donated over 8,500 hours. It may sound cliche but MSSPA's supporters make this vital work possible, and we thank you.” <

Seized horses recovering at MSSPA facilities in Windham

Since July, the Maine State Society for the Protection of 
Animals in Windham has been caring for 18 horses that
were seized from an owner in Springvale. The MSSPA 
aims to rehabilitate the horses, get them healthy and find
them new homes, COURTESY PHOTO

By Ed Pierce

The Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals is always prepared to handle emergency care situations for horses but nothing the nonprofit rescue organization has seen before could prepare them for what they’ve experienced this summer.

On July 14, Maine’s Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Animal Welfare Program seized 20 horses, 11 chickens, two pigs, six dogs, six cats, two geckos, three rats, and a bearded dragon from an owner in Springvale and at that point the MSSPA assumed care for the horses, many of whom were in desperate need of food, vaccines, and veterinary care.

According to Meris Bickford, the MSSPA’s chief executive officer, the 20 rescued horses joined 27 other equines at the facility on River Road in Windham, swelling its population to 47 in just one day.

“To the best of my memory it’s the largest equine seizure I can ever recall in Maine,” Bickford said. “We used a caravan of trucks and trailers and vehicles to bring them here.”

Almost immediately two of the suffering horses were determined to be beyond the scope of medical help and were euthanized. The remaining horses that were seized range in age from a month-old filly to in their 20s.

The rescued equines include a group of wild mustangs captured by the Bureau of Land Management agents out west and shipped to the farm in Springvale where the owner was struggling to care for them.

“These mustangs are a band of five,” Bickford said. “They have not been touched before by human beings. Some had lice, some had not had their hooves trimmed or had basic vaccinations.”        

Liam Hughes, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Animal Welfare Program director, said that he’s pleased that organizations like the MSSPA exist to assist in helping these horses recover and find new homes.

"The animals are getting the medical care and attention that they need to thrive," Hughes said. "We are immensely grateful to all of the animal sheltering organizations, animal control officers, and volunteers who worked together on this important cause."

During a hearing in July, the owner of the seized horses acknowledged an inability to care for the animals and received a lifetime animal possession ban, Hughes said. The owner can ask the court to amend the ban in five years and no charges will be filed.

In a little more than month since the seized and suffering horses arrived at the MSSPA facility, many are improving significantly, Bickford said.

“Of the 18 that are left, many are making good progress,” she said. “Some are thin, but they are not malnourished. A couple are in decent condition.”

The MSSPA’s goal is to rehabilitate the horses and then find new homes for them. They receive the best possible veterinary and farrier care on site and some eligible horses receive professional training in groundwork, riding, and driving. If no suitable adoption is found, the horses may live out their natural lives at the farm.

“For some it will be a fairly short turnaround,” Bickford said. “One of the mustangs though we have not been able to have hands on yet because it is wild.” 

Bickford said that MSSPA prepares, plans, and budgets each year to assist up to 100 rescue horses at one time but acknowledges that a large group like the one arriving this summer from the seizure does indeed put a strain on some areas associated with their care.

“It means more veterinarian resources, more feed and that our budget expenses have doubled,” she said. 

She said the MSSPA is thankful that many people have called or emailed them asking how they can help or be of assistance following the seizure, even though the facility remains closed to the public because of continuing COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

“We’ve had a tremendous outpouring of interest in these animals and had all manners and offers of in-kind assistance,” Bickford said. “The best way someone can help us is by making a donation at www.msspa.org/ and to also vigorously report animal abuse to the authorities when they see it. <

MSSPA’ s ‘Feed and Care Bank’ a lifeline for horses, owners in need

Remy, a 6-year-old Tennessee Walker horse living
on a farm in Cumberland County, was helped this spring
by a donation offered by the Maine State Society
for the Protection of Animals. The program assists
equine owners in need with hay, veterinary care and
other essentials on a temporary basis.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

By Ed Pierce

The fourth year of a unique assistance program offered by the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals has been its most challenging yet, but a growing need is evidence that its value is substantial among those caring for horses.

