October 29, 2021 (Corvallis, MT) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to the Wings Programs Inc. as of October 25, 2021
Verification means that the Wings Programs meets the criteria of a true equine sanctuary/rescue and is providing humane and responsible care of the animals. To be awarded Verified status, an organization must meet GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed animal care standards which are confirmed by a site visit and they must also adhere to a demanding set of ethical and operational principles. The Verification status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors, and grantors to recognize the Wings Programs as an exceptional organization.
“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of the Wings Programs,” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director-Equine. “This organization provides both adoption and sanctuary services and strives to help horse owners directly when they can no longer care for their animals. Equines that have difficulty finding homes, participate in equine assisted services. WINGS is an acronym for wisdom, intuition, new ideas, growth and success which provide the operating values of this organization along with their commitment to a healthy and nurturing environment.”
“We are thrilled to receive Verification from GFAS. We are a small organization, but we strive to provide excellent care and rehabilitation for our equine residents while also providing equine assisted therapy to our community,” explained Debora Lay, Executive Director and founder of The Wings Programs. “The Verification status will provide a clear and trusted means for the public, donors, and grantors to recognize Wings Programs Inc as an organization worthy of supporting. Having GFAS Verification shows that we are willing to do what it takes to both maintain our facility and our business plan to ensure the ethical operation and devoted safety to the horses in our care. We hope to grow and partner with our community to provide the best possible services and care. We are Humans Helping Horses Healing Humans.”
The GFAS Equine Accreditation Programs is made possible by a generous grant from The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® and the Kenneth Scott Charitable Trust.
About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries, rescues, and rehabilitation centers worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting these animal care facilities is to ensure they are supported, honored, recognized and rewarded for meeting important criteria in providing care to the animals in residence. GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders from a number of different organizations in response to virtually unchecked and often hidden exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit. The GFAS Board of Directors guides the organization’s work in a collaborative manner. While the board includes those in top leadership at The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries. www.sanctuaryfederation.org.
About the Wings Programs Inc.
The Wings Programs Inc. is a 501c3 Non-Profit Equine Welfare Organization.
The Wings Programs provides assistance to both horses and horse owners in need. Horses in our care receive rehabilitation for physical and emotional problems, training as necessary to be able to transition into a new permanent home. Some of our horses are sanctuary horses, meaning they are not available for adoption for various reasons. These horses participate in Equine Assisted Programs including Life Skills, Equine Assisted Growth and Learning and Veterans programs. For more information, please visit WINGS PROGRAMS INC – The Wings Programs.