Assistance Dogs Of The West
Assistance Dogs Of The West
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About this organization
Mission
• Assistance Dogs of the West (ADW) builds successful working partnerships between clients and dogs that empower people and opens doors to new opportunities. • ADW raises and trains dogs with kindness and respect to assist children and adults with disabilities. These training methods are used by our professional staff, recipients, student trainers and other volunteers. • ADW teaches students of all abilities to help train our dogs. These student programs instill confidence, responsibility, communication skills and respect for diversity. • ADW educates and advocates for people with visible and invisible disabilities and their right to have service dogs for greater independence in daily living.
About
OUR FOUNDATION: 1 DOG: 1 CLIENT IN FY 2019, WE PLACED SEVEN OF OUR FULLY TRAINED ASSISTANCE DOGS TO SERVE CLIENTS WITH DISABILITIES. FOUR OF THE DOGS ARE WORKING WITH VETERANS WITH PTSD; A FIFTH IS PLACED WITH A VETERAN WHO PROVIDES VETERAN OUTREACH SERVICES TO LOCAL COMMUNITIES. ONE DOG IS WORKING AS A MEDICAL ALERT DOG FOR AN INDIVIDUAL WITH DIABETES, AND THE FINAL DOG IS WORKING FOR AN INDIVIDUAL WITH A TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY. AN ADDITIONAL THREE TEAMS COMPLETED THE OWNER/SELF-TRAINING PROGRAM, WHICH TEACHES PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES TO TRAIN THEIR OWN DOG TO BE THEIR SERVICE DOG. 1 DOG: MANY PEOPLE (COURTHOUSE, CRISIS RESPONSE AND FACILITY DOGS) COURTHOUSE FACILITY DOGS WORK IN CHILD ADVOCACY CENTERS, COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES (CASA) AGENCIES AND WITH JUDICIAL DISTRICTS' SPECIAL VICTIM ADVOCATES TO ASSIST CHILDREN, TEENS AND ADULTS DURING TRAUMATIC CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROCEEDINGS. IN FY 2019, WE PLACED THREE COURTHOUSE FACILITY DOGS SERVING JUDICIAL DISTRICTS BASED IN THE FOLLOWING CITIES: ONE IN TUCSON, AZ; ONE IN LOS ANGELES, CA; AND ONE IN ALAMOGORDO, NM. ADDITIONALLY, WE PLACED A CRISIS RESPONSE CANINES WITH A FIRE DEPARTMENT'S MOBILE HEALTH OFFICE. THIS IS THE FIRST PLACEMENT OF A CRISIS RESPONSE CANINE WITH A MOBILE OFFICE. STUDENT TRAINER PROGRAMS CORE TO OUR ORGANIZATION'S MISSION AND TRAINING METHODOLOGY, ADW CONTINUES TO OPERATE THE LARGEST ASSISTANCE DOG STUDENT TRAINER PROGRAM IN THE WORLD. IN FY 2019, WE CONTINUED OUR WEEKLY IN-SCHOOL STUDENT TRAINER PROGRAMS, INTEGRATED INTO THE EDUCATIONAL CURRICULUM, WITH OUR DECADES-LONG PARTNERS IN SANTA FE AT LA MARIPOSA MONTESSORI SCHOOL AND DESERT ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL. OUR AFTER-SCHOOL STUDENT TRAINER PROGRAMS ALSO CONTINUED TO BE HELD TWICE PER WEEK AT FULL CAPACITY AS WELL, WITH YOUTH AGES 8-18 PARTICIPATING. ADW OFFERED SIX TOTAL SUMMER CAMPS, A STUDENT TRAINER PROGRAM WHERE YOUTH PARTICIPATE IN A WEEKLY, FULL DAY SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE. WE EXPANDED CAMPS FROM FOUR DAYS TO FIVE DAYS IN RESPONSE TO MANY REQUESTS FROM PARENTS. SUMMER CAMP REMAINS SO POPULAR THAT MANY YOUTHS SIGNED UP FOR MULTIPLE WEEKS OF CAMP OVER THE SUMMER, AND EACH WEEK OF CAMP HAD 8-11 STUDENTS ON THE WAITING LIST. WE