Founded in 2017, MSSPA’s ‘Feed and Care Bank’ provides temporary, emergency assistance for Maine horses in need and helps equine owners with stop-gap funding that can be used for hay, feed and nutritional supplements, farrier or dental services, routine vaccinations, and veterinary care.

According to Kathy Woodbrey, MSSPA assistant CEO, about 28 applicants have received funding from the ‘Feed and Care Bank’ program in 2020, which she attributes to the effect of the COVID-19 economy on horse owners. 

Woodbrey said applicants for assistance may have lost a job or been furloughed from work, suffered a health issue, or even been challenged by a tough hay growing season.

“And we’re seeing that the pandemic has caused some people not normally in need to seek help,” she said.

The average amount of funds a recipient typically receives from the program is about $250 to $300 per animal and it allows horses to remain in loving, healthy homes and to avoid further interventions.

MSSPA Vice President and CEO Meris Bickford said the “Feed and Care Bank’ program support the organization’s ultimate vision of eliminating equine abuse and neglect.

“We are so moved by circumstances and the applicant’s stories are so compelling when you know they will need a bigger boost,” Bickford said. “The best thing about this assistance is that it prevents horses at risk from coming into the program.

The MSSPA was originally formed in 1872 to protect the horses who pulled Portland’s streetcars and fire engines. It now offers shelter services for equines across Maine with access to veterinary medical care and maintains dozens of equines at its South Windham facility.

Potential applicants for the “Feed and Care Bank’ program can either complete a short application form online or can call the MSSPA to give details by phone. MSSPA staff or volunteers then will visit with applicants, check references, and may conduct on-site visits, as needed.

Once a determination of eligibility has been made, assistance in the form of hay, grain, supplements, farrier services, dental services, and/or routine veterinary well care and vaccines may be provided for recipients.

To qualify, applicants must be Maine residents with horses stabled in Maine.

The MSSPA is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) and receives no federal, state or local funding, but rather is funded by a combination of donations, bequests, grants, and fundraising activities. It uses its resources to provide direct care to equines who have suffered abuse and promotes humane treatment, training, and the use of animals through education and hands-on experiences.

“It is very important for people who need the ‘Feed and Care Bank’ program to know that we’re not judging them, and we encourage them to apply if they need help,” Bickford said. “We want horses to stay out of the system.”

To apply for help from the ‘Feed and Care Bank’ program, visit msspa.org/hay or call 207-892-3040.

Anyone interested in supporti8ng the ‘Feed and Care Bank’; with a donation can do so by visiting msspa.org/give or by calling 207-892-3040. <

Community celebrates new building for horse rehabilitation at MSSPA

By Jennifer Davis

What began with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, October 26 led to a weekend long celebration at the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals (MSSPA), welcoming guests to the farm to tour their new facility. With lots of hard work and donations throughout the past year, MSSPA was able to construct their new building. Despite the frigid temperatures, visitors flocked to MSSPA to take a look.

The new building, the Lawrence J. Keddy and Marilyn L. Goodreau Equine Rehabilitation Facility, is a $2 million expansion project, that was entitled “Help, Hope, Home”. It features a full-size indoor equine training arena together with a humane education classroom, administrative offices and infrastructure upgrades. “This is a big change for MSSPA as this is the first time the administrative offices are on campus and can be hands on to what is going on day to day,” said Meris Bickford, CEO of MSSPA. “We are all really excited.” The old administrative offices were previously held off campus on Gambo Road.

The building was named after Keddy and Goodreau, who dedicated their lives to MSSPA, beginning in 1972 when the organization was simply an office on Exchange Street in Portland. At that time, there were no shelters or rehabilitation centers for horses in the state, so Goodreau and Keddy set out to find the perfect location. Through their efforts and dedication, MSSPA’s current location eventually became that safe haven.

The open house offered light refreshments and giveaways as well as items for purchase to support the organization. The refreshments were held in the new building overlooking the indoor arena in the viewing room.  As people mingled, they could watch as the staff took the horses around the arena for their first time. “This is the first time the horses have visited the arena,” said Jeff Greenleaf, Barn Manager.  “The horses may be a little nervous, but this is a great spot to train the horses and prepare them for adoption.”

