Aging and Disabilities - powlemm
Donations
Dear Friend, The People & Animals Who Serve (PAWS) program in Anne Arundel County Maryland was started as a pilot in July 1982 and was so successful it was developed into a permanent program by 1983 and has continued ever since. More than 350 volunteers share at least an hour a week visiting with their well behaved pets, and in the past year PAW Svolunteers contributed in excess of 12,000 hours to the community. Pet volunteers include more than 200 dogs, several cats, a couple of rabbits, a horse, and two alpacas who also visit regularly. Residents go outside when large animals are brought to visit. This program has enjoyed 20-years of success, and there are new initiatives the PAWS board would like to pursue. Additional financial support is needed not only to maintain the program but to help it grow. At present, the office is staffed by our Director Diane Dzambo who works full time and her assistant Maureen English who works 2 days per week. They provide oversight and training for volunteers in the Life Enrichment and Mom and Me programs as well as People & Animals Who Serve. They are committed to making people’s lives happier and are creative in getting young people involved with the program. Volunteers assist with training and many of the placements. We have been successful in getting some grants from several sources, including the Dept. of Aging, but expenses continue to increase and more financial support is needed. That’s why I’m sending this letter to you. Please consider making a donation to our 2002 PAWSHoliday Fundraising Drive. POW is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization 52-1440122 and your contribution will go directly to projects such as:
- Creation of a new video to use with volunteer orientations
- Volunteer education and recognition activities
- Increased promotional activities for the PAWS program
- Support for the establishment of the Anne Arundel County version of DEAR “Dogs Educating and Assisting Readers”. DEAR is a program helping children with reading disabilities practice reading skills while interacting with pets
All of our PAWS volunteers believe that they are doing something very important when they share their pets with people who enjoy their companionship. Many of the residents we visit say that the pet visits are the highlight of their day – no wonder, when you consider that more than 50% of elders in long term care facilities have no regular visitors. Seniors suffering with Alzheimer’s particularly seem to benefit from pet visits and often become lucid and conversant while stroking an animal. We want to reach even more people with this important program. You can help us “lick loneliness” by making a donation. Click HERE. We can’t thank you enough for your support!
Nancy J. Miller-Ihli 2002 Fundraising Chair
Anne Arundel County, MD. 44 Calvert Street Annapolis, MD. 21401 | Telephone: (410) 222-7000 | Suggestions | Disclaimer
Copyright 2008; All rights reserved