FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BOYDS, Md. – Warrior Canine Connection’s barn renovation project will get a big boost, thanks to a generous grant from Heatonist, Purveyors of Fine Hot Sauces based out of New York City. Heatonist has donated $18,000 to help outfit the kitchenette facilities in the barn, which will substantially increase the space, usage and services for WCC’s service dog training programs for Veterans.

WCC is renovating a 1938 large dairy barn at its Healing Quarters to serve as its headquarters and training facilities. The barn alone will add 12,600 square feet of critical space to WCC’s current operational facilities. When complete, the renovation of the Healing Quarters property will increase WCC’s capacity to support programs and services for tens of thousands of Veterans and Active Duty Service Members through its program sites nationwide.

“This remarkably generous gift from Heatonist will allow us to dramatically improve the training experience for Veterans and staff, while also preserving the charm and character of this historic 1938 dairy barn,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “These funds will help transform an iconic agricultural building into a usable, accessible kitchen space to ensure that our current and future Veteran Service Dog Teams have necessary, modern-day conveniences at their fingertips as they learn, train and work with these amazing future service dogs to be.”

The proposed kitchen facilities, which are currently under design, include a 14’ x 20’ kitchenette area that will be utilized by Veterans working on site with their future service dogs, and by WCC trainers preparing specialized diets for some of the dogs in training. Kitchen facility updates include enhanced lighting, technology infrastructure and furnishings to include a refrigerator/freezer, dishwasher, cook top and sink, cabinetry, microwave, worktops and secure refrigeration for medications. All items will be commercial-grade, stainless steel appliances to ensure durability and longevity. All facilities will also meet today’s standards of safety, accessibility, usability and service. While the design is still being finalized, all-told, the project cost is estimated to be approximately $21,000.

“We couldn’t be happier to be partnering with our customers from around the country and around the world to support the noble mission of Warrior Canine Connection. The passion this team has for bringing real improvements to the lives of veterans through service animal training and knowledge sharing with other organizations is an inspiration to us all. We are proud to support WCC as they grow into the next phase in a wonderful new home.”

The WCC barn renovation project is a multi-year construction project that is estimated to take two years to complete. Support for the project is being provided by partners Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America and the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA), WCC has assembled an all-star team of experts from around the country who have helped to guide the development of the Healing Quarters.

You can read more about WCC’s barn renovation project here.

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