IRCF Awards Dogs for Life $25,000
Founded in 2002, Dogs For Life, Inc. is a non-profit organization devoted to improving the quality of life for veterans and other individuals in need through training hearing and service dogs, providing therapy dogs for first responders and school resource programs, and owning an off-leash dog park.
Indian River Community Foundation recently awarded Dogs for Life $25,000 from the Community Enrichment Fund to support the Veteran Service Dog Training Program. Dogs for Life (DFL) obtains and places service dogs with veterans and other individuals to assist with managing their specific disability. The organization operates a training facility for the purpose of training teams of people with their dogs and maintains an off-leash dog park to enhance social interactions for veterans, their dogs and others in the community.
Testimonial:
Dogs For Life is helping veterans to live more confident lives every day. It’s not just the veterans who benefit, but the family members also. “I’m comforted just knowing that Bob is safe and under the watchful eye of a most loyal partner…his service dog. Bob will tell you about the benefits he enjoys by having a service dog trained by DFL. Bo is always by Bob’s side, ready and able to perform several tasks. She can alert him to a smoke alarm or someone at the door. She can also pick up his cell phone, cane or even car keys! Life for Bob is easier with Bo."
Through outreach to partnering organizations including American Gold Star Mothers of IRC, Next Generation Veterans, the Veterans Administration, Assistance Dogs International, and the Mental Health Association, DLF also provides additional resources for veterans seeking support. DFL also provides emotional support dogs to the IRC Sheriff's Department, Victim Assistance and School Resource Program and facilitates veterans' post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) support group meetings.
Indian River Community Foundation’s discretionary grantmaking is aligned with a vision of a more healthy, prosperous, and generous Indian River County community. Grantmaking priorities are informed by the findings of the most recent community needs assessment and the most current data and information collected on Indian River Indicators.
IRCF is holding informational sessions for nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Indian River County who are interested in applying for a competitive grant. If interested, please call 772.492.1407 or email Brooke Sauserman to reserve your spot. Please read our Guidelines before registering.