Press Releases Archives - Page 2 of 4 - Warrior Canine Connection

Warrior Canine Connection Receives $30,000 Grant from Mead Family Foundation

August 18, 2020/in Press Releases /by WCC Comms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2020

Boyds, Md. – Warrior Canine Connection has received a $30,000 grant from the Mead Family Foundation in support of its Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) service dog training program for Service Members and Veterans with visible and invisible wounds.

“Especially in this difficult time, we are so grateful to have the partnership of outstanding foundations, like the Mead Family Foundation,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection “Veterans with pre-existing mental health conditions are particularly vulnerable given our current global situation since the economic impact and the need for social distancing can increase feelings of loneliness. Public health experts anticipate a surge in demand for mental health care services due to the pandemic, underscoring how critical it is for WCC’s mission with wounded Veterans to continue.”

WCC’s MBTR programming is unique from other service dog organizations in that the organization enlists Service Members and Veterans who are in recovery to help train the dogs for their fellow Warriors. Anchored in performing a military support mission, the participants in WCC’s MBTR program concurrently benefit from the program while serving others. Program participants receive therapeutic benefits from skills development in communication, confidence building, accountability, emotional regulation and patience to promote an act of service.

Beginning in March, WCC quickly moved all of its MBTR programming to virtual formats such as training videos and online instructional tools to help Veterans stay engaged and facilitate their continued rehabilitation. In-person programming will resume at most WCC program locations in July, in accordance with state and local guidelines.

For more information, please contact Beth Bourgeois, Warrior Canine Connection, at beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org or 719-216-3206.

About Warrior Canine Connection
Warrior Canine Connection is a pioneering organization that utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to empower returning combat Veterans who have sustained physical and psychological wounds while in service to our country. Based on the concept of Warriors helping Warriors, WCC’s therapeutic service dog training program is designed to mitigate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other challenges, while giving injured combat Veterans a sense of purpose, and help in reintegrating back into their families and communities. For more information, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.

Warrior Canine Connection Receives $10,000 Grant from TD Charitable Foundation

July 28, 2020/in Press Releases /by WCC Comms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 28, 2020

BOYDS, Md. – Warrior Canine Connection has received a $10,000 grant from TD Charitable Foundation, the charitable giving arm of TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, in support of its Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program.

“TD Charitable Foundation has supported WCC in the past and we are grateful to have their continued support,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “This generous grant is most welcome, as it gives us a leg up during this uncertain time. The Foundation is first-rate; it is deeply committed to providing support to other nonprofits that are making a difference in the community. We are privileged to have their generous assistance to help us realize our mission of serving our Veterans.”

WCC’s MBTR programming is unique from other service dog organizations in that the organization enlists Service Members and Veterans who are in recovery to help train the dogs for their fellow Warriors. Anchored in performing a military support mission, the participants in WCC’s MBTR program concurrently benefit from the program while serving others. Program participants receive therapeutic benefit from skills development in communication, confidence building, accountability, emotional regulation and patience to promote an act of service.

“We are honored to support the trauma recovery services of Warrior Canine Connection,” said Dave Hargadon, Regional VP and Co-Chair of the Veteran Diversity Council, TD Bank. “TD recognizes the unique advantage in leveraging the time and talents of Veterans to help train future service dogs. Together, we will build a more inclusive, sustainable tomorrow for our Veteran community.”

TD Charitable Foundation carries a legacy of supporting not-for-profit institutions and their important work throughout the region. Since its inception in 2002, the Foundation has contributed over $243 million in grant funding to not-for-profit organizations in the communities where we work, live, and do business.

For more information, please contact Beth Bourgeois, Warrior Canine Connection, at beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org or 719-216-3206.

About Warrior Canine Connection
Warrior Canine Connection is a pioneering organization that utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to empower returning combat Veterans who have sustained physical and psychological wounds while in service to our country. Based on the concept of Warriors helping Warriors, WCC’s therapeutic service dog training program is designed to mitigate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other challenges, while giving injured combat Veterans a sense of purpose, and help in reintegrating back into their families and communities. For more information, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.