ALSO CONTINUED TO OFFER A WEEKLY STUDENT TRAINER PROGRAM TO THE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS OF THE KIVA PROGRAM THROUGH SANTA FE PUBLIC SCHOOLS. KIVA, WHICH STANDS FOR "KEEPING INDEPENDENT VISIONS ALIVE," SERVES STUDENTS AGES 18-22 WITH DEVELOPMENTAL AND INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, TEACHING THEM SKILLS TO INCREASE THEIR POST-HIGH SCHOOL EMPLOYABILITY AND INDEPENDENT LIVING. WE SERVED 12 KIVA STUDENTS THROUGH THE SCHOOL YEAR. ALL OF OUR STUDENT TRAINER PROGRAMS AND SUMMER CAMPS ARE INCLUSIVE TO STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES, AND THOSE WITHOUT DISABILITIES, AS WELL. WE ARE PROUD OF THE FRIENDSHIPS AND COMMUNITY INCLUSION THAT RESULT. ADW PROVIDES SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDENT TRAINERS IN NEED, MAKING THIS ENRICHING OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE FOR ALL MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY. MORE THAN 150 YOUTH IN SANTA FE WERE SERVED BY OUR STUDENT TRAINER PROGRAMS IN FY 2019. ADW YOUTH BOARD ADW OFFERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT TRAINERS TO CONTINUE THEIR LEADERSHIP AND VOLUNTEER SERVICE BY SERVING AS MEMBERS OF OUR YOUTH BOARD. OUR YOUTH BOARD WAS COMPRISED OF TEN YOUTH AGES 12-17 YEARS OLD. THEY EACH DEMONSTRATED COMMITMENT AND PASSION TO FURTHERING ADW'S MISSION THROUGH THEIR ORGANIZATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF PUBLIC OUTREACH AND EDUCATION AT EVENTS, FAIRS, AND COMMUNITY BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS. THE YOUTH BOARD IS LED BY OUR CEO/PRESIDENT, LINDA MILANESI, WHO INSTILLS WORK ETHIC AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS IN THE YOUTH BOARD MEMBERS. MANY OF OUR YOUTH BOARD MEMBERS SERVE THROUGHOUT THEIR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL YEARS, AND MAINTAIN CLOSE CONTACT WITH ADW THROUGHOUT THEIR COLLEGE CAREERS. OUR YOUTH BOARD CONTINUES TO TAKE THE LEAD ON OUR PARTICIPATION AT TEEN COURT OF SANTA FE COUNTY, BRINGING COURTHOUSE FACILITY DOGS IN TRAINING TO SUPPORT THE DEFENDANTS PARTICIPATING IN THAT RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PROGRAM. THERE, THE DOGS PROVIDE A CALMING PRESENCE TO THE TEEN CLIENTS AND FACILITATE COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TEEN CLIENTS, THE TEEN MENTORS, AND THE JUDICIAL STAFF. THE WARRIOR CANINE CONNECTION PROGRAMS IN FY 2019, WE CONTINUED OUR WARRIOR CANINE CONNECTION PROGRAMS IN ALBUQUERQUE, NM, AND AT OUR HEADQUARTERS IN SANTA FE. THE PROGRAM ENGAGES SERVICE MEMBERS WITH POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS (PTS), TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI), AND OTHER CHALLENGES WITH REINTEGRATING TO CIVILIAN LIFE, IN TRAINING SERVICE DOGS TO BE PLACED WITH OTHER VETERANS WITH DISABILITIES. OUR WCC PROGRAM BEGAN IN 2014 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH VETERANS COURT, SERVING JUSTICE-INVOLVED VETERANS; WE HAVE NOW OPENED THE PROGRAMS TO INCLUDE ALL VETERANS, WHETHER JUSTICE-INVOLVED OR NOT. TO DATE, OVER 60 VETERANS HAVE BEEN SERVED BY OUR WCC PROGRAM, IN ADDITION TO THE THREE VETERANS PER YEAR WITH WHOM WE PLACE FULLY-TRAINED ASSISTANCE DOGS TO MITIGATE THEIR OWN