PAWS 2015 Annual Impact Report

“We are so grateful to the people who helped make it possible for us to have MONTY. He has been a huge blessing.”

JANE, SDA FAMILY

Noah and PAWS® SDA Dog MONTY playing at home 2015 ANNUAL REPORT | 1

2015 WAS AN EXCITING AND CHALLENGING YEAR

for Paws With A Cause®. It was filled with new partnerships, programs and, of course, puppies!

With your support, we placed 51 Assistance Dog Teams, acquired 1,969 new donors and welcomed 198 puppies into the PAWS® family!

To continue to meet the needs of current and future clients, we began 2015 by reassessing our programming. We identified three areas to improve or establish strategic partnerships: Rotational Breeding, Prisoners Fostering Puppies and careerchange dog placements. As these programs continue to develop, they will help us increase the number of successful PAWS Assistance Dogs and Assistance Dog Teams while upholding the high-level of quality we are known for.

Historically, female PAWS Dogs were selected to become either an Assistance Dog or a Mama Dog. Now, with Rotational Breeding, a female PAWS Dog can be both! This new approach allows us to increase the number of PAWS Assistance Dogs placed each year. In our first year of Rotational Breeding, we added 82 more puppies to the PAWS family compared to 2014.

To meet the increasing demand for PAWS Dog Volunteers, we partnered with three Michigan prisons to raise and train PAWS Dogs. Prisoners Fostering Puppies has already proved to be mutually beneficial for PAWS and the prisons. PAWS Dogs now spend less time in the final phases of training, which reduces the necessary training resources we need to provide. And since implementing the program, all three prisons have reported decreased infractions, the cultivation of work-life skills and a culture of teamwork between prisoners and staff.

Although PAWS Dogs are bred and raised to become working dogs, not all of them can become Assistance Dogs. When this occurs, we work diligently to find an alternative career so each dog can be successful and make a positive impact in the community. While we’ve always had career-change dogs, we established new relationships with companies in 2015. Organizations prefer to purchase PAWS Dogs because they are well bred, healthy and have completed obedience training.

The many successes we achieved in 2015 did not come without challenges. While we continue to operate as a debt free organization, we ended 2015 with approximately $1 million less in revenue than we had budgeted for. Let us assure you, we remain operationally stable. Our fundraising efforts simply have not been able to keep up with the high demand for PAWS Dogs. We are not federally funded and Workplace Giving campaigns, which have always accounted for a large percentage of our revenue, have continued to steadily decline since 2011. Last year, 84 percent of our revenue came from individual donations.

Our leadership team has a strategy in place to ensure we improve our financial figures in 2016. This includes investing in our fundraising team and continuing to reassess and improve the efficiency of our programs.

So, let’s celebrate our accomplishments and look forward to more achievements in the year ahead. On behalf of PAWS and our clients, thank you for everything you do to help us enhance the independence and quality of life of those with disabilities.

Libby Child, Board Chair

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Michael D. Sapp, Sr., CEO

PAWS Apprentice Trainer Sara

Director of Advancement Joe

Kelsey and Jen updating social media

Breeding Program Coordinator Dawn

PAWS STAFF

PAWS MANAGEMENT

OFFICE STAFF Mary Blain Kim Blozinski Jennifer Boan Lori Bright Becky Canale Tony Clementi Deb Davis Mary Dine Kelsey Haldane Carol Manshaem Kelly Jo McCaleb Paula Pasma Annette Prentice Christina Roof Carlie Soule Tara Starback

Michael D. Sapp, Sr., Chief Executive Officer Kathleen Ribbens, VP of Program Groups Teri Crosby, Finance Director Joe Dulin, Director of Advancement Portasue Hendrickson, Director of Administration Karen Sapp, Human Resources Director

TRAINING STAFF Crystal BeVier Sara Crockett Mike Hanna Emma Hill Barb Kozminski Emily Martin Brittany McCready Shari Murdock Anna Rhea Katie Ruiz

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Libby Child, Board Chair Douglas J. Dok, Jr., Esq., Vice Chair James Hesseman, Secretary Jim Nichols, Treasurer Nidal Kanaan, Board Member at Large Judye Reed, Board Member at Large Melanie Yanchuk, Board Member at Large FULL BOARD MEMBERS Charles Archie, Jr. Carol Danhof Mark Hofstee Faye Richardson Green Michael Slack Liam Sullivan, D.O.