MSSPA is a non-profit organization that offers refuge and rehabilitation for abused or neglected horses in Maine. The hope is that the horses that arrive on the farm are adopted but some of the horses live out the remainder of the lives at the farm. The horses are cared for by a compassionate staff and a large group of volunteers. As a result, MSSPA are always accepting volunteers. 

“Volunteering at MSSPA is wonderful, said Ev Lennon, volunteer at MSSPA since January 2018.  “It is great way to help out, get exercise and be around beautiful creatures that need our help.”

Visitors this past weekend had the honor of touring the new facility as well as other areas of the property. They also got to visit with the horses currently residing at MSSPA. But if you were unable to make it to the grand opening celebration, do not despair. MSSPA is open daily for tours from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.  For those interested in volunteering, visit msspa.org and complete a volunteer registration form. 

  

Students at Windham Primary School learn the importance of giving back to the community by Lorraine Glowczak

The students at Windham Primary School held a Community Day Assembly on Thursday, May 18 at the Windham High School auditorium, to show their appreciation and to give back to community organizations that have given to the students throughout the year. The first through third graders, who raised funds and learned about community accountability and character education in the process, collectively raised and contributed $7,000 as their way of saying, “thank you.”

Although this was the first community day event established by the students, it is the goal of the educators and students alike that the event will become an annual project. “We wanted to help build a sense of community within our school and hope that this becomes an annual event,” stated Michelle Jordan, one of the volunteer coordinators. “Because of our large size, we rarely hold a school wide assembly. This event was designed for two reasons: 1) to bring the school together, and 2) to teach our students the importance of community programs and supporting those programs.”

The recipient organizations that received funding for their contribution and assistance to the students at Windham Primary School include: Windham Public Library supported by the kindergarten class, Ledgewood Nursing Center supported by the first-grade class, the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals supported by the second-grade class and the Windham Historical Society supported by the third-grade class. All organizations were very appreciative of the donations given to them including the members of the Windham Historical Society (WHS). “This very generous gift will help us a raise a blacksmith shop as well as complete the South Windham Library,” stated Susan Simonson, President of the WHS.  “This building will house South Windham Village and train station historical collections. To the third-graders, the Historical Society shows grateful appreciation for their donation, and to all of the primary grades and staff we applaud the lessons of support and involvement given to the community.”

To raise funds, the students participated in a “Race for the Community” day. “They each had a sponsor sheet to have friends and family members sponsor them for the number of laps they ran or walked around the [high school] track,” Jordan explained. “On Friday, May 4, the whole school went out in groups of 5 or 6 and spent 30 minutes on the track. Kids had paper sneakers that were hole punched for each lap they completed. Then students collected donations based on the laps they ran.

Not only did they physically raise funds, the students also learned the importance of community engagement. “Students had the opportunity to learn about community over the few weeks leading up to the event,” Jordan said. “They read stories about community in library class, built a circle of hands in art class, practiced running in PE class and talked about their community organizations in their classrooms. In grades kindergarten, two and three, they have had an opportunity this school year to visit the organizations they supported. We wanted students to make a connection between programs in the community, support in their learning they received from them, and then providing support to their programs with funds raised.”

Students enjoyed participating in the community day event. Not only did they learn the importance of community but the significance of acting upon the passions they carry for life. Lilly Steele, a second-grade student loved the fact that they donated to the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals. “It was nice to raise money for the animals because I love the horses and like patting them.”

Parents were proud of the students and saw the importance of what their children learned in the community give back effort. “I think it’s been an eye opener for them and you can tell they were proud to have been part of giving back,” stated Mel Oldakowski who is Steele’s mother.

During the assembly, Dr. Karl Rhoads complimented the students for their hard work and explained why community is so important. “We are very fortunate at Windham Primary School that has a supportive community that gives to us in many ways. And all the organizations that were funded today, give to us. This is an opportunity for us as a school to give back. That’s the reason for Community Day and the Community Day Assembly.”

The school donated the following: Windham Public Library received $1163.05, Ledgewood received $1692.15, MSSPA received $2412.80 and Historical Society received $1723.

