EXTRAORDINARY DOGS, TRANSFORMING LIVES 2015 ANNUAL REPORT WE TRANSFORM LIVES BY BRINGING TOGETHER INSPIRING PEOPLE AND EXTRAORDINARY DOGS. AND 2015 WAS A GOOD YEAR FOR EXTRAORDINARY INSPIRATION. “I don’t see the dogs as only my eyes. I’ve had depression before and these dogs really help. They don’t give you time to go to bed and stay in depression; they don’t give you time to think about it. They take care of you and you have to take care of them. I’m happier with my dog. Really, really happy.” GRADUATE DANIELLE MENDES & GUIDE DOG GENE 2 2015 ANNUAL REPORT SOUTHEASTERN GUIDE DOGS 3 DEAR FRIENDS, STRATEGIC PRIORITY 3: FINANCIAL STRENGTH TO MAXIMIZE OUR MISSION FULFILLMENT, STABILITY, AND GROWTH We’re pleased to report that our finances are strong and our support base continues to grow. In Our vision is to be the best service dog school in the world. We believe that being our best is an 2015, we generated $16.5 million in contributions, including $9 million for capital projects. We achievement worthy of our focus, resources, and efforts. And that being our best is the best gift invested $.80 of every $1.00 in our programs, and continue to remain the highest rated guide dog we can offer to the people who rely on us to restore freedom, confidence, and dignity. school in the nation on Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator, with a score of 98.83% out of a possible 100%. And we continue to diversify revenue sources with new To achieve our vision, we’ve set our sights on five strategic priorities: fundraising events and entrepreneurial activities. 1. Extraordinary dogs 2. Services that transform lives 3. Financial strength to maximize our mission fulfillment, stability and growth STRATEGIC PRIORITY 4: EXCEPTIONAL STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS 4. Exceptional staff and volunteers Our goal is to maximize staff and volunteer performance and satisfaction as we attract and retain 5. A world-class infrastructure within the realm of working-dog organizations world-class talent. In 2015, we provided an excellent working environment for over 100 employees, implementing a mentoring program for new-hires and expanding our training and immersion for a In 2015, with these strategic priorities set firmly before us, we’re on the right path. more successful onboarding experience. We also expanded our internship program to attract Here’s a look into our accomplishments last year, seen through the eyes of our vision and mission. talented new candidates. Our number of core volunteers grew to over 1,000 and our volunteer hours represented a cost savings of more than $12 million. In 2015, we enhanced our volunteer engagement by expanding the robust level of training we provide to volunteers. STRATEGIC PRIORITY 1: EXTRAORDINARY DOGS Our dogs are elite athletes, and keeping them strong, healthy, and able to achieve peak STRATEGIC PRIORITY 5: A WORLD-CLASS INFRASTRUCTURE WITHIN THE REALM performance is a strategy we take seriously. As we employ innovative and best practices, 2015 OF WORKING-DOG ORGANIZATIONS stands strong. We’re creating extraordinary dogs through our cutting-edge work in the Creating the best guide dog school in the world demands a world-class infrastructure, and cryopreservation of breeding stock; our data-driven genetics and reproduction strategies; our we are well on our way to replacing our aging facilities. In 2015 we broke ground and started advances in veterinary practices such as laser therapy, acupuncture, massage therapy, and construction on our Barpal – Hirst Student Center and our Puppy Academy. These new facilities microbiome transplant therapy; and our outstanding positive reinforcement-based socialization have been designed with an intentional balance of quality and frugality, as we remain good and training protocols. And our strong leadership role in the Assistance Dogs International North stewards of our resources while providing the best possible outcomes. America Breeding Cooperative (ABC) strategically connects us with other service dog organizations to continually improve genetics and diversify the lines. Our new Student Center will dramatically enhance our service delivery model for our new and returning students, providing them with an environment much more conducive to learning and As the premier guide dog school in the country in genetics, reproduction, veterinary care, much more responsive to their needs while living on campus. And our new Puppy Academy will socialization, and training, we’re maximizing our dogs’ successes and longevity in working careers. take our whelping program, puppy education, and early socialization strategies to a new level of excellence. Our Puppy Academy comprises a well-designed strategy to create better educated, more socialized puppies that become smarter, more confident working dogs. STRATEGIC PRIORITY 2: SERVICES THAT