Celebrating the Impact of the Central Maryland VTC

The Central Maryland Regional Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) marks an incredible 10 years of service to our nation’s Veterans — a decade that reflects dedication, collaboration and an unwavering belief that recovery is possible when a community shows up with support and compassion. This milestone is a testament to the court’s impact and the many people who have helped make its achievements possible.

Founded in 2015 by Senior District Court Judge Halee F. Weinstein, the program has helped hundreds of Veterans address misdemeanor charges through mental health treatment, peer mentoring and strong community support.

“As part of volunteering to train our service dogs in training, Veterans learn the importance of having patience with not only the dogs, but also with themselves,” said Kayla Prince, WCC Veteran training program coordinator. “We work on ‘rewarding more to correct less,’ which encourages focusing on positive moments in training and in life.”

Since launching MBTR in partnership with the Central Maryland Regional VTC, 85 Veterans have participated, contributing a total of 894 hours in WCC’s service dog training programs. Their work has supported 126 WCC service dogs in training who have participated in the program to date.

“The partnership with the Veterans Treatment Court and Warrior Canine Connection has been instrumental in helping veterans to heal and get their lives back on track,” said Baltimore City District Court Senior Judge Halee F. Weinstein. “Through helping to train service dogs, the veterans are learning new skills while also helping themselves and others, which benefits everyone in the program.”

For many Veterans, working with the dogs becomes a meaningful part of their routine — offering structure, building confidence and inciting laughter on tough days. Trainers often notice positive changes before the Veterans themselves do.

WCC is honored to partner with the court and play a small part in its success and impact on Veterans. We’re grateful for everyone who helps make this work possible — Judge Weinstein, the court team, mentors, the VA, United Way of Central Maryland, public defenders, prosecutors, community partners, and most of all, the Veterans whose commitment has helped advance the training of several WCC dogs.

Here’s to an extraordinary decade — and to even more lives changed in the years ahead.
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