Eleventh Annual MSSPA Christmas Open House grows in attendance to almost 2500 guests by Jennifer Davis

It was a beautiful day on Saturday, December 1 to welcome in the 11th Annual Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals (MSSPA) Christmas Open House. The free event occurred from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Each year there is always a challenge as so much of this event is outside that the weather can dictate

the attendance,” stated Meris Bickford, CEO of MSSPA. The weather was certainly cooperating this year and that could be seen by the line of cars, filling up the parking lots for the event.

The Christmas Open House has certainly grown and changed over the last 11 years. “During the first show in 2006,” states Bickford. “We had a cracker and cheese platter to offer visitors. This year there are donuts, coffee, and hot chocolate all donated by a local business.” 

In addition to snacks, there were also several family friendly events taking place around the property. Activities included ornament decorating, temporary tattoo station, horse-drawn wagon rides and a raffle featuring many local talents.

“The Christmas Open House is a great opportunity to have people come in and see what’s going on,” states Bickford. 

The beautiful property provides the perfect space for the majestic horses that once had been mistreated. The horses that reside at MSSPA have been seized by Maine law enforcement because they were either abused or neglected.  

MSSPA takes these animals in and nurses them back to health. Some of the horses call MSSPA their
permanent home while for others it is their temporary home before they are adopted. Currently, there are 49 horses that call MSSPA home.

Bickford, who has worked for MSSPA since 2005 said, “I celebrate the work of this animal shelter that I am so very proud to be a part of.” 

If you would like to become a part of MSSPA by making a financial contribution or becoming a volunteer, you may contact them at www.msspa.org or by calling 207-892-3040.

The Little Women are welcomed with open arms at MSSPA by Jennifer Davis

The term, The Little Women, often invokes sweet memories of the March sisters from the novel of the same name written by Louisa May Alcott. However, the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals (MSSPA), located at 279 River Road in Windham, has recently welcomed a group of seven beautiful donkeys that the staff pleasantly refers to as The Little Women.

The Little Women arrived at MSSPA at the end of June. For over 40 years, MSSPA has been providing a home for horses that have been neglected or abused in Maine and nurses them back to health and then can hopefully be adopted. Having donkeys is a new experience for MSSPA, but these donkeys were welcomed with open arms.

Abby, Star, Lilly, Cindy, Buttercup, Kit, and Martina are the names of the seven donkeys currently living among the many horses at MSSPA. I had a chance to visit The Little Women this past week, when I was met by Jessica Braun and given a tour of the donkeys and the MSSPA facility. 

“The donkeys arrived at the MSSPA at the end of June,” Braun said. “They will remain in quarantine

for 28 days to ensure that they do have anything contagious that could spread to the rest of the herd.”  

Braun could not provide specifics as to exactly why the donkeys came to MSSPA. “The MSSPA do not share specifics regarding any animal's arrival at the farm and the circumstances that lead to their seizure or surrender,” Braun said. “This is for confidentiality and legal reasons.”  No matter what the reasoning for the donkeys’ arrival, they are already loved by the staff.

Upon admission to MSSPA, each donkey had a checkup and a plan was put in place for their care and hopeful adoption. If the donkeys, or any other animal are not adopted, they remain at MSSPA for the remainder of their lives where they will be cared for there by the staff and the many volunteers.  

“Upon arrival, each donkey was seen by a vet and farrier [a specialist in equine hoof care],” Braun said. “In conjunction with the barn manager, Jeff Greenleaf, individualized plans were created. Following quarantine, the donkeys may stay however long it takes to get healthy. It is at the discretion of the vet and barn manager to determine if and when any animal is fit to leave the farm to join a family.”  

The MSSPA has an in-depth adoption process for the animals in their facility to ensure the perfect home for each animal. The Little Women are about nineteen years old but have plenty of life and love to share with a family, as donkeys have an average lifespan of thirty or more years. 

“The adoption process begins by interested people completing the preliminary adoption application found on the MSSPA website,” Braun states. “The adoption committee meets regularly to review applications. They conduct interviews, check references and perform site visits to the potential home. The goal of adoption is to find the best fit for the animal and the adopter.”

