Working Dogs For Vets Remodel Expansion at HQ Training Facility

Request Summary: Expansion of HQ facility adding climate control of 1800 sq ft will allow WDFV to rescue and train 50 additional dogs yearly! 98% of the dogs with Working Dogs For Vets, Programs are from rescue. Build Location: 3138 Buffalo Rd. Lawrenceburg, TN 38464

Address: 3138 Buffalo Rd. Lawrenceburg, TN 38464

History and Mission:     Founded In 2012, Working Dogs For Vet's Mission is to provide service dogs and training to disabled heroes in need, empowering them as they return to civilian life with new-found independence; reducing suicide and overcrowding in animal shelters.

Programs, Activities, and Services Provided:     To meet the dire needs of veterans and shelter dogs, WDFV has designed an innovative training model that trains people and dogs alike.
WDFV. utilizes three programs all under the umbrella of WDFV:      
1.  Prison Program (where inmates train service dogs),      
2. In-House (where certified trainers volunteer to train service dogs in their homes),
and,      
3. The No Veteran Left Behind Program (Owner-Trained where veterans can train their dogs and are mentored by certified trainers.)  
           
We rescue, train, and pair service dogs with Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and disabled military veterans. Provide training, supplies, school, classes, retreats & more. Reduce veteran suicide and shelter overpopulation. 3000+ Teams Served.

Working Dogs for Vets programs are designed to coach, connect, and assist veteran participants through engaging modules of service with an end result of providing an individualized trained dog for the participant to mitigate disabilities by performing skilled tasks.
The three key expected outcomes of this program include:
1) improving mental health outcomes for Veterans struggling with service-connected issues;
2) equip participants with working service dogs to help with daily life tasks; and
3) connect rescue dogs with permanent homes & job opportunities to make an impact on the lives of their Veteran counterparts.
The modules of our program include:
No. 01  — Individualized Service Dog Training Individualized dog training of all types of dogs to fit the dog with specific skills to properly serve the end-participant by mitigating physical capabilities complications. The sky is the limit!
No. 02  — Dog Rescue Select dogs from a national database of shelters to rescue as many dogs in need of purpose and home as possible in consideration for service. 98% of dogs in WDFV Programs are rescues!
No. 03 — Veteran-Dog Matching & Partnership Building Matching Veterans with service dogs and implementing a training model involving the end participant for each Veteran to become immersed in the training process with their service dog.
No. 04 — Training Outreach National outreach and onboarding of WDFV trainers across the country to expand the reach of the WDFV training model and provide positive outcomes nationally.
TOP-TIER PARTNERSHIPS WDFV has been a nationally profound program because it is designed and led by industry experts. We have fostered relationships across the United States for years. We can network with trainers, volunteers, and dog rescue facilities to meet demand to the best of our ability. Brenda Moody and Ken Knabenshue are long-time training professionals who have rallied National support for WDFV. 