About the TD Charitable Foundation
The TD Charitable Foundation is the charitable giving arm of TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank^®, one of the 10 largest commercial banking organizations in the United States. Since its inception in 2002, the Foundation has distributed over $243 million through donations to local nonprofits from Maine to Florida. More information on the TD Charitable Foundation is available at https://www.tdbank.com/corporate-responsibility/the-ready-commitment/funding-opportunities/

This contribution supports TD’s longstanding commitment to community enrichment through the bank’s corporate citizenship platform, the TD Ready Commitment. The TD Ready Commitment actively promotes inclusivity, economic vitality, environmental wellbeing and health, enabling people of all backgrounds to succeed in a rapidly changing world. As part of the TD Ready Commitment, TD targets US $750 million in total by 2030 towards community giving in four critical areas: Financial Security, a more Vibrant Planet, Connected Communities and Better Health. Through this platform, TD aspires to create a more inclusive tomorrow — helping people of all backgrounds feel more confident, not just about their finances, but about their ability to achieve their goals. Visit: https://www.tdbank.com/corporate-responsibility/the-ready-commitment/

Warrior Canine Connection Receives $90,000 Grant from Wounded Warrior Project to Bring Canine-Assisted Therapy to More Veterans

July 20, 2020/in Press Releases /by WCC Comms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 21, 2020

BOYDS, Md. – Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) has received a $90,000 grant from Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) in support of its innovative Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program and to expand its program reach to additional Service Members and Veterans who are registered with WWP.

“We are honored to have the support of Wounded Warrior Project — one of the foremost Veteran service organizations dedicated to supporting post-9/11 Service Members and Veterans,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “Our partnership and this funding for programs will help us to bring canine-assisted therapy to those who will benefit from it most.”

WCC’s MBTR programming is unique from other service dog organizations in that the organization enlists Service Members and Veterans who are in recovery to help train the dogs for their fellow Warriors. Anchored in performing a military support mission, the participants in WCC’s MBTR program concurrently benefit from the program while serving others. Program participants receive therapeutic benefit from skills development in communication, confidence building, accountability, emotional regulation and patience to promote an act of service.

“The long-term resiliency and well-being of the military community requires ever-changing and innovative care solutions,” said WWP CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington. “Service dogs meaningfully improve quality of life and mental health for wounded veterans, and we’re proud to support the amazing work of Warrior Canine Connection.”

WCC will also host WWP warriors at its Healing Quarters in Boyds, Md. on a monthly basis to engage in MBTR programming, early socialization activities with puppies, recreational therapy and volunteer activities.

In the past two years, WCC has expanded its services to communities where Veterans are falling through the cracks and at high risk due to their avoidance of, or lack of, access to DoD or VA care. Specifically, WCC has recently enhanced its efforts to provide MBTR services for Veterans at community-based intervention sites serving Veterans and some of the many VA-administered Veterans Treatment Courts that have emerged throughout the country. Diversification of WCC’s MBTR delivery sites is allowing WCC to not only work with critically-ill Veteran populations in hospital settings, but also the vast population of Veterans who may remain undiagnosed and instead opt to seek help through VA community centers, resource centers, and other non-profit organizations, like Wounded Warrior Project.

For more information, please contact Beth Bourgeois, Warrior Canine Connection, at beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org or 719-216-3206.

About Warrior Canine Connection
Warrior Canine Connection is a pioneering organization that utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to empower returning combat Veterans who have sustained physical and psychological wounds while in service to our country. Based on the concept of Warriors helping Warriors, WCC’s therapeutic service dog training program is designed to mitigate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other challenges, while giving injured combat Veterans a sense of purpose, and help in reintegrating back into their families and communities. For more information, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.

About Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more.

Robin Martin, WCC Volunteer, Receives 2020 Volunteer Service Award from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper

July 7, 2020/in Press Releases /by WCC Comms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 7, 2020

Boyds, Md. – Robin Martin, a long-time volunteer for Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), has received the 2020 Volunteer Service Award from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper for her dedication and service to the Buncombe County community.

“We are delighted to see Robin receive this most-deserved honor,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “Robin’s unwavering commitment, dedication and support of our programs and the Veterans involved has been nothing short of amazing. She is a tremendous asset not only to our organization but also the wider Buncombe County community. She’s a wonderful human being, and we are all better for knowing her.”

Robin began volunteering with WCC in 2012. Last year alone, she volunteered a staggering 1,727 hours with WCC. She spends a great deal of her time at the Buncombe County Veterans Treatment Court (VTC), where WCC runs its Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) service dog training program for Service Members and Veterans involved in the court system.

No stranger to the military, Robin is a Veteran herself; she spent many years as an Army nurse at the old Walter Reed. And her father was a Veteran who served three tours in Vietnam. She says her support of WCC is all about the Veteran mission.

