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Causes: Centers to Support the Independence of Specific Populations, Human Services
Mission: Champ empowers the lives of children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities through the placement of specially-trained service dogs, and provides custom-trained facility dogs to work with caregivers in hospitals, child advocacy centers & courthouses
Programs: Assistance dog program-champ assistance dogs trains and places service dogs to empower children, adults and veterans with physical and/or cognitive disabilities. Specially-trained service dogs enhance the individuals life skills, increase self-esteem and help our clients live more independently. We place 3-7 assistance dogs, free of charge, with qualifying individuals annually. Women offender-trainers at the womens eastern reception, diagnostic and correctional center (werdcc) in vandalia, mo help with our formal assistance dog training. Additionally, champ places facility dogs to work with professional care givers such as: physical therapists in a hospital, forensic interviewers in child advocacy centers with victims of sexual abuse, and with prosecutors in a courthouse.
champ therapy dog teams are trained to work with a diverse group of children and adults while providing a calm presence, comforting those who are suffering and sharing unconditional love. Interactions with therapy dogs have been proven to help to relieve stress, lower heart rates, and ease mental distress simply by providing comfort and a calming presence. In 2016, champ therapy dog teams visited 31,000 children and adults in more than 90 facilities. Champ also participates in reading programs with trained therapy dogs at schools, libraries and other facilities.
champ education program-champ provides unique education programs and demonstrations for children and adults in schools, universities, summer camps, scouts, service clubs and organizations. Our engaging presentations teach respect for people of all ages and abilities and helps individuals gain understanding of various disabilities. In 2016, champ education programs touched the lives of 5,921 children and adults.
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CHAMP far EXCEEDED my expectations of what a therapy dog/team can do. Their training is intense , but always upbeat. The populations they serve and opportunities for service are seemingly limitless. I am so proud to be a member of this organization which does do much for so many on so little. My dog and I work in hospice, adult day care, and head injury rehab - all very different facilities, and CHAMP's training has given us confidence to excel in all these arenas.
Review from Guidestar