MSSPA is open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. every day in June, July, and August and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. daily for the remainder of the year. Anyone can visit during these times. MSSPA is also available to set up group tours with a staff member who can share a little bit about each animal and the facility.

Community icon retires from Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals by Lorraine Glowczak

Marilyn Goodreau

If a gathering can be both merry and heartrending at the same time, then that is exactly the sense one had at the Wednesday, June 21 board meeting of the Maine State Society of Protection of Animals (MSSPA.) Board members said farewell with a surprise retirement celebration for Marilyn Goodreau, who after 45 years at MSSPA, has decided to step down from her role as president and chairperson of the board. Goodreau, who is widely recognized and admired, has devoted many years of service to the greater community and provided salvation to thousands of animals.

The evening began with gifts of appreciation, a catered dinner, as well as joyous moments of reminiscing the life and dedication of this icon.

Goodreau has been a part of MSSPA since 1972, when her professional and life partner, Lawrence J. Keddy, became president of the organization. When she and Keddy took on their active roles with MSSPA, the organization was simply an office on Exchange Street in Portland. Although the work and activism the organization provided on behalf of animal welfare was admirable, Keddy and Goodreau wanted to expand its services to do more.

Doing more meant finding an actual location to provide a haven for abused and neglected horses. At the time, there were no shelters or rehabilitation centers for horses in the state, so Goodreau and Keddy set out to find the perfect location and become that safe haven. 

“My partner was a genius,” Goodreau said of Keddy, who passed away in September 2000. “He was aware of the unused space the State of Maine’s Department of Corrections owned on River Road across from Correctional Facility. He knew that space could be used for good, so he approached the governor at the time, Joe Brennan, about leasing the property.”

“Keddy first leased and then purchased the property from the State of Maine,” explained Meris J.  Bickford, CEO of MSSPA. “Sale of state land requires gubernatorial consent and he [Gov. Brennan] was supportive of both lease and purchase of what is now the Society’s River Road farm.  Purchase was at fair market value, no discount.”

Once the lease and purchase was in place, a second barn was constructed on the land that is the current home of MSSPA. The first horse that was seized from an abusive situation was a horse named Hannah. Hannah was malnourished to the point she could not stand. Goodreau and veterinarian Dr. David Jefferson spent the next 24 hours making a sling to assist Hannah until she could stand on her own.

“She even slept with Hannah and other horses until they got better,” recalled Jefferson who has worked alongside Keddy and Goodreau since 1975 and is the owner of the Maine Equine Associates in New Gloucester. He is also a member of the board.

“The animal, Thomas, needed to know that someone loved him,” Goodreau said of another horse saved from abuse. “And I wasn’t going to leave him until he knew he was loved.” 

It was this level of concern and dedication that earned her the WCSH 6 Who Care Award in 2015.

Goodreau not only provided deep concern and love for animals but she offered lessons of wisdom to those who worked with her. “The first time I went along with Marilyn to pick up a neglected horse, I was horrified by the condition of the sweet little pony mare and the place she was being kept,” said Bickford. “I was really angry and wanted to confront the owners. Quickly I learned Marilyn’s magic was being able to simply focus on the animal and totally block out the people, just being completely accepting of whatever baloney they were putting out there, blaming the animal, taking no responsibility. Marilyn told me that she always tried to totally tune in with the animal and after a while, she didn’t even hear the people or their excuses. Then I got it – it is about the animal. Get the animal out to safety and worry about the rest later. It was a very useful lesson.”

Goodreau and her devotion, commitment, caring and wisdom will be deeply missed by board members, volunteers, the community and the animals she served. But there comes a time when one needs to step back, rest and enjoy life at a slower pace.

“Marilyn tells us that she is tired, her body is tired (she can still carry a 40-pound bale of hay the length of the big barn), and she is tired of the fight to have Maine’s animal welfare laws enforced,” Bickford explains. “She says she wants to stay at home and enjoy the beauty of all she has there, including her beloved animals. Honestly, I think she has earned that and then some.”

Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals Seeks Volunteers and Votes By Elizabeth Richards

A few years ago, the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals wasn’t using any volunteers. Now, their volunteer program boasts approximately 275 active volunteers, and has seen more than a thousand volunteers pass through the program since it began.

Meris Bickford, CEO of MSSPA said that when she first began working for the MSSPA as a lobbyist and attorney, there was a lot of anxiety about volunteers working at a farm organization.

“Institutionally, there was a mindset that it was too dangerous to use volunteers,” she said.

Add caption

However, when trying to successfully manage a nonprofit organization, “Volunteers are truly the lifeblood of such an organization,” Bickford said. At the MSSPA, the annual budget hovers around one million dollars. Bickford said they could never raise enough money to pay people to do all the work that needs to be done. “Our volunteers and the programming that we have with them are absolutely essential to the daily operation here and also to the longer term growth,” Bickford said.

Prior to using volunteers, she said, MSSPA was fulfilling their primary program goal of rehabilitating and rehoming animal - primarily horses, which have been abused and neglected. But many other things essential to running the organization were not being done. “All of the organizational energy and finances were going into that one thing,” she said, “while board development, creation of a website, a regular newsletter, and building and field maintenance weren’t happening.” 

Now, the MSSAP has a robust volunteer program that allows for each task to be attended to. “We have a great group of volunteers who come in and actually work in the barns,” Bickford said. Volunteers clean stalls, wash feed buckets, and all the other chores that must happen every day, whatever the weather. “It’s a lot of work. Those volunteers who do that are really critical to helping our paid staff,” Bickford said. The paid staff is small, usually only two or three people per day, and having volunteers to do some of the work frees them up for the jobs that require more skill and experience.

There are plenty of volunteer opportunities for people who are less comfortable with horses or unable to do the physical barn work, as well. Volunteers can help maintain the organization’s database, prepare thank you letters to donors, help organize events, assist with the website, social media and newsletters. “There’s a whole range of communication that has to happen as well, and I have one paid person whose primary responsibility is to manage that - she couldn’t possibly do it all,” said Bickford.

Some of the volunteers do an extraordinary amount of work. For example, there is one gentleman who not only helps mow grass and maintain flower beds, but has also taken on helping to manage the Dunkin Donuts Coin Collection program the organization participates in. This is a large job, Bickford said, that requires not only driving from store to store each week to collect the coins, but also being trustworthy enough to handle money. “Here’s a guy who does it all. He’s great,” said Bickford. “We have a number of super high functioning volunteers like that. Without these volunteers, we just couldn’t do it. We just could not get done all of the tasks that are essential for making us successful,” she said.

Volunteers come mostly from the local community. Some are performing mandated community service hours, and many come from the correctional center across the street. “We have a very collegial relationship with the correctional center. We use inmate labor in the barns every day.”

Volunteers of all ages are welcome at MSSPA. Those under 16 must volunteer with a parent or guardian, and from 16 to 18 can volunteer on their own with parental consent. The process to become a volunteer includes an application - preferably online, but paper applications are also available. MSSPA also recruits groups of volunteers from large employers in the area for some of their larger projects.

Volunteers are needed every day, so scheduling around personal availability works out well. “We match you with something you want to do at a time that works for you, bring you in and train you on that job, then let you have at it,” Bickford said. Often, experienced volunteers are used to help train new volunteers. 

Bickford said one thing she loves to do is get to know each volunteer. “I like to know my volunteers even though we have a lot of them because I am so grateful for their support here,” she said.

Bickford said she feels fortunate to have MSSPA located in a community as supportive as Windham. Currently, there is another way the community can help. This year the MSSPA is on the written ballot for the Bangor Savings Bank Community Matters More program, with a chance to win a $5000 grant. While they have launched several successful write-in campaigns and won $1000 each time, they couldn’t get on the written ballot. They were told the program focus was on people, not animals. People can vote online at:  www.msspa.org, in person at any Bangor Savings Bank branch, or at the farm on River Road from 1 - 4 p.m. daily. Maine residents of any age are eligible to vote from February 1 to February 28, 2017.