“It has been such a pleasure to work with the Veterans here in Buncombe County,” said Robin Martin, WCC volunteer. “I love seeing them coming in to meet the dogs for the first time and being grumpy and just not into it. By the end of their first session, they are hooked, and many continue to show up even though they have completed the program and are no longer required to come. The smiles just make my day.”

As a VTC Training Assistant, Robin instructs Veterans on how to work with service dogs in training which helps not only to meet their legal community service obligations but also fulfills a time-honored military tradition of Warriors helping Warriors. In doing so, the Veteran can also benefit from skills development in communication, confidence building, accountability, emotional regulation and patience to promote an act of service while receiving a therapeutic benefit.

In addition to assisting with the VTC, Robin helps provide MBTR to Veterans referred to WCC’s program from the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and FIRST at Blue Ridge, a residential therapeutic community for individuals and Veterans with substance abuse disorders.

Robin also helps organize and teach puppy parent classes, providing the opportunity for WCC to expand its Asheville and Buncombe County programming.

As if that weren’t enough, it’s also worth noting that, to-date, Robin has helped socialize, raise, train, puppy sit and care for a total of 22 WCC dogs. Currently, Robin is puppy parent to WCC service dog in training Danny, who works closely with the Veterans in the program at the Buncombe County VTC.

The Governor’s Volunteer Service Award honors the true spirit of volunteerism by recognizing individuals, groups and businesses that make a significant contribution to their community through volunteer service. Any person, group, or entity from the public, non-profit and private sector may be nominated for an award to their county award coordinator. County award coordinators submit their top 10 volunteer nominations per county. There are categories for the type of nominee (senior, youth, faith-based, family, group, business, etc.). Additional categories are based upon the area of service (animal, environmental, disaster, youth, preservation, etc.). County recommendations are reviewed by the Commission and awards are given out in the counties.

For more information, please contact Beth Bourgeois, Warrior Canine Connection, at beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org or 719-216-3206.

About Warrior Canine Connection
Warrior Canine Connection is a pioneering organization that utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to empower returning combat Veterans who have sustained physical and psychological wounds while in service to our country. Based on the concept of Warriors helping Warriors, WCC’s therapeutic service dog training program is designed to mitigate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other challenges, while giving injured combat Veterans a sense of purpose, and help in reintegrating back into their families and communities. For more information, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.

Warrior Canine Connection Receives $30,000 from Maryland Veterans Service Animal Program

February 4, 2020/in Press Releases /by WCC Comms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 4, 2020

BOYDS, Md. – Warrior Canine Connection recently received $30,000 in funding from the Maryland Veterans Service Animal Program to help support the placement of service dogs with Veterans with visible and invisible wounds in Maryland.

The Maryland Veterans Service Animal Program was passed in 2017 and is part of the state’s Department of Veterans Affairs. The program, which helps to educate the community about therapy and service dog programs and provide funding for the placement of those dogs with Veterans, was passed through the legislature with the entire Senate co-sponsoring the law.

“We are beyond thrilled to not only receive this funding, which will go a long way to support our program to help Veterans but also by the commitment, cooperation and support from our legislators, who helped make this program a reality,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “It’s no secret that service dogs are an amazing tool to help in the Veteran recovery process and by making them more available, together, we can help serve more of our nation’s heroes.”

Trained service dogs can console and are able to bring out even the most isolated personality. Service dogs have also been found to reduce the hypervigilance that has been found to be common in Veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as depression and anxiety.

Of course, the Maryland Veterans Service Animals Program wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the state’s Department of Veterans Affairs.

“We are pleased to partner with Warrior Canine Connection and to support the training of service dogs for our veterans,” said George Owings, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs. “For our veterans who have honorably served in the military and who have also given so much to our state and nation, this is but one way we can give back.”

Senator Simonaire, the son of a Veteran, sponsored the bill to provide help to Veterans in a unique and special way.

“There are many issues facing our veteran population, and the work that Warrior Canine is doing is making a difference,” said Senator Simonaire. “I am thankful for the partnership we have created with non-profits to provide more services, especially through these wonderful and adorable dogs.”

Simonaire was first elected to the Maryland State Senate in 2006 to represent District 31, which is a part of Northern Anne Arundel County.

For more information, please contact Beth Bourgeois, Warrior Canine Connection, at beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org or 719-216-3206.

