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Since 1996, Hand-In-Paw has provided registered Delta Society teams of handlers and pets to serve as therapeutic tools in medical, social service, and education settings for children, youth and older adults. Our volunteer teams have made over 100,000 beneficial contact visits through community events and in a number of participating facilities. We also serve as a resource for students and for therapists who want to utilize animals in their practice.
Most of Hand-in-Paw's services and programs focus on children and youth. We provide programs for children and youth at-risk using a specific curriculum to teach positive life skills and modify behavior. In health care facilities, we work with staff to provide emotional and physical rehabilitation with specific goal-oriented interactions between patients and therapy animals.
Facilities We Serve
We have over 50 nationally registered volunteers who currently serve numerous facilities including:
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- Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs
- St. Vincent's Hospital
- Exceptional Foundation
- BMC Montclair
- Camp Smile-A-Mile
- Children's Hospital
- Glenwood Mental Health -(Daniel House and Glenwood Wilderness Group)
- Family Violence Center
- HealthSouth Hospital
- Jefferson Co. Family Court
- Salvation Army Youth
- Service Guild Early Intervention
- St. Martins in the Pines
- The Park at Riverchase
- UAB Center for Psychiatric Medicine
- UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center
- UAB Hospital (UAB Canine Ambassadors)
- United Cerebral Palsy
- Local Schools & Libraries
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We offer a literacy program, Sit, Stay, Read! in partnership with local libraries to assist reluctant elementary aged readers in improving their reading skills.
Patient / Client Benefits
HIP's programs are custom designed to each group of patients/clients depending on their needs and objectives. Our team interactions can enable them to: |
- Reduce stress & loneliness
- Increase verbal interaction
- Increase self-esteem & self-control
- Lower blood pressure
- Develop an individual anger management plan
- Improve long-term and short-term memory
- Increase physical exercise
- Gain a sense of empowerment and trust
- Give and recieve affection
- Increase empathy and compassion
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"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear... all of which have the potential to turn a life around." — Leo Buscaglia
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Return on Investment
- Low recidivism in the past few years from those completing the Pawsitive Living program (saves tax dollars due to no incarceration)
- Staff saves time / able to work easier with non-compliant patients
- Treatments thought to be more effective when patients and medical staff are in a more positive mood
- Programs that empower families, reduce violence and prevent child abuse
- Animals are valued when they demonstrate their "healing" abilities. This results in
a more compassionate society and reduces neglect and abuse
About Hand-in-Paw Therapy Pets
Over 60% of our therapy animals (dogs, cats and rabbits) are from a shelter or rescue situation. To find a great companion animal, visit your local humane society, animal control or rescue group. In demonstrating that these "throwaways" are skilled "healers", the value of these animals is elevated.
"My work with therapy animals has taught me to look past "disabilities" and focus on possibilities."
-Beth A. Franklin, M.A. Hand-in-Paw Founder
Hand-In-Paw is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization funded solely by donations and fundraising efforts. Your tax-deductible donations help us continue this vital work. We are counting on your support.
Hand-in-Paw
2616 7th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL, 35233
Phone (205) 322-5144
Fax: (205) 322-7784
Hand-In-Paw is an affiliate of Delta Society® Pet Partners®
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