CANINE STAFF Marilyn Arwe Dawn Bohan Connie Bowne Carol Dobos Linda French Debby Gaylor Jennifer Hill Dawn Hunter Wendy McIntosh Julie Thorington Donna Venner ANIMAL CARE STAFF Jeanne Klynsma, Veterinarian Theresa Peck, Veterinary Technician Jackie Koloseik BUILDING CARE STAFF Doug Hollebeek Sarah Jager Heather Miller Lauren Reed Michael Reurink Kevin Thiel Michael VanLent Diane Williams

Dr. Jeanne and Vet Tech Theresa

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2015 ANNUAL REPORT | 3

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oing out in public was difficult for Noah and his family because he was overstimulated by loud noises, busy environments and changes in schedule. The overstimulation led to feelings of anxiety, fatigue, an inability to focus and eventually meltdowns.

During trips to the grocery store, Noah’s mother Jane could only shop with one hand because she had to hold him with the other to prevent Noah from wandering. “We are used to being hyperaware because Noah’s form of autism decreases his inhibitions. He is fearless and doesn’t have the boundaries that children typically do,” Jane shared.

Noah’s wandering was one reason Jane and her husband decided to apply for a Service Dog for Children with Autism (SDA) for their son. Even though they were optimistic that an Assistance Dog would have a positive impact on Noah,

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they didn’t anticipate all of the changes that a yellow Labrador Retriever named MONTY would make in their son’s life.

Perhaps the greatest benefit is best stated by Noah. He said, “I’m finally not afraid to go into stores. When MONTY is with me, I can control the buzzing in my brain because I can focus on MONTY.” Jane shared that since MONTY joined their family, Noah “is a happier person and feels

more secure in himself.” Noah is calmed by MONTY’s presence. “Noah’s meltdowns have become fewer and when he does have them, they are much shorter than they used to be.

He is able to express his emotions and remove himself from situations that make him feel overwhelmed.”

“Now when we go to the grocery store I can shop with both hands because I don’t have to hold onto Noah with my other,” said Jane.

MONTY wears a special harness that attaches to Noah and is trained to stop whenever Noah

tries to wander away. And it’s simple tasks like this that make such a profound impact for Noah’s family. Jane is now confident MONTY will keep her vivacious six-year-old close.

This has given their family the opportunity to go places without the concern of Noah becoming overwhelmed. This year, Noah and his family will be traveling to see Jane’s family in Washington for the first time since his diagnosis because with MONTY by his side, the world doesn’t seem so overwhelming.

Jane gushed, “We are so grateful to the people who helped make it possible for us to have MONTY. He has been a huge blessing.” It is your generosity and support that made Noah and MONTY’s team possible, along with 50 other teams in 2015! None of this would be feasible without you. Thank you!

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Disneyland

MEET PAWS DONOR, NIDAL

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fter meeting Nidal, it doesn’t take long to realize two of his greatest passions are dogs and helping people.

Laughing and smiling with a puppy in his arms, it is easy to see the joy that Nidal finds at PAWS. Nidal has a generous heart, but it was the death of a good friend that prompted him to get involved and keep her memory alive. “I want to live my life like she did and make the world a better place like she did. She is also the only person that I know that loves dogs more than I do. Knowing that she would have loved PAWS and the mission makes this connection even more meaningful.”

When he was introduced to PAWS in 2012, he knew immediately he found an organization he was meant to be a part of. He said, “I didn’t realize there was an organization that could combine my love of dogs along with my desire to help people. PAWS is my Disneyland.”

Nidal shared, “PAWS fulfills their mission quietly. They are humble and generous. Whether people know about them or not, PAWS is going to continue to place Assistance Dogs with people who have disabilities because they truly care.” While the mission may be fulfilled quietly, he shouts his love of PAWS from the rooftops by being an active donor of both his finances and his time.