About Warrior Canine Connection
Warrior Canine Connection is a pioneering organization that utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to empower returning combat Veterans who have sustained physical and psychological wounds while in service to our country. Based on the concept of Warriors helping Warriors, WCC’s therapeutic service dog training program is designed to mitigate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other challenges, while giving injured combat Veterans a sense of purpose, and help in reintegrating back into their families and communities. For more information, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.

Kearney & Company Tees Off to Support Warrior Canine Connection for Seventh Year in a Row

November 14, 2019/in Press Releases /by WCC Comms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 14, 2019

BOYDS, Md. – For the seventh year in-a-row, Kearney & Company hosted its annual charity golf tournament benefitting Warrior Canine Connection (WCC). Raising a record $75,000 this year, Kearney’s generous giving to WCC totals $275,400.

“We are honored to have the support of Kearney & Company, a first-class company that is 100% committed to supporting its community,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “Not only have we been blessed with the company’s longstanding support over the past seven years, but also with the leadership and expertise of one of its valued team members, Dr. Kyle Richards, who serves on our board; he brings so much value, impeccable judgment and immeasurable support to our organization, we are so thankful.”

More than 150 golfers turned out for the event, along with WCC staff, and service dog and puppy parent teams. This year’s event included remarks by Retired Marine Corps Sergeant Michael Boudreau, who served two tours in Iraq and received service dog Tamer from WCC in 2017.

“Thank you for supporting WCC,” said Boudreau to golfers at the event. “Without it, Veterans, like me, would not have service dogs.”

As a company, Kearney & Company and its employees have made community outreach a priority; the company highly encourages its team members to participate in and contribute to greater causes beyond the company’s own mission.

“It’s truly a pleasure to host our golf tournament with Warrior Canine Connection for the 7^th year in a row,” said Brian Kearney, chief operating officer, Kearney & Company. “We’re humbled that our contributions can help Warrior Canine Connection achieve their mission, and we value our partnership with them immensely.”

For more information, please contact Beth Bourgeois, Warrior Canine Connection, at beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org or 719-216-3206.

# # #

About Warrior Canine Connection
Warrior Canine Connection is a pioneering organization that utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to empower returning combat Veterans who have sustained physical and psychological wounds while in service to our country. Based on the concept of Warriors helping Warriors, WCC’s therapeutic service dog training program is designed to mitigate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other challenges, while giving injured combat Veterans a sense of purpose, and help in reintegrating back into their families and communities. For more information, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.

About Kearney & Company
Founded in 1985, Kearney is the premier CPA firm focused exclusively on the Federal Government, providing services across the financial management spectrum. Kearney has helped the Federal Government improve its financial operations’ overall effectiveness and efficiency; increase its level of accountability and compliance with laws, regulations, and guidance; and protect its funds from fraud, waste, and abuse. We understand the Federal Government’s need for efficiency and transparency. Visit https://www.kearneyco.com/ for more information.

America’s Heroes Charity Golf Tournament Raises $140,000 for Warrior Canine Connection; Brings Total Given to WCC Over Five Years to More than $900k

October 30, 2019/in Press Releases /by WCC Comms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 30, 2019

BOYDS, Md. – The America’s Heroes Charity Golf Tournament, an annual fundraiser hosted by the Naval Postgraduate School Alumni Association and Foundation (NPSAAF), raises donations to support wounded Service Members, Veterans and their families. This year, the tournament generously provided Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) with $140,000 for its service dog training program for Veterans; the amount brings NPSAAF’s total donated to WCC over the past five years to $934,394.

“We are humbled and so grateful to have received this level of support from the Naval Postgraduate School Alumni Association and Foundation — not just this year but for the past five years!,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “This gift is not only a magnificent gesture of support for our programs, it’s also a testament to this amazing community that is doing so much to support our Service Members, Veterans and their families.”

An annual event since 2006, the America’s Heroes Charity Golf Tournament has raised more than $1.8M in donations since its inception. This year, close to 200 golfers turned out to participate in the golf tournament on the Monterey Peninsula, and close to 350 people joined the fundraising dinner.

“Charities like Warrior Canine Connection have been the focus of our America’s Heroes Charity Golf Tournament for 14 years,” says Rich Patterson, CEO of the Naval Postgraduate School Alumni Association and Foundation. “We are proud to support WCC and the vital service this organization provides to our country’s veterans.”

This tournament, coupled with other fundraisers in California, plays a significant role in supporting the operations of WCC’s Menlo Park, California site. Through the Menlo Park site, WCC is providing its Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training and other partner programs in the area.

