Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
In the past year, PawPADs continued its mission of transforming lives through the human-canine bond. The organization provided experiential learning and therapeutic opportunities for students, at-risk youth, federal inmates, and veterans with PTSD, helping them develop essential life skills.
PawPADs maintained an average of 15 service dogs in training and placed four dogs in full-time careers. The program welcomed five new puppies, conducted School Resource Dog workshops for educators, and offered the ADEPT Internship as a stand-alone program. Additionally, PawPADs rejoined Assistance Dogs International (ADI) as a candidate member and presented at international conferences on service dog training and experiential education.
Beyond training, PawPADs fosters life-changing partnerships. One handler shared how their School Resource Dog, Benji, helps students regulate emotions, build connections, and find comfort in difficult moments. These daily moments of impact underscore PawPADs’ dedication to creating brighter futures through expertly trained service dogs.
Current Goals
In the current fiscal year, PawPADs will build on its success by expanding its reach, strengthening its programs, and ensuring long-term sustainability. The organization will continue training and placing service dogs, maintaining an average of 15 dogs in training while refining methods to increase successful placements. Educational and therapeutic programs will be expanded by strengthening partnerships with schools, at-risk youth programs, veteran support groups, and correctional facilities. School Resource Dog workshops will be enhanced, and experiential learning opportunities will be further integrated into programming.
The ADEPT Internship Program will move to a stand-alone program for University students, with efforts to broaden its educational impact. PawPADs will also strengthen its industry presence by maintaining its candidate membership with Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and participating in conferences and collaborations to promote best practices in service dog training. Research and public awareness efforts will grow through international presentations and outreach initiatives highlighting service dog benefits.
PawPADs will focus on securing funding, increasing volunteer engagement, and bringing more purpose-bred and rescue puppies into training to support program expansion. By pursuing these goals, the organization will continue to transform lives, empowering individuals and communities through the power of expertly trained service dogs.
Community or Constituency Served
Persons with disabilities, persons with Type 1 Diabetes, Schools, Senior Care Facilites, Survivor Support organizations, Incarcerated Individuals, University students, Veterans who have injuries that occurred as a result of active service.
Geographic Area Served
Clients living within 200 miles of Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. Those living within 250 miles of Minneapolis/St. Paul may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