The Need
Working Dogs for Vets (WDFV) is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to creating transformative changes in the lives of veterans and their families through service dog training, placement, and supportive services. We provide service dogs across the United States. Veterans commit suicide at the rate of 1 every 59 minutes.- That's 22 veterans a day!-  2.7 million shelter dogs are euthanized yearly in the U.S.- More than 1.5 million disabled veterans need service dogs. Supporting Working Dogs For Vets Saves lives at both ends of the leash!
WDFV is a wholly independent program that trains all kinds, breeds, shapes, and sizes of service dogs for Veterans across America. WDFV is so special because they train each animal specifically for the individual: not just a general education but specific unique skills from opening doors to identifying triggers and ANY special need the veteran may require. Founded by a family of long-time patriots, animal advocates, and instructors, WDFV has placed thousands of dogs since its inception with 98% of dogs in our programs from rescue! With its industry supporters, WDFV endeavors weatherizing our facility to keep up with the wildly growing demand for trained service dogs for affected and underrepresented veterans, and to educate, inspire, and empower America's veterans to live happy, healthy, and fully reincorporated lives. Because of its unique and practical approach to service dog training and placement, and because of its enviable access to the needy community, our program serves veterans by providing:
The Following Goals and Activities
Access to Service dogs and supportive services at no cost to veterans. Continuous support system for trainers, veterans, and dog placement partners Customized skills training that helps veterans navigate the unique challenges of adaptation after service through a service animal Individualized support with goal maps catering to the unique needs of each participant for maximized results A program structure of comfort, inclusion, and opportunity with integration and comprehensive learning models Centralized facility expansion for training, and onboarding The timeline is within 1 year of funding completion of the weatherized expansion.
Working Dogs For Vets is seeking funding to expand our facility to be able to train and place 50 more dogs yearly as our waiting list continues to grow. This project is groundbreaking and has the potential to change the landscape of therapeutic pathways for veterans. We currently serve 200 teams yearly. More than 60% of service members who have served in the Post-9/11 era have returned with recognized disabilities stemming from war. Many Veterans desire complementary and integrative health or alternative medicine modalities, and art therapy is one such option. Various types of animal therapy have been used in the treatment of a variety of conditions, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, and stroke rehabilitation which are some of the most prevalent conditions experienced by the affected Veterans we will serve.
PROJECTS Program Materials DETAILS WDFV is a groundbreaking advancement in the rescue/therapy landscape and is a national staple for Veteran therapy and service dog training. WDFV will operate as an engaging outlet for Veterans in all parts of their journey; especially with integration and mental health navigation. This project goes beyond just course: it's a completely reformed service model exploring the ways in which we serve, and the capabilities to serve, centered around an integrative service model with dog rescue and individualized training that assists with everyday life for Veterans and positive mental health outcomes.
OUTCOME Materials needed to execute WDFV Program Development Facility Complete, audit, and gather data to grow/reform program Completion of an 1800sqft expansion to facility for training in Tennessee Obtain & retain program materials Marketing outreach support Furnish program spaces Grow capacity for dog placement Facility construction Acquisition of materials for new facility and components
Impact of Activities & Evaluations Charting Impact:
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
To provide trained service dogs to veterans at no out-of-pocket cost to the veteran. To reduce suicide rates among our veterans. To help minimize overpopulation among shelters. What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
By weatherizing the facility training area this will allow 50 additional teams yearly
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
Working Dogs For Vets helps veterans of all eras. 6,016 Veterans and dogs served to date. Service Report Click to view
Many of our veterans suffer from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), both of which can be deadly disorders. We also help disabled veterans with limb loss (s) and many other disabilities. Service dogs, properly trained, are amazing for recovery from PTSD, TBI, and other disabilities. We have been honored to serve these brave men and women who have given this country so much. Veterans are not charged for our service; it is our duty, honor, and privilege. We support our team's training for life!

We have events that our teams are welcome to attend. Many lodge locally or lodge at our facility, where they train and learn to re-enter civilian life. We are growing at a sustainable growth rate and have 3,215 members we serve. But with your support, we will be able to serve 50 more yearly. We plan to continue to train our teams and leaders to help with our programs to serve more veterans in need.

How will we know if we are making progress?
We continue to conduct self-assessments to determine our strengths and opportunities for improvement.
Measurements:
• The average veteran is on 10-15 medications when beginning the Working Dogs For Vets program.
• 81% reduce or eliminate medication post-graduation.
• 91% of graduates report improved health after receiving their service dog training.
• 98% report being able to handle anxiety better after having received their dog.
• Before receiving their service dogs,
99% of graduates reported that they considered themselves to be in poor health. After receiving their service dog, only 5% rated their health as “poor."
• 98% report a decrease in suicidal thoughts.
• 95% report a reduction in nightmares/night terrors.
• 95% reported handling flashbacks better after receiving their service dog.
• 98% noted that they benefited from the physical and mental bond with their service dog. • Less than 35% of the participants reported being able to attend work or school before receiving their service dog.
75% increased school or employment services attendance after receiving their service dogs. • Before receiving their service dog,
85% of the participants reported that symptoms associated with PTSD played a major role in their inability to enjoy activities.
• After receiving their service dog, 5% of participants continued to report that their symptoms played a major role in daily activities.
Thank you for your potential support of the Working Dogs for Veterans. We invite you to become a Partner or supporter in our excellent outcomes for the Veterans and the rescue dogs we serve.