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Who's Who: Supporting the Animals of Hendricks County, Indiana
Who's Who: Supporting the Animals of Hendricks County, Indiana
Hendricks County Friends of the Shelter (HCFS), a volunteer-driven, 501(c)(3) nonprofit group dedicated to supporting the animals and staff of the Hendricks County Animal Shelter (HCAS). Think of us as the shelter's biggest cheerleaders—we strive to support the shelter with supplies, medical care, and programs to improve the lives of shelter animals while they wait for their new home!
Hendricks County Friends of the Shelter (HCFS), a volunteer-driven, 501(c)(3) nonprofit group dedicated to supporting the animals and staff of the Hendricks County Animal Shelter (HCAS). Think of us as the shelter's biggest cheerleaders—we strive to support the shelter with supplies, medical care, and programs to improve the lives of shelter animals while they wait for their new home!
What HCFS Does
What HCFS Does
Our primary focus is to bridge the gap between county funding and the complete needs of the animals.
Our primary focus is to bridge the gap between county funding and the complete needs of the animals.
Financial & Medical Support: We raise funds for medical care, enrichment supplies, and bridge the budget gap.
Community programs: We organize adoption and fundraising events.
Pet Food Pantry: We provide the Pet Food Pantry Program to help families in need keep their pets fed and in their homes.
Advocacy & Impact
Advocacy & Impact
HCFS is committed to working collaboratively with the County Commissioners and County leadership to ensure the Hendricks County Animal Shelter has the resources, policies, and facilities it needs to provide the highest level of care.
As part of this ongoing partnership and our commitment to continuous improvement, we have recently started to engage in data gathering and collaboration with other groups to make a greater impact. Below is the presentation deck we shared with the County Commissioners on December 9th, 2025, outlining key areas for investment and operational enhancement.
Download the Presentation:
The Who's Who: Understanding Animal Welfare in Hendricks County
The Who's Who: Understanding Animal Welfare in Hendricks County
Hendricks County has several dedicated animal organizations working toward the same goal: helping pets and their people. Knowing who does what helps you connect with the right group at the right time.
Hendricks County has several dedicated animal organizations working toward the same goal: helping pets and their people. Knowing who does what helps you connect with the right group at the right time.
Hendricks County Animal Shelter (HCAS): The county-run facility for stray, abandoned, and surrendered animals. Pets remain until adopted or reunited - never euthanized for space. Note that the shelter does not have a foster program.
Hendricks County Humane Society (HCHS): A nonprofit focused on pet overpopulation prevention and helping families in need. Services include spay/neuter assistance, a pet food pantry, and education programs.
Rescues: Volunteer-run groups that rescue animals from shelters and care for them in foster homes until they're adopted. Many also accept owner surrenders, giving pets a second chance at finding a loving home. The more animals they foster, the more lives they can save by opening space in shelters.
Every organization plays an important part in caring for animals in our community!
14Page_WhosWho_PrintReady.pdfMeet our Board Members!
Meet our Board Members!
President
President
Anita Padgett
About Me: Anita is our hands-on, “Jill of all Trades,” bringing heart to everything she does. She expertly coordinates volunteers, trains new team members, and ensures that every project runs smoothly. Anita keeps our team motivated and our mission moving forward, making a real difference in the lives of the animals we serve.
Contact: president@hcfriendsoftheshelter.org
317-451-6147
Vice President
Vice President
Nevin Rudie
About Me: Nevin is the driving force behind our organization’s planning and organization. Always pushing the team to do better, he ensures every project runs efficiently and effectively. As manager of our Trader’s Buck store, Nevin has helped create an incredible income stream that directly supports the animals in our care. His dedication, vision, and leadership make a lasting impact on everything we do.
Contact: vicepresident@hcfriendsoftheshelter.org
Lisa Gold
Lisa Gold
Event Coordinator
About Me: I feel incredibly blessed to serve as the Event Coordinator for Hendricks County Friends of the Shelter. I have loved animals for as long as I can remember; in fact, I don’t recall a time in my life when I didn’t have a dog, a cat, or even two! My deep appreciation for the animal kingdom started early when I had the unique opportunity to work at a small zoo during high school. That experience taught me just how amazing animals are and, more importantly, how much they have to teach us about compassion and connection.
