Canine Companions For Independence: More Than Four Decades Of Aiding The Disabled

In 1975, the idea of dogs providing assistance to people with physical disabilities was put into practice when the Canine Companions for Independence was established in Santa Rosa, California. The organization started small, holding operations in a home office and a garage, but it has since grown significantly through the help and dedication of the organization’s partners and supporters.

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The program involves breeding, raising, and training assistance dogs to

• help adults with physical disabilities perform daily tasks,

• alert their completely or partially deaf owners to important sounds,

• provide adults with special needs valuable companionship in a visitation, education, criminal justice, or healthcare setting, or

• help children and adults with disabilities to gain skills that could enhance their independence.

Canine Companions typically employ Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and a cross of the two breeds. Volunteers take care of breeder dogs and raise puppies, which are taught to obey basic commands and socialize. Upon completion of their individualized training, the canines are subjected to team training to match them well with disabled children or adults, including veterans.

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Since its founding more than 40 years ago, Canine Companions have seen 5,274 graduate teams.

Robert Bassam, Easterns Automotive CEO, supports and donates to various non-profit organizations. In January 2017, he helped the Canine Companions for Independence by joining a charity auction benefiting the organization. Visit this website to read more about Mr. Bassam’s philanthropic endeavors.

Second chances at Ruth’s Miracle Group

Not too many people today get second chances, which is why it’s a good thing that Maryland is home to a certain kind of hope for certain lives. 

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Ruth’s Miracle Group Home Foundation has committed itself to giving exactly that to women.

Starting out in 2009 as a transitional facility for at risk women, it is now known as a safe haven dedicated to nurturing women in need back to readiness in society. The organization’s overall goal has been to aid in the growth and development that re-strengthens the foundations of a fully independent and self-sufficient lifestyle. 

Women in general have been embattled with a handful of bitter challenges. One of the biggest issues that can leave a woman in shambles is physical abuse. Statistics consistently indicate that women are at the receiving end of domestic violence. 

When this is not the case, women have been found to have fallen victim to substance abuse. A woman in trouble is an easy target of drug dependence. There is a host of compounding influences which can trigger and progressively worsen this. 

Ruth’s Miracle Group Home Foundation’s mission has seen this reality as clear as day, and has commensurately provided a helping hand. The foundation has been rescuing women and their children who have been living homeless in the streets. Gradually, they are restored to the fullness of healing, free of mental and emotional pains. 

When second chances come few and far in between, Ruth’s Miracle Group has restored faith in humanity.  

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Robert Bassam gives back to the communities in the Virginia and Greater Washington area. He has supported Ruth’s Miracle Group Home and other similar foundations. His various humanitarian practices can be seen on this website.