TRANSFORM LIVES Our school impacts our students and graduates through a myriad of highly rated services. Our on-campus services include education and accommodations for students who train in our 26-day guide dog classes and veterans who train in our 12-day service dog classes. We continue to As we pursue our vision and mission through these five strategic objectives, they provide a maximize service through small classes, low student-to-trainer ratios, and highly individualized roadmap to the future. But meanwhile, our heart continues beating to the rhythm of our instruction. Off-site placement services encompass training individuals with their new guide dogs, day-to-day operations, where we are privileged to watch small puppies transform to service dogs, facility therapy dogs, and emotional support dogs in their own homes and magnificent, skilled working dogs, and students transform to independent, confident people communities. Last year, we placed over 100 dogs into working careers benefitting others. walking tall with the dignity they deserve. Thank you for being part of the Southeastern Guide Dogs family. We couldn’t do it without you. But our services don’t end with training and placements. We continue to provide the best possible follow-up service to graduates through personalized contact. Our extensive outreach Warm regards and in-home services include support for over 450 active graduate teams. With a 99% student satisfaction rating and 96% graduate satisfaction rating, we’re hitting a high mark of services that transform lives. Tim Griffy, Chairman of the Board Titus Herman, CEO 4 2015 ANNUAL REPORT SOUTHEASTERN GUIDE DOGS 5 STRATEGIC PRIORITY 1: EXTRAORDINARY DOGS “WE INCORPORATE THE BEST OF WESTERN AND EASTERN VETERINARY MEDICINE.” “Our team of animal science, genetics, and veterinary care experts research and apply the latest technology and scientific principles to constantly improve the health and temperament of our dogs. Holistic care is important, too, so we incorporate the best of western and eastern veterinary medicine.” KEVIN CONRAD, DVM VP, CANINE DEVELOPMENT & MISSION FULFILLMENT 6 STRATEGIC PRIORITY 1: EXTRAORDINARY DOGS SOUTHEASTERN GUIDE DOGS 7 “IT FEELS LIKE PLAY. BUT EVERY MOMENT OF PLAY IS REALLY A BUILDING BLOCK TO THE FUTURE.” “My main thing is being helpful to people, to animals, and to have a cheerful heart in volunteering. When I’m working with these puppies in puppy education, it’s easy to be cheerful. It feels like play. But every moment of play is really a building block to the future. Just like a good preschool prepares kids to succeed in school, our puppy preschool helps these dogs to succeed in working careers.” PHYLLIS SISKEL VOLUNTEER 8 STRATEGIC PRIORITY 1: EXTRAORDINARY DOGS SOUTHEASTERN GUIDE DOGS 9 “IT’S AN ART AND A SCIENCE.” “In my 29 years of training dogs here, we’ve learned a few things along the way. First, we start with the most intelligent, willing-to-please dogs I’ve ever known. Next, we add plenty of praise, positive reinforcement, and repetition, until making smart decisions is part of the dog’s muscle memory. It’s an art and a science.” RICK HOLDEN DIRECTOR, TRAINING 10 STRATEGIC PRIORITY 1: EXTRAORDINARY DOGS SOUTHEASTERN GUIDE DOGS 11 STRATEGIC PRIORITY 2: SERVICES THAT TRANSFORM LIVES “HE RECONNECTS ME WITH THE WORLD.” “When my first guide dog, Courage died, I wasn’t able to even consider another guide dog for over a year. I just couldn’t imagine replacing him. In hindsight, that wasn’t my best decision, and I realized that the moment I met my second guide, Nick. Courage and Nick are very different but both fill a very important role in my life. Nick not only keeps me out of trips and falls and getting lost, he reconnects me with the world. With a cane I always felt unapproachable and marginalized. People just did not seem to know how to approach or start a conversation, so I was just ignored. Nick makes sure this doesn’t happen.” GRADUATE LARRY NEWMAN & GUIDE DOG NICK 12 STRATEGIC PRIORITY 2: SERVICES THAT TRANSFORM LIVES SOUTHEASTERN GUIDE DOGS 13 “I FEEL LIKE I’M NOT GOING TO HAVE THOSE DAYS ANYMORE.” “When I’m at home a lot, I feel like a big loser and I start to get really depressed. With her helping me get out, I feel like I’m not going to have those days anymore. I really like the ‘Check’ and ‘Watch’ commands and I thought about how many times I could have used them over the last few years. When people get too close—in my bubble of personal space—Easton blocks so someone can’t crowd me.” GRADUATE SARA FAULKNER, AVIATION SURVIVAL TECHNICIAN 1ST CLASS, USCG, & SERVICE DOG EASTON 14 STRATEGIC PRIORITY 2: SERVICES THAT TRANSFORM LIVES SOUTHEASTERN GUIDE DOGS 15 “HE’S CHANGED EVERYTHING FOR ME. I WOULDN’T TRADE HIM FOR ANYTHING.” “I was 34 days into my deployment to Afghanistan when I was blown up by two anti-armor mortars and shot in the abdomen.