Where Purpose Meets Possibility: The WCC–Jessup Partnership

At Jessup Correctional Institution in Maryland, the sound of wagging tails signals something remarkable—healing, growth and purpose taking shape behind prison walls. The partnership between Warrior Canine Connection and the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services is making a meaningful impact throughout the facility.

Eight WCC dogs (WCC’s Chappy, Rock, Matt, Thomas, Miller, Oscar, VJ and Stan) currently call JCI home. These hopeful future service dogs are raised and trained by incarcerated Veterans and other incarcerated volunteers, along with furlough Puppy Raisers, through WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program.

WCC’s MBTR program teaches Veterans how to work with service dogs in training, which fulfills a time-honored military tradition of Warriors helping Warriors. In the process, 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.

“Seeing the service dog training program take root at JCI has been incredibly impactful,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “It’s not only helping incarcerated Veterans build new skills and purpose but empowering them to help others through the dogs they train. It’s become a true win-win partnership that changes lives on both ends of the leash.”

Each week, WCC instructor Val Skinner leads classes that teach handlers and dogs trust, patience and responsibility. The program mirrors military structure, with participants advancing through ranks as their skills grow. Dogs live in the cells with their handlers — two men and one dog per cell — fostering deep bonds, shared care and accountability.

“The collaboration between DPSCS and the Warrior Canine Connection stands as a powerful model of rehabilitation through service,” said Carolyn J. Scruggs, Secretary of Public Safety & Correctional Services. “By training future service dogs, our participants gain invaluable skills and, most importantly, a renewed capacity for empathy and responsibility. This unique work extends its positive impact far beyond the facility walls—it builds confidence, fosters compassion, and directly supports the long-term success of participants reentering the community. Ultimately, this program helps heal two populations at once, preparing individuals for a productive future and delivering life-changing support to the Veterans they serve.”

And the voices of those involved show just how deeply it’s making an impact.

One handler shared, “I joined to help my fellow brothers and sisters who are suffering with PTSD, I want to contribute while incarcerated so I can try to repair some of the pain I caused. Free or incarcerated, I am still a veteran, and I will continue to help where I can.”

Another participant reflected, “This is the first time in many years I’ve gotten to care for something besides myself.”

A different participant added, “Aside from giving back to the community, I also knew it would help me with my own personal anxiety/PTSD issues.”

One Veteran trainer noted, “Warrior Canine Connection has given me more purpose in life and has given me the opportunity to give back to my fellow veteran community” — proof that this partnership is about much more than dog training.

“It is good to give back to our communities, with the suicide rate of veterans on the rise these support dogs can make a significant difference. Not only does this program purposeful but it also gives the dogs purpose, WCC is a great program, and it helps people across the board,” shared another trainer.

Furthermore, participants often stay involved across multiple dog placements, earning certificates of achievement and even letters of recommendation for parole consideration.

“The commitment I see from the Veterans is amazing. They take real pride in the dogs and what they’re doing for others,” said Skinner.

Even those not directly involved feel the program’s impact. Onlookers from the yard next to the outdoor training area often line up along the fence to watch the puppies at work and play. “It’s contagious — the positivity spreads throughout the facility,” shared Skinner.

A new puppy will soon join the Jessup pack as WCC’s Rock graduates from the program to continue advanced training toward becoming a certified service dog.

Funds from Boeing and the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families help make this program possible.

Nearly three years into their collaboration, WCC and Jessup have created a powerful example of transformation through service — changing lives, fostering hope and strengthening communities, one paw at a time.
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