Why I volunteer: For me, volunteering is a shared passion, as my husband also volunteers and shares my love for animals. I am excited to bring people together to support our mission and ensure our shelter animals have everything they need while they wait for their forever homes. Whether it’s a large fundraiser or a local community meetup, I love creating opportunities for people to get involved. Helping animals is truly a team effort, and I would love to hear from you if you’re interested in lending a hand with our upcoming events!
Contact: events@hcfriendsoftheshelter.org
Secretary
Secretary
Lisa Ochoa
About Me: I’m a proud native of Indiana and have spent over 8 years working professionally in the nonprofit sector. My career has been dedicated to helping people, specifically focusing on stabilizing those facing or experiencing homelessness. When I’m not working or volunteering, I’m passionate about finding new ways to support my community. I joined the board of Hendricks County Friends of the Shelter to merge my professional expertise in nonprofit advocacy with my personal love for animals.
Why I volunteer: I began walking dogs in July 2024 and quickly realized I wanted to support the shelter in every way possible - from folding laundry to organizing supplies. My passion for these animals is a family affair; my mother even joined me as a volunteer late last year! By serving on the board, I get to help unwanted animals find their "furever" homes and provide a helping hand to local pet owners who are struggling to make ends meet. It is incredibly rewarding to ensure that both shelter animals and family pets receive the love and care they deserve.
Contact: lisa.ochoa@hcfriendsoftheshelter.org
Treasurer
Treasurer
Kim Robinson
About Me: I am a lifelong Hoosier with deep roots in Hendricks County. After graduating from Brownsburg High School, I moved to Plainfield in 2010 and have called it home ever since. My husband and I share our lives with our "kid," Roxie, whom we adopted from Creekside Animal Rescue in 2018. When I’m not balancing the books, you can find me outside gardening or walking with Roxie. I also love knitting, spending time with my family, and being the #1 fan at my niece and nephew’s sporting events and school activities.
Why I volunteer: If it were up to me, I would give every animal in the shelter a spot in my home - but since I can't take them all in, serving on the board is the best way to make a difference. As Treasurer, my goal is to build upon the strong financial foundation the board has already established while contributing fresh ideas to our growing team. I believe that every step we take to support the shelter is a success, and I am honored to use my skills to ensure these animals get the resources and care they deserve.
Contact: kim.robinson@hcfriendsoftheshelter.org
Board Member
Board Member
Tamara Decker
About Me: Tamara is a true “do-it-all” team member, always ready to help wherever she’s needed. Currently serving as Acting Secretary, she keeps our board organized and on track with grace and efficiency. Beyond her dedication, Tamara brings laughter, joy, and positive energy to every meeting and event. Her deep love for the animals shines through in everything she does, making her an essential and beloved part of our team.
Contact: tamara.decker@hcfriendsoftheshelter.org
Board Member
Board Member
Raven Gerbick
About Me: I’m a wife, mom of two, and proud long-time Hoosier. Though I grew up on the southside, I’ve called Hendricks County home for the past 10 years, and I absolutely love it here. When I’m not working full-time, spending time with my family, or caring for my own pets, I enjoy learning new skills through my board member duties. I joined the board in May 2025. I also launched Hoosier Gardens Gone Wild, LLC to sell plants that are native to Indiana, and use the proceeds to donate to animal rescue organizations.
Why I volunteer: I began walking dogs for the shelter in April 2022 and instantly fell in love with giving these animals the attention they deserve. It’s rewarding to help lighten the load for our hardworking shelter staff while giving the dogs a chance to stretch, potty, and enjoy some love. One special dog, who waited far too long for her forever home, inspired me to get more involved - and she’s now happily adopted!
Contact: raven.gerbick@hcfriendsoftheshelter.org
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