PAWS relies on sponsorships to make our events successful. Over the years Nidal has sponsored PAWS To Celebrate, our annual evening fundraiser. He has also participated in our PAWS To Be Thankful peer-to-peer campaign, helping PAWS to raise over $40,000 in 2014.

In 2015, Nidal became a member of the Legacy Society by including a planned gift to PAWS in his will. By making a bequest to PAWS, he is helping to ensure the future of the organization he loves.

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Nidal is a loyal donor, but his support goes far beyond financial contributions because as a donor, he likes “to see all aspects of the organization and be well versed in them.” He raises money, finds sponsors, invites friends and family to numerous fundraising events and volunteers at informational tables and expos. He’s an active member on our Board of Directors and the Donor Engagement Committee. Beyond that, he also spends time photographing PAWS Dogs because “the volunteers are amazing. It is the only opportunity I know of where the volunteer knows that their heart is going to break, but even with the heartbreak, they feel they are getting more out of the experience than what they are giving.”

Nidal’s passion for PAWS is contagious. He demonstrates every day that there are more ways to be a donor to the organization than strictly through financial means. So whether you contribute financially or give of your time and talents, our donors make our mission possible. Thank you for enhancing the independence and quality of life of people with disabilities. PAWS couldn’t do it without you.

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MEET PAWS VOLUNTEER, JANE

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continuous challenge facing PAWS is that the demand for Assistance Dogs is greater than the supply. This past year we received 1,596 applications for Assistance Dogs. So to better meet this demand, we restructured our breeding program in 2015.

Before, female dogs were selected to become either a PAWS Assistance Dog or a PAWS Mama Dog. Now with Rotational Breeding, select PAWS Dogs can be both! This allows us to more fully utilize the resources we have so we can match more waiting clients with PAWS Assistance Dogs.

It takes a very special dog to become a PAWS Assistance Dog. We take into account the health, temperament and structure of each dog in order to find the best possible match for each client.

Now, each female PAWS Dog that meets our qualifications has two litters of puppies and then is custom-trained to become an Assistance Dog for a client. This allows us to capture the genetics and characteristics that make great Assistance Dogs and still train them to assist a client.

In 2015, we whelped 198 puppies – that’s 82 more than in 2014! 77 of those puppies were from Mama Dogs in Rotational Breeding, proving this program has already been a huge success! Not only did this program increase the number of puppies whelped in 2015, it also allows our volunteers to become engaged in new ways.

One Mama Dog that entered our Rotational Breeding Program was a beautiful, loyal and happy Golden Retriever named ZENA. We asked Jane, ZENA’s Foster Puppy Raiser, if she would like to continue volunteering with ZENA in her role as a Mama Dog. While Jane had

never imagined becoming a Mama Dog volunteer and whelping puppies, she said she just couldn’t turn down the opportunity. “I had such a connection with ZENA,” Jane shared. “To get to do that and have that experience with her was awesome and it made our connection stronger.”

As a Mama Dog, ZENA had seven puppies. Jane’s excitement is evident when she talks about the fact “there are seven little ZENAs with her characteristics and personality running around!”

Now ZENA has begun her Assistance Dog training at PAWS. While Jane admits this was a bittersweet moment, she is so proud of what ZENA has accomplished and what the future has in store for her. Jane said, “I want ZENA to be successful. I am proud to have her continue on to help someone turn their disability into ability. ZENA is my hero.

She was a great Mama Dog for PAWS and will continue on to be a great Assistance Dog!” We couldn’t agree with Jane more. And with your support, PAWS will continue to look for innovative ways to use every dollar you give to help even more clients.

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PAWS Dogs at-risk of being career changed graduated from our pilot program.

5 became PAWS Assistance Dogs.

1 became a PAWS Mama Dog. 1 became an arson detection dog.

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prisoners have earned and been awarded the privilege to be a Foster Puppy Raiser

WHAT IT IS

We have a need for more PAWS Dog Volunteers.

Now we are coming closer to meeting that need with Prisoners Fostering Puppies, a partnership PAWS has with area prisons. At 12-14 months old, a PAWS Dog is partnered with qualified prisoners who work on advanced obedience and basic retrieval work. Not only do prisoners help to train PAWS Dogs, they also acquire valuable work-life skills, strengthen relationships and find purpose serving the greater good.