DISABILITIES. THESE VETERAN PLACEMENTS ARE FREE OF CHARGE TO THE VETERAN, INCLUDING MILEAGE, LODGING AND PER DIEM FOR PLACEMENT, THROUGH A GRANT WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, RECEIVED ANNUALLY SINCE 2015. WE HAVE PLACED 12 ASSISTANCE DOGS WITH VETERANS THROUGH THIS PROGRAM, AND ARE CONTRACTED FOR AN ADDITIONAL 3 PLACEMENTS IN THE COMING FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR. PROGRAMS AT OUR RURAL SATELLITE IN TAOS, NM ADW CONTINUED ITS VARIOUS STUDENT TRAINER PROGRAMS AT OUR RURAL SATELLITE OFFICE IN TAOS, ABOUT 1.5 HOURS NORTH OF SANTA FE. STUDENT TRAINER PROGRAMS NOW HAPPEN EACH WEEKDAY IN TAOS, INCLUDING THE CANINE-ASSISTED LEADERSHIP CREW, A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN ADW, ROCKY MOUNTAIN YOUTH CORPS, AND THE NM DIVISION OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION. EIGHT LOCAL YOUTH, AGES 16-19 YEARS OLD, WORKED THIS 10-MONTH, PAID CREW TO HELP TRAIN THE SERVICE DOGS, WHILE LEARNING GENERALIZABLE JOB, LIFE, AND DISABILITY INCLUSION AND SELF- ADVOCACY SKILLS. ADDITIONALLY, SEVEN STUDENTS FROM NEW MEXICO SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF WERE HIRED IN MAY 2019 TO JOIN THE CREW AS A SUMMER JOB, JUNE 1 TO JULY 15, 2019. THESE 15 YOUTHS ALL HELPED PLAN AND WORK AS CAMP COUNSELORS AT CAMP LEAD IN TAOS, A NEW 3-DAY SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN AGES 8-12 WITH INTELLECTUAL OR PHYSICAL DISABILITIES, WHOM ATTENDED WITH THEIR FAMILIES FOR A LONG WEEKEND OF INCLUSIVE FUN AND FRIENDSHIP. ADW DOGS WERE THE FOUNDATION OF CAMP LEAD, WHICH STANDS FOR LEADERSHIP, EMPOWERMENT, ADVOCACY, AND DOGS WE ALSO CONTINUED OUR WEEKLY THERAPEUTIC STUDENT TRAINER PROGRAMS AT LOCAL DOMESTIC SHELTER, COMMUNITY AGAINST VIOLENCE, AND MAKE THERAPY DOG VISITS TO PROGRAMS SUCH AS DREAMTREE (YOUTH HOMELESS AND CRISIS SHELTER) AND THE LOCAL HOSPITAL. PUPPY ENRICHMENT CENTER AT SUNRISE SPRINGS AND VOLUNTEER COORDINATION ADW'S PUPPY ENRICHMENT CENTER, LOCATED AT THE SUNRISE SPRINGS SPA IN SANTA FE, CONTINUES TO BE THE PEACEFUL SITE WHERE ADW WHELPS AND RAISES OUR PURPOSE-BRED ASSISTANCE DOG PUPPIES, WHILE PROVIDING COGNITIVE, SOCIAL, AND EMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES TO PREPARE THEM FOR SERVICE WORK. SUNRISE SPRINGS IS A RESIDENTIAL SPA, WHERE GUESTS CAN PARTICIPATE IN HEALTHY ACTIVITIES SUCH AS YOGA, MINDFULNESS INSTRUCTION, GARDENING, AND MORE. GUESTS CAN PARTICIPATE IN PUPPY ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES, LED BY OUR ON-SITE PUPPY ENRICHMENT SUPERVISOR. ADW WHELPED A LITTER OF EIGHT PUPPIES IN SEPTEMBER 2018, BORN TO MAMA DOG WALLIS AND PAPA MEMOIR OF GALLIVANT. ALL OF THE PUPPIES WERE NAMED AFTER INSPIRING MEMOIRS. COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND EDUCATION IN MARCH 2019, ADW CEO/PRESIDENT LINDA MILANESI AND FOUNDER/SENIOR VICE- PRESIDENT JILL FELICE PRESENTED ABOUT COURTHOUSE FACILITY DOGS AND CRISIS RESPONSE CANINES AT ADVOCACY IN ACTION. AIA IS DESIGNED FOR PROFESSIONALS FROM ALL SECTORS OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM, VICTIM ASSISTANCE, AND MENTAL HEALTH FIELD WHO PROVIDE SERVICES TO VICTIMS AND FAMILIES. ADW WAS ALSO INVITED TO PRESENT ABOUT CRISIS RESPONSE CANINES AT