20 IMPACT REPORT People, Paws & 20 Partnerships ABOUT HELPING PAWS OUR MISSION The mission of Helping Paws is to further people’s independence and quality of life through the use of Assistance Dogs. The human/animal bond is the foundation of Helping Paws. We celebrate the mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals, honoring the dignity and well-being of all. ASSISTANCE DOGS INTERNATIONAL MEMBER Helping Paws is an accredited member of Assistance Dogs International (ADI). We adhere to their requirements in training our service dogs. ADI works to improve the areas of training, placement and utilization of assistance dogs as well as staff and volunteer education. For more information on ADI, visit their website at www.assistancedogsinternational.org. BOARD OF MANAGEMENT AND INSTRUCTORS DIRECTORS DIRECTORS OFFICERS Pam Anderson, Director of Development Ryan Evers – President Eileen Bohn, Director of Programs Kathleen Statler – Vice President STAFF James Ryan – Treasurer Chelsey Bosak, Programs Department Administrative Coordinator Andrea Shealy – Secretary Judy Campbell, Foster Home Coordinator and Instructor MEMBERS Laura Gentry, Canine Care Coordinator and Instructor Ashley Groshek Brenda Hawley, Volunteer and Social Media Coordinator Judy Hovanes Sue Kliewer, Client Services Coordinator and Instructor Mike Hogan Jonathan Kramer, Communications and Special Projects Coordinator Alison Lienau Judy Michurski, Veteran Program Coordinator and Breeding Reid Mason Program Coordinator Kathleen Statler Jill Rovner, Development Assistant Joan Stone Jo Sorensen, Dog Sitting Coordinator Michael Urbanos TRAINING DEPARTMENT VOLUNTEERS Lynn Walker Rob Chalmers, Assistant Rosann Fischer, Assistant OUR SPECIAL Anne Fleagle, Veteran Team Training Assistant THANKS TO Jan Friend, Assistant Richard Greelis, Veteran Team Training Assistant DESIGN & PRODUCTION Susan Hagel, Assistant Grossman Design Associates Mike Hogan, Veteran Team Training Assistant PHOTOGRAPHY Pat Hook, Assistant Chelsey Bosak Gary Kish, Veteran Team Training Assistant Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office Will Kim, Assistant Laura Gentry Carol Lamoureux, Assistant Jonathan Kramer Steve Lindseth, Veteran Team Training Assistant Terese Kunick Annie Schoenecker, Assistant Steve McCuskey Nanci Shapiro, Team Training Instructor Judy Michurski Kim Torell, Veteran Team Training Assistant Ray Torell, Veteran Team Training Assistant Vanessa Wong, Assistant Chad Wood, Assistant 2 2020 HELPING PAWS IMPACT REPORT LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT – RYAN EVERS PEOPLE, PAWS AND PARTNERSHIPS Whether someone builds their career in the for-profit sector or the non-profit sector, we’re all keenly aware that each year often brings a unique set of challenges that force us to think creatively in order to successfully navigate through. It’s likely no surprise that the challenge I’m referring to for this fiscal year and beyond is COVID-19. The pandemic has taken its toll on individuals and businesses alike, and our staff has been challenged in ways they never thought possible in our 32 years history. By keeping our mission, furthering people’s independence and quality of life through the use of Assistance Dogs, in the forefront of how we operate the business, we’ve continued to make a positive impact in the lives of our graduates. We remain strong, agile and committed to serving our communities for years to come, and I’m proud of what we have been able to achieve this year with the help of our exceptional staff and our amazing, committed base of donors and volunteers. Despite these challenges, this fiscal year still resulted in the successful placement of 15 service dogs, including 12 that were placed with individuals with disabilities or with veterans. Additionally, we continued the expansion of our facility dog partnerships with three additional graduate pair placements in this category. One included a facility dog placement with a social worker in a social services agency that works with children, the second was a courthouse facility dog placement with the Stearns County Attorney’s office, and the third was a placement with the Crow Wing County Sheriff to work with victims, serve as an educational tool and to be a social catalyst in the community it serves. The positive impact that results from your support is exponential and will continue to be felt for years to come. Thank you for your continued commitment to Helping Paws and for all you contribute to the lives of our graduates. Whether you support us financially, through volunteering your time and talents, or both, nothing we do would be possible without you. As we continue to navigate these uncertain times, I’m confident that our incredible support network will see us through any challenges that come our way. