Under My Wing Avian Refuge

Strategies<br/><br/>File for accreditation by the American Sanctuary Association<br/>Add an Assistant Director experienced in exotic bird care to our staff <br/>Add additional Board Members with a passion for animal welfare and skills that we would like to incorporate into our Board Directors as we grow<br/>Continue to utilize local media, schools, organizations, and government offices to recruit volunteers from the community, including individuals who must fulfill required community services<br/>Regarding educational activities<br/>Use lectures, radio talk shows, and other means to educate the general public about the need for responsible bird ownership, breeding, and bird purchasing as well as species preservation, and other avian issues<br/>Hold hands-on educational classes for new bird owners and individuals who plan to adopt one or more birds<br/>Create a Youth Summer Service Program, along with an After-school Creative and Educational Program, to give responsible local teenagers an opportunity for hands-on stewardship while learning about responsibility, humane animal treatment, and community service in a fun way<br/>Meet with school officials, parent organizations (eg, PTA) and youth organizations (including 4H Clubs and Boy/Girl Scouts) to raise community awareness about our summer and after-school programs and potentially recruit teens for these programs<br/>Identify resources relevant to grief therapy (eg, books, references, support groups, hotline numbers for counselors) and make these available to individuals struggling to cope with the loss of their companion bird. Also, invite them to spend some time working with the refuge birds, if they would find this comforting <br/>Interact with other reputable animal-welfare organizations to establish a mutually beneficial support network that can guide its members with respect to redistribution of birds from over-populated rescues, adoption/placement of birds, emergency situations, fund-raising, etc<br/>Under our Specific Placement Parrot Rescue Transfers agreement, work in collaboration with other animal shelters to place as many birds as possible in responsible homes <br/>Promote fundraising targeted for an additional building, with emphasis on its potential advantages including increased space for birds and functions that benefit the community, eg, educational programs, hands-on training, meetings, reception area for visitors and prospective adopters<br/>Offer gift-giving options and multiple levels for membership, and utilize social networking/e-mail campaigns to secure a minimum of 1000 committed individuals with a repeat donation of a minimal of $5.00 per month, yearly.

Under My Wing is solely supported by the public. The founder Paula N Ashfield and her husband Thomas Scott Ashfield have entrusted the present property to Under My Wing as well as funded over $100K to the new building construction which is now complete. These step are the pillar that has established permanency of location. <br/><br/>Meeting the needs of our supporters is a dedication we already have in place but wish to invite supporters to share with us their wishes and needs we have not met in order to establish better relation.<br/> <br/>Continue to work toward the development plan in place and seek capital funding.<br/><br/>Our staff, community businesses who have already donated time, materials and equipment are prepared to work hard in creating a landscape and park setting on the premises after the new building is erected.

Between 2007 to present Under My Wing took in over hundreds of unwanted, neglected, abused and foreclosed property birds. Began networking and aiding NJSPCA on cases of animal abuse investigation and helped to resolve issues. We established programs such as; Sponsor a Parrot, UMWAR Youth Group, Pennies For Parrots, Parents and Kids Day and other existing programs in the works in order to reach the population beyond the local community. 2010 - The founder and husband purchased 10.5 acres in Wantage NJ to establish the future home of the sanctuary and have endowed the property to the organization. 2015 - UMWAR Youth group was established, which allows youngster to learn to care for birds and philanthropy were eager to support our cause and keep the birds happy with toy making creations and socialization while learning has grown to over 20 active children. At this time, the Grievance program and new programs such as the Educational program for students from the Windsor Learning Center as they utilized Under My Wing's service for their student who were in transition from their school to NJ High Point High School. 2018 - Completion of the construction of a new building on premises for the birds with free flight and open cage environment for happy, healthy and safe habitation. The building is equipped with radiant heat, suffice ventilation and indoor power wash area. We have received the public support via donations and service from our community and other organizations over the years from donors who believe in our mission and visualize the same vision we have for the future of Under My Wing. We are presently working on land clearing to add outdoor aviaries.

2020 - We are serving the community at large. Initiations of the Green Care Project Community Garden. This project is to bring recovery and nature together in consultation with Patchwork Pastures, a local nonprofit organization (EIN 83-3481467) who has helped develop a five-step recovery program that incorporates mentoring, volunteerism, education, internships, and job readiness, which can lead to employment opportunities for individuals who participate in the program. Under My Wing will assign for community services and internship opportunities. As preparation for these opportunities, participants would receive in-depth education on exotic birds and the reasons they are at the refuge. Participants would also learn the value of creating a natural sustainable garden, and how it can benefit the birds as well as provide ongoing education and site tours for children and the general public to learn about exotic birds, including their biology, habits, needs, and the risks they face from irresponsible breeders and maltreatment. Further, hiring a certified Arborist to oversee the garden construction and to teach the participants, the basic skills needed for successful gardening and potential benefits of the plants used for the garden.