ECAD, Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities

Target demographics: People with physical disabilities, children effected by Autism, wounded Veterans returning from war and the At Risk Youth trainers that educate our dogs.

1.  At-Risk Individuals

The agencies in which ECAD’s PALS programs operate, serve some of society’s most troubled children and their families in both residential and community settings, providing them with therapeutic care as well as support and skills necessary to succeed as adults:

• 87% of the residents are referred through New York City’s child welfare, mental health, and juvenile justice systems, and come from the city’s most impoverished and violent neighborhoods.

• 68% of the children admitted to these Residential Treatment Centers have suffered neglect.

• 36% have been physically or sexually abused.

• 43% have had prior psychiatric

hospitalizations.

• 39% have made suicidal gestures or attempts

• 43% have engaged in delinquent behaviors

prior to admission.

Most of the children come from families with serious emotional or substance abuse problems:

• 78% of the children have one or more parents

who are substance abusers.

• 45% of the children have a parent in prison,

• 30% have a parent with serious psychiatric

problems.

• Approximately 66% of those served are

African American, 27% are Latino, 5% are

Euro-American and 2% are from other

racial/ethnic backgrounds

Direct beneficiaries per year: ECAD averages 15 dogs placed per year with individuals, and rehabilitation facilities.

Someone who had 3 hours of volunteer time could: Wash and groom up to 10 dogs
Socialize with a new litter of puppies
Decorate & Prepare a graduation ceremony
Assist in general office work; filing, mailings, copies, etc.
Participate at awareness events

Geographic areas served: NATIONAL