Stories From Smaller Nonprofits: Georgia Canines for Independence
12/11/2009
Through out December, Diva Marketing is showcasing the stories of smaller nonprofits. It's a small way to give back to others who give so much. It's my wish that together we can help raise their
visibility, perhaps find a new volunteer or even encourage a donation or two.
Because as Laura King Edwards, Taylor's Tale, says, "Nothing should stand in the way of a dream." Also the nonprofits that are using social media have agreed to share their strategies.
Story by Ramona Nichols, founder and Executive Director of GCI. My mother and sister have epilepsy, and I experienced through their
eyes the stress and isolation that disability may create for every family
member. My animals provided a support system of unconditional love, which
helped the family deal with the physical, emotional, and social effects of
epilepsy.
After studying animal behavior at the University
of Georgia, I dedicated my
life to training dogs to improve the quality of life of people with
disabilities. Photo: Ramona with canines Mary Kate and Ashley
Georgia Canines for Independence is
a 501-c-3 nonprofit. Donations are tax-deductible. Georgia Canines for
Independence (GCI) provides trained
assistance dogs for children and adults with physical disabilities and other
special needs. GCI
is an all volunteer organization.
Each service dog learns 90 commands and performs skills such as
opening/closing doors, turning lights on/off, retrieving dropped or needed
items, and pulling wheelchairs. After completing 2 years of training, each
canine partner is given away at absolutely no cost to someone in need. GCI
also provides a lifetime of instructional support for each service dog team.
Service dogs increase independence. Many of
our service dog recipients have gained employment or been able to attend
college as a direct result of having a dog to assist them with daily living
activities. Assistance dogs also increase self-esteem and social interactions
and decrease stress and loneliness. Many service dog owners have also reported
improvements in physical health and a reduction in the number of doctors'
visits leading to decreased healthcare costs.
Because GCI does NOT charge for its
services, our programs are made possible by community support. Insurance does
not cover animal therapy or service dogs.
Social Media
GCI has a donation page on Facebook, several videos on YouTube that demonstrate how these amazing dogs help "their people" in daily living, a MySpace page and of course a presence on Twitter.
Toby,
Thanks so much for featuring one of my absolutely favorite nonprofits. GCI does so much to help individuals experience a more full life. http://www.AtlantaRealEstateForum.com is proud to be one of their sponsors. I hope that others will join us to support this worthy group.
LOVE those dogs too. Golden Retrievers have the absolute best personalities. We can all learn much from their giving personalities and unconditional love.
Toby, excellent series, as usual. This is a perfect time to stop and think of our blessings and then share what bounty we have - even if it's only $1. Seriously, that $1 given over and over by hundreds or thousands of individuals, goes far.
And, it allows us to give to more than on charity, during a time when they all need our help.
Posted by: Yvonne DiVita on Dec 17, 2009 10:49:04 AM
yvonne - wonderful idea .. small $ can grow into significant contributions.
[.......]Terrific post, Ross! Very interesting to actually see with your screen grabs how those sites have evolved.
Keep up the great work and remember us little people when you take over Australia. :-) [....]
Toby, excellent series, as usual. This is a perfect time to stop and think of our blessings and then share what bounty we have - even if it's only $1. Seriously, that $1 given over and over by hundreds or thousands of individuals, goes far.
And, it allows us to give to more than on charity, during a time when they all need our help.
