My Nonprofit Reviews

When one of my children left for college, we could never have predicted what would soon totally derail her plans and dreams. In 2012, our small town was ripped asunder by a gunman entering Sandy Hook School and murdering 26 kids and adults. In its wake, many here were left with PTSD, particularly kids who were in school that day. Once out of this safe and compassionate bubble, she began experiencing debilitating anxiety and panic attacks and felt very isolated and scared. After a semester she had to come back home so we could get her appropriate help. We reached out to
Abby Hill at The Exceptional Sidekick (also known as the lady who always has a puppy in a work vest with her!) to find out more about her service dogs. Abby reacted quickly and my daughter was fortunate to be paired with an amazing, sweet, smart, trained dog that was then trained for tasks that fit my daughter's specific triggers and needs. They are partners and whether at college, home, work, they are a team. The training both my daughter and her service dog have received and continue to receive is invaluable. Now after 2 1/2 years being part of The Exceptional Sidekick family, I've seen many teens and young people, all with their own story of trauma, medical or psychiatric challenges, thrive, survive and take big steps to move their lives forward, with a steady partner. Its impacted and impressed me so much that I now serve on the board!

When my daughter had to leave college due to PTSD, she was devastated. She tried to get appropriate help there but they couldn't offer her what she needed. We had heard of Exceptional Partner so reached out to Abby immediately. Abby explained what she does as far as selecting and training service dogs, the pertinent laws, and how the service training and ownership process works. In short, Exceptional Partner changed my daughter's life and has given her independence back and we are forever grateful. Abby and the Exceptional Partner team are very involved with the community and very supportive our teens in particular. Knowledge, professional, and compassion- - That's Abby Hill and Exceptional Partner!