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At Fig, we believe in the power of a community that works together to identify needs and find solutions—one that creates connections and is passionate about helping its neighbors. For our 2018 Social Mission Partner, we’ve chosen Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services (PAALS), an impactful non-profit whose good works contribute immensely to our thriving, local community.
PAALS is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that is committed to enriching and empowering children and adults with physical disabilities and social needs by training service animals and providing animal assisted educational and recreational activities.
At PAALS, each puppy is nurtured with love, trained by professionals, and partnered with passion on each step of the journey from puppy to PAALS Service Dog. As part of the training process, PAALS dogs provide services to locations across the state including summer camps, reading programs, and internships. These outreach programs not only expose the dogs to a variety of environments, but also educate the community on dog care as well as the services that assistance dogs provide.
“Our Summer PAALS program has been such a success that we have seen a need for youth to connect with our dogs during the school year as well,” said Mitzie Renwick, PAALS Development Coordinator. An After School PAALS program was created to fit that need.
“I love being a part of PAALS because I get to be a part of the training. I get to see them grow!”
— Eva
After School PAALS is an after school program for students age 11 through 16 that allows for youth to work with professional dog trainers to reinforce the skills of the assistance dogs presently in training to help people with disabilities in our community. The focus of the program is to build teamwork, teach leadership skills, and to reinforce the importance of community service.
“I love being a part of PAALS because I can help teach the dogs control, which is important.”
— Eden
Students may sign up for one month, two months, or for the full semester for weekly 1.5 hour sessions at PAALS. During each session, they help nurture and train PAALS dogs alongside the professionals.
To learn more about Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services or to sign up for the program, visit paals.org or contact Mitzie Renwick, Development Coordinator, at mrenwick@paals.org or 803.500.9099.
Thoughts from the community