On Wednesday, July 9, sixteen members of  the Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network (YPN) spent some time at the Central Dakota Humane Society (CDHS), located just south of Mandan on Highway 1806, to wrap up a great year of service and partnership. The group first took part in the dog walking certification class that all volunteers must complete in order to be allowed to walk the facility’s rescued dogs. Now, these YP’ers can visit CDHS to help walk dogs in the future. The group also did some service work on the property grounds. This included pulling weeds, trimming trees and spreading mulch. The property was nicely groomed by the end of the night due to all their hard work. The evening ended with a BBQ and social with food provided by CDHS.

The YP Network partnered with the Central Dakota Humane Society as part of a pilot program to help support one local nonprofit organization over the course of one year. This program was developed as a result of the YPN’s strategic plan and overall mission to help young adults make a difference within the community. Over the past year, the YPN has not only helped with many volunteer projects at CDHS, but also helped raise money for the organization.  Whether volunteering at events like Wine and Dine for the Canine and Feline, walking dogs on the weekends or raising money at the YPN’s annual Chill-N-Bowl, YP’ers have had a great year helping the Humane Society.

This event completed the year-long partnership with CDHS. The YP Network will select a new nonprofit partner in August 2014. Thanks to CDHS for being a great first nonprofit partner for the YPN!