To learn more, visit the America’s Heroes Charity Golf Tournament website.

For more information, please contact Beth Bourgeois, Warrior Canine Connection, at beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org or 719-216-3206.

About Warrior Canine Connection
Warrior Canine Connection is a pioneering organization that utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to empower returning combat Veterans who have sustained physical and psychological wounds while in service to our country. Based on the concept of Warriors helping Warriors, WCC’s therapeutic service dog training program is designed to mitigate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other challenges, while giving injured combat Veterans a sense of purpose, and help in reintegrating back into their families and communities. For more information, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.

About the Naval Postgraduate School Alumni Association and Foundation
The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) Alumni Association & Foundation supports and advances the mission of NPS, our nation’s premier military graduate institution. Top military and civilian leaders come to NPS to learn how to combat current and future national security challenges. We support these leaders during their time at NPS and after they graduate to continue serving around the world. We also fund defense innovation research at NPS that directly impacts and strengthens our Department of Defense. For more information, visit www.npsfoundation.org .

Wendy Notari, Warrior Canine Connection Volunteer, Receives 2019 Governor’s Service Award

October 21, 2019/in Press Releases /by WCC Comms

Photo Credit: Maryland Judiciary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 21, 2019

BOYDS, Md. – One of Warrior Canine Connection’s own pack members, volunteer Wendy Notari, will receive high honors today; she is being awarded the Maryland Governor’s 2019 Service Award for her exemplary dedication, time and selfless service to the nonprofit, which breeds, trains and places service dogs with Service Members and Veterans with visible and invisible wounds.

“WCC’s most inspiring achievements are not measured in dollars, rather in the spirit of our volunteers, like Wendy Notari and her noble work on behalf of others and our organization,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, WCC. “This award couldn’t be more well-deserved and is a powerful testament to Wendy’s dedication and passion for serving our community and our nation’s Veterans.”

Wendy Notari began volunteering with WCC in December 2016. Since then, she’s performed every task asked of her, including whelping, working with service dogs in training, being a puppy parent and volunteering at community events. Most recently, she began volunteering with WCC at the Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) in Baltimore City, where she travels every Tuesday to volunteer her time serving as a liaison between the service dogs in training and the Veteran participants. In 2018 alone, Wendy volunteered an astounding 1,332 hours with WCC in a variety of roles.

“I am very honored to be recognized for something that is immensely rewarding for me and brings so much joy to my life,” said Wendy Notari. “Supporting Warrior Canine Connection’s mission of serving the Veteran community has been incredibly fulfilling to me. Prior to joining WCC, my life had revolved around raising my three boys. When they all moved on to college, I wasn’t sure how to fill my sudden abundance of time. I volunteered with several other organizations that served the homeless and underprivileged and found it rewarding, but I truly found my passion helping to raise service dogs for Veterans. I am inspired every day by the way these dogs touch the lives of everyone they meet, particularly our nation’s wounded Warriors. I am the lucky one to have found this opportunity with Warrior Canine Connection.”

The Governor’s Service Awards are presented by the Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism each year. The award recognizes Marylanders for their significant volunteer contributions to the state and its citizens and their work to change Maryland for the better. This year, the awards recognized volunteer service during 2018.

For more information, please contact Beth Bourgeois, Warrior Canine Connection, at beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org or 719-216-3206.

About Warrior Canine Connection
Warrior Canine Connection is a pioneering organization that utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to empower returning combat Veterans who have sustained physical and psychological wounds while in service to our country. Based on the concept of Warriors helping Warriors, WCC’s therapeutic service dog training program is designed to mitigate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other challenges, while giving injured combat Veterans a sense of purpose, and help in reintegrating back into their families and communities. For more information, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.

Warrior Canine Connection Receives $75,000 Grant from Boeing in Surprise Fashion

September 6, 2019/in Press Releases /by WCC Comms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 6, 2019

BOYDS, Md. – Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) is pleased to announce it has received a $75,000 grant from The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) to support its Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) programming in the D.C. region and beyond.

News of the grant funding was provided at Boeing’s Arlington site today during a visit with several of WCC’s youngest service pups in training from two recent litters — the No Fail Mission and Allegiance Litters. Boeing employees helped to socialize the future service dogs, a process that starts at three weeks of age.

