Circle of Change

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Nonprofit Category: P - Human Services

Exempt Status: 501(c)(3) (IRS Form 990 Filed)

Circle of Change offers individuals [Veterans, First Responders and Youth (Ages 9-20)] suffering with a

mental health diagnosis, primarily PTSD, a path toward wellness through free dog training/handling classes.

Participants suffering with a variety of mental health challenges, primarily PTSD, come to weekly dog training

sessions, where they are either paired with a dog with behavioral issues (most frequent) or work with their

own personal dog (some training toward service animal status). According to NAMI, "Working with dogs has

been shown to contribute to happiness. In fact, studies show that dogs reduce stress, anxiety and depression,

ease loneliness, encourage exercise and improve overall health. Just playing with dogs has been shown to

elevate oxytocin and dopamine."

In our classes, most of the dogs have suffered through their own traumas and are in need of extra training and

help. Through rehabilitating these animals, we find that Circle of Change classes produce powerful, positive

results in "rehabilitating" the human handlers. Participants who regularly attend the dog program report

lessened anxiety, more confidence, and an overall ability and desire to cope with stress. As an added perk, we

are able to help many families that have rescued troublesome dogs, take control of their family pet and add

some happiness into their homes as well.