TRAINING IMPACT

PAWS Dogs returning from prison have completed 16 weeks of training. This means our trainers now spend very little time in phase 1 and can jump to phase 2.

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PRISON IMPACT

Prison officials have seen fewer infractions and improved cooperation since this is required of those selected to become Foster Puppy Raisers.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT

Due to the pilot program’s success, any PAWS Puppy 12 months or older can join the program as a way to meet our need for more Foster Puppy Raisers.

FUTURE IMPACT

This program can help reduce recidivism.

In similar programs, research shows between 13-30% of raisers return to jail, compared to 75% of non-raisers.

PAWS Dogs have been placed into this program

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months of training in prison is typical before returning to PAWS for custom Assistance Dog training

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prisons now have Prisoners Fostering Puppies and at least one more will be added in 2016

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t PAWS, we work hard to ensure each client is matched with the right dog. We look at a dog’s temperament, structure and overall health as well as the dog’s affinity for the work that they will be doing as an Assistance Dog. These dogs are the best of the best, the elite, the crème de la crème. On average, 40% of our dogs graduate to become PAWS Assistance Dogs. And while that percentage may seem low, it’s well above the average in the Assistance Dog industry, so we’re proud to be making strides to improve our success.

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a dog into a career where he will make a positive impact. It benefits the dog who will fulfill its destiny to work in a career where it can flourish.

And it benefits the community where the dog is making a difference.

It’s important that we set up each client for success by matching them with an Assistance Dog that will meet their needs. Sometimes a dog has skills better suited for detection work. If a dog is too independent, he may actually be better suited as a Leader Dog. If one of our dogs is not destined to become a PAWS Assistance Dog, we work diligently to find an alternative career. In 2015, we placed 18 PAWS Dogs into working careers including arson detection, narcotics detection and other odor detection work.

JARVIS is a PAWS career-change dog that now works as a narcotics detection dog for the County Sheriff’s Office in Waterloo, Iowa. Officer Chad Chase shared this about K9 JARVIS’ first day on the job. “Two hours into our first shift after graduating from K9 School, we assisted a partner with a traffic stop. JARVIS alerted on the car and we located methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and prescription drugs. The traffic stop resulted in three individuals being arrested on drug charges.”

Career changing a dog has benefits across the board. It benefits our trainers because it enables them to work longer with a dog we feel can successfully complete our program. It benefits our PAWS Dog Volunteers who lovingly raised and trained the dog for a working career. It benefits our donors since we are still able to place 2015 ANNUAL REPORT | 9

REVENUES Contributions Events Program Service Fees Donor Restricted Funds General Contributions

2015 2014

EXPENSES

2015 2014 $ 2,947,071 2,821,041

$ 996,634 55,686

13,746 1,066,066

871,058 30,680

Program Expenses Education & Advocacy

213,396

223,379

1,937 903,675

Administration Costs

387,640

432,841

Fundraising Costs

377,796

291,581

Local United Way Designations Federal/State Combined Campaigns Workplace Campaigns

522,839 164,040 686,879

697,159 149,398 846,557

TOTAL EXPENSES

Planned Giving

378,275

580,114

CHANGE IN FUND BALANCE

$ (1,059,566)

Foundation Grants

288,647

ENDING NET ASSETS

$

271,423

In-Kind Contributions

332,659

Investment/Gain/(Loss) Sale of Stocks Miscellaneous Revenue Endowment Revenue Miscellaneous Revenue

(43,187) 144,778 12,220 113,811

TOTAL REVENUE

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3,925,903 3,768,842

481,575

116,248 175,232

9,810 301,290

$2,866,337 3,384,634

6,055,908

If you would like to learn more about PAWS’ annual finances, please visit pawswithacause.org/financials or call 800-253-7297 to request our detailed financial statement, 990 form or audited financial statement.

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OUR MISSION Paws With A Cause® enhances the independence and quality of life for people with disabilities nationally through custom-trained Assistance Dogs.

PAWS® increases awareness of the rights and roles of Assistance Dog Teams through education and advocacy.

Paws With A Cause® 4646 South Division Wayland, MI 49348 800-253-7297 pawswithacause.org