While there, Tim Keating, Boeing executive vice president of Government Operations, surprised WCC Founder and Executive Director Rick Yount with news of the grant funding, which added some most welcome excitement to the visit.

“That was one dog-gone great surprise!” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “It’s not every day that you attend an event and find out your organization has received a $75,000 grant. We are so thankful for Boeing’s continued support and commitment to serving our nation’s Veterans, we couldn’t do it without them.”

This recent grant funding brings Boeing’s total financial support of WCC to $175,000 over the past two years.

“Boeing is proud to partner with Warrior Canine Connection and recognizes the important work they are doing to support our military veterans and their families, said Tim Keating, Boeing’s executive vice president of Government Operations. “With this additional investment, Boeing is helping recovering Warriors reconnect with life, their families, their communities, and each other.”

WCC uses a Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) therapy model designed as an intervention for combat Veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. The MBTR model provides Veterans with a sense of purpose while they are receiving treatment at Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities. It is designed to remediate their symptoms of combat stress, such as isolation, emotional numbness and re-experiencing events from their combat days. MBTR also harnesses the healing power of the Warrior Ethos in which Warriors train service dogs for fellow Veterans; through the process, they learn to focus on the dogs and their mission to help another Veteran.

For more information, please contact Beth Bourgeois, Warrior Canine Connection, at beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org or 719-216-3206.

# # #

ABOUT WARRIOR CANINE CONNECTION:
Warrior Canine Connection is a pioneering organization that utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to empower returning combat Veterans who have sustained physical and psychological wounds while in service to our country. Based on the concept of Warriors helping Warriors, WCC’s therapeutic service dog training program is designed to mitigate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other challenges, while giving injured combat Veterans a sense of purpose, and help in reintegrating back into their families and communities. For more information, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.

ABOUT THE BOEING COMPANY:
Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As the top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries.

Boeing employs more than 150,000 people worldwide and leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.

Warrior Canine Connection Earns 2019 Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar

August 21, 2019/in Press Releases /by WCC Comms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 21, 2019

BOYDS, Maryland – Warrior Canine Connection is pleased to announce that it has earned the 2019 Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar, the world’s largest source of nonprofit information. By sharing information about the organization’s goals, strategies, capabilities and vision, WCC is better able to provide meaningful data about its mission with donors, grantmakers, peers and the media.

“We are thrilled that our GuideStar Gold Nonprofit Profile allows us to communicate our organization’s key goals and initiatives on a widely visible scale,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, WCC. “We are 100% committed to being transparent about the work we’re doing, where donor dollars are going and how we are serving our nation’s heroes.”

GuideStar is the world’s largest source of information on nonprofit organizations. Through a stringent vetting process, GuideStar verifies that recipient organizations are established and that donated funds go where the donor intended, and after recent review, WCC is pleased to have been upgraded from silver to gold status.

Warrior Canine Connection uses a Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training model that harnesses the healing power of the Warrior Ethos and the human-animal bond to reduce symptoms of combat trauma whereby Warriors with combat stress train the dogs to assist another Veteran with visible and/or invisible wounds. The model provides recovering combat Veterans with a sense of purpose while they are recovering and is designed to remediate their symptoms of combat stress, such as isolation, emotional numbness and re-experiencing. Each dog can positively impact up to 60 Veterans during the training process.

To-date, WCC has placed a total of 68 assistance dogs with Veterans and military families. Another cadre of Veteran Service Dog teams will be paired and graduate this September.

Warrior Canine Connection’s GuideStar profile, including more detailed information about the organization, is available here.

For more information, contact Beth Bourgeois, Warrior Canine Connection, at beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org or 719-216-3206.

# # #

About Warrior Canine Connection
Warrior Canine Connection is a pioneering organization that utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to empower returning combat Veterans who have sustained physical and psychological wounds while in service to our country. Based on the concept of Warriors helping Warriors, WCC’s therapeutic service dog training program is designed to mitigate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other challenges, while giving injured combat Veterans a sense of purpose, and help in reintegrating back into their families and communities. For more information, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.

About GuideStar
GuideStar is a service of Candid, an organization formed when Foundation Center and GuideStar joined forces in February 2019. The GuideStar database offers profiles of more than 2.7 million organizations. Populated with data from the IRS, nonprofits, and partners, these profiles are available through the GuideStar website and more than 200 other websites and applications, including Facebook, Amazon, Google, and Fidelity Charitable. In 2018, more than 10 million people used GuideStar data to make decisions about nonprofits and the work they do.

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