HSD Committees

AUDIT COMMITTEE (Richard Warfel)
The primary purposes of an organization's Audit Committee is:

  • To provide oversight of the financial reporting process.

  • To ensure that the organization's system of internal controls are in compliance with all laws and regulations.

  • Is responsible for overseeing the organization's disclosure process.

  • To ensure that the organization follows ethical standards and principles.

  • To ensure that the organization complies with its By-Laws and Internal Guidelines.

  • To strengthen credibility by communicating with donors and outside organizations if they present a concern on some matter in the organization. Someone from the Audit Committee should sit in to offer advice if there is a problem between two or more members of the Board of Directors or between a member of the Board and someone from outside of the organization.

  • To be available to communicate with an individual outside of the organization concerning a way an individual or a group of individuals within the organization is handling or overseeing a particular matter. This is a way for someone to have a direct link to make a formal complaint.


EDUCATION COMMITTEE (Sam Walker)

The main duties of the Education Committee are:

  • Share and stay updated with best training practices using evidence based information.

  • Seek out pertinent studies and review new information and update policies as needed.

  • Connect and network with other trainers and educators.

  • Helping the Executive Director decide if HSD can can benefit from workshops, seminars, courses, lectures, conferences, etc.

FUNDRAISING & GRANT WRITING COMMITTEE (Robin Taylor)

The Fundraising Committee is responsible for overseeing the organization's overall fundraising and, in particular, the fundraising done by the Board. To accomplish this, its responsibilities are:

  • To establish a fundraising plan that incorporates a series of appropriate vehicles, such as special events, direct mail, product sales, etc.

  • To take the lead in certain types of outreach efforts.

  • To be responsible for the involvement of Board Members in fundraising activities.

  • To monitor fundraising efforts to be sure that ethical practices are in place, that donors are acknowledged appropriately, and that fundraising efforts are cost-effective.

The Grant Writing Committee is responsible for all aspects of the grant process in order to receive funding that will support activities and programs that align with HSD’s mission. The grants must support goals of HSD and therefore the Grant Writing Committee must be proficient in the history and programs of HSD. 

This includes, but is not limited to: 

  • Exploring grant funding opportunities through various methods.

  • Writing proposals, submitting applications, and inquiries. 

  • Creating, maintaining, and supporting documentation appropriate for the grants.

  • Maintain virtual and physical records and supply them to HSD as needed. 

  • Collaborating with the Board and Executive Director to keep them informed on the grants in process as well as prospects and past grants. 

  • Post-grant stewardship by reviewing, reporting, recognition, and thank you correspondence.


LEGISLATION COMMITTEE (Theresa A. Jennings)

Volunteers are needed to:

  • Research and tracking bills going through legislation at both various State Levels and Federal Level.

  • Review outgoing information from various organizations such as the AKC and Service Veterans' Groups.

  • Mail out emails and at times make phone calls, or to possibly attend meetings or specific topics of interest to this committee.

No one will be asked to do more than they are able at any one time. We all have limitations based on our time restrictions and outside lives.


MEDIA & RELATIONS COMMITTEE (James Godwin)

Our Media & Relations Committee is responsible for:

  • HopeServiceDogs.org website

  • Covering Digital Marketing, including Google and SEO

  • Press Releases


MEDICAL COMMITTEE (Carolyn Bean)

The main duties of the Medical Committee are:

  • Share and stay updated with best health practices using evidence based information.

  • Seek out pertinent studies and review new information and update policies as needed.

  • Helping the Executive Director decide if HSD can help individuals with a HSD dog and if so what the client needs in a dog trained to mitigate their disability(ies).


SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE (Victoria Warfel)

Deciding which scholarships HSD is going to offer on an annual basis.

  • Requirements for scholarships and how to apply.

  • Posting scholarships and reviewing applications.

  • Deciding which application will receive the scholarship, and letting them know.

  • Making sure successful applicant receives scholarship.

Currently, guardian homes, HSD puppy owners, and SD candidates get priority.


VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE (Carolyn Bean)

Volunteers are valued members of HSD, using their time, talents and skills to support HSD and help the people who HSD serves. We know that people work best when they are passionate about what they do, and we hold that true for our volunteers. 

All volunteers are encouraged to join our Volunteers for Hope Service Dogs, Inc Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/HSDVolunteer/ - where we post what needs done, which may include puppy care, socialization and environmental exposure, training, grooming, testing, setting up at events, making calls, creating infographics, and more.

The Chair of the Volunteer Committee needs to 

  • Oversee and update our volunteer development program.

  • Track the various skill sets and interests of HSD volunteers.

  • Challenge the volunteer to achieve personal goals and while working with their current skills help them to discover new talents.