THE CALIFORNIA MASS CASUALTY SUMMIT (SAN FRANCISCO, CA) IN APRIL 2019. THE SUMMIT PROVIDED INFORMATION AND RESOURCES TO PROVIDERS TO HELP PREPARE THEM TO RESPOND AND SUPPORT VICTIMS AND LOVED ONES IMPACTED BY MASS CASUALTY EVENTS IN THEIR COMMUNITIES. ALSO IN APRIL, ADW VETERAN LIAISON CHLOE DAVIS MASTERS PRESENTED TO HELPING AMERICAS HEROES, A GROUP THAT OFFERS RECREATIONAL THERAPIES TO VETERANS, ON ADW'S WCC PROGRAM AND SERVICE DOGS FOR VETERANS. IN SEPTEMBER, ADW PRESENTED TO THE FBI FIELD OFFICE'S DIVERSITY & INCLUSION PROGRAM IN ALBUQUERQUE, NM. PROGRAM EVALUATION ADW HAS CONTRACTED WITH PIVOT EVALUATION, AN EXTERNAL PROGRAM EVALUATION FIRM IN NEW MEXICO EXPERIENCED IN WORKING IN THE SOCIAL SERVICES FIELD, TO EVALUATE OUR WARRIOR CANINE CONNECTION PROGRAM. MUCH TIME WAS SPENT REDESIGNING OUR PROGRAM EVALUATION PROCESSES AND SURVEY FORMS, LEAVING US WITH A SMALL DATA SAMPLE TO ANALYZE FROM THE PAST YEAR. HOWEVER, THE FIVE WELL-BEING FACTORS MEASURED BY THE NEW SURVEY INSTRUMENTS SHOW THAT RESPONDENTS HAD A POSITIVE CHANGE OVER TIME. NONE OF THE RESPONDENTS HAD A CHANGE IN A NEGATIVE DIRECTION. THE FIVE WELL-BEING
Interesting data from their 2020 990 filing
The non-profit's mission, as described in the filing, is “Dedicated to providing trained assistance dogs to people with disabilities in order to increase independence and self reliance through educational and vocational programs.”.
When describing its duties, they were characterized as: “Dedicated to providing trained assistance dogs to people with disabilities in order to increase independence and self reliance through educational and vocational programs.”.
- The non-profit has complied with legal regulations by reporting their state of operation as NM.
- The filing shows that the non-profit's address as of 2020 is PO BOX 31027, SANTA FE, NM, 87594.
- As of 2020, the non-profit has reported a total of 19 employees on their form.
- Does not operate a hospital.
- Does not operate a school.
- Does not collect art.
- Does not provide credit counseling.
- Does not have foreign activities.
- Is not a donor-advised fund.
- Is not a private foundation.
- Expenses are between $500,000 and $1,000,000+.
- Revenue is greater than $1,000,000.
- Revenue less expenses is $8,588.
- The compensation of the CEO of the organization is subject to review and approval by an independent body.
- The organization has a written policy that describes how long it will retain documents.
- The organization has 7 independent voting members.
- The organization was formed in 1995.
- The organization has a written policy that addresses conflicts of interest.
- The organization is required to file Schedule B.
- The organization is required to file Schedule O.
- The organization pays $582,207 in salary, compensation, and benefits to its employees.
- The organization pays $114,940 in fundraising expenses.
- The organization provides Form 990 to its governing body.
- The organization pays grants to individuals.
- The organization has minutes of its meetings.
- The organization has a written whistleblower policy.
- The organization has a business related organization transaction.
- The organization's financial statements were reviewed by an accountant.