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I wish you all continued health and a heartfelt thank you for all you do to support our great organization. HELPING PAWS IMPACT REPORT 2020 3 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 16 Sixteen (16) puppies were born from our breeding program 15 Fifteen (15) service dogs were placed 72 Staff was responsible for supervision of seventy-two (72) foster home trainers (includes caretaker homes and demonstration dog homes) during the fiscal year 4 2020 HELPING PAWS IMPACT REPORT ACCOMPLISHMENTS 126 One hundred twenty-six (126) public outreach presentations. We reached close to 60,000 people of various ages 290 290 volunteers donated 135,000 hours. This is the equivalent to 62 FTEs and a value of $3.3 million ($25.45 hourly rate is 91 from the Independent Sector). 91 graduate teams received one-on-one follow-up to help them work on specific issues that may arise in the course of day-to-day activity. Follow-up is very important to maintain a dog’s well-being and skills so it continues to be productive and healthy throughout its service life. HELPING PAWS IMPACT REPORT 2020 5 ADAM JUDD & SERVICE DOG JAVA I had the honor and privilege of serving my country for I met a few veterans who had service dogs for PTSD. over a decade in the Army. I spent most of those years I consulted my doctors and started the process of overseas, including two tours of duty in Iraq. I left getting a service dog for myself. I went through the the Army while I still could, feeling as if I was falling Helping Paws application process and was matched apart. Upon my return home, I did not recognize my with Java. We struck an immediate bond. country. I was overwhelmed and unable to reconcile Java has transformed my life. His presence has forced what I had done and witnessed in war, and I felt me to become disciplined in maintaining good completely alienated from friends, family, life habits and routines. He allows me to and society in general. go where I feel most vulnerable, which is I attempted for years to return to Java has anywhere outside the house. He loves “normal” and just be a good husband, me unconditionally and is a light in dad, student, and employee. I tried transformed my family’s life and everywhere I take everything to forget about the past, him. Java is there for me when things thinking it would fade as new memories my life. go bad, often halting the worsening of and experiences piled on top. It did not symptoms and bringing me back. He is work and I eventually sought help with the my battle buddy. I am forever grateful to VA. They provided excellent treatment and Java and Helping Paws for such a blessing care, but I could have been a better patient. After in my life. years of new medicines, therapies, and treatment plans, my life had improved but not to the point of long-term stability. Every day was a struggle. Forever grateful 6 2020 HELPING PAWS IMPACT REPORT ADAM JUDD & SERVICE DOG JAVA A treasured partner RITA ELLIOTT & SERVICE DOG NAPA You wouldn’t know by looking at me, that my bones fracture easily and bending over to pick up items causes extreme pain. With Napa as my partner, I can rely on her to assist me with retrieving items, and I can enjoy time with my grandchildren as I can now sit on the floor with them knowing that Napa will help me get back up by doing the “brace” cue. Due to life circumstances, I’ve been waiting for a service dog for several years. Thank you to Catherine Reid, Napa’s foster home trainer, for doing a wonderful job in training her to be my service partner. I will treasure Napa always. With Napa as my partner, I can rely on her to assist me with retrieving items, and I can enjoy time with my grandchildren. HELPING PAWS IMPACT REPORT 2020 7 Unbelievably fortunate JOHN ENESTVEDT & SERVICE DOG MILTON My name is John Enestvedt and Milton is my first service dog. First, I have to say the foster home trainer, Cecilia, did an incredible job of training Milton. She described him as “a perfect dog,” and I believe this is due to the care and skill she dedicated to raising and training him. I have Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. I was diagnosed about 19 years ago and my health, particularly my walking, balance, and hand control have been getting worse over the past few years. Very fortunately for us, a co-worker of my wife is a Helping Paws foster home trainer, and about a year ago she suggested that we apply for a service dog. Milton has only been with me for a week, but I find it amazing the way he’s become a part of my life. Not only does he help me up after I fall, he picks up endless numbers of dropped items, and maybe most importantly, he makes leaving the house much more possible. We’re unbelievably fortunate for the help we’re receiving from Helping Paws and the dedicated instructors and foster home trainers.