Throughout 2018, members of Sheet Metal Workers Local 33 are gathering donations for a northeastern Ohio charity dedicated to providing disabled and autistic children with service animals.
Sheet Metal Workers Local 33 is partnering with W.A.G.S. 4 Kids to help provide children with autism or disabilities with a service animal.
Image Courtesy: W.A.G.S. 4 Kids
Since their founding in 2004, Working Animals Giving Service for Kids (W.A.G.S. 4 Kids) has provided mobility service and autism service animals, meeting the specific needs of children with disabilities in Northeast Ohio.
SMW Local 33 is proud to partner with W.A.G.S. 4 Kids, who will work with a family as early in a child’s life as there is a need and an interest.
“Local 33 is honored to be involved with this great organization,” said Local 33 President and Business Manager Michael Coleman. “To be able to help W.A.G.S 4 Kids provide service animals to children with autism, and to see the remarkable difference that it makes is very rewarding.”
According to their website, all of the W.A.G.S. 4 Kids service dogs are currently trained at the Grafton Correctional Institution in Grafton, Ohio, where 24 inmates work with each of the 12 dogs in the program.
These dogs are specially trained to provide therapeutic, task, emotional and physical support for children with disabilities and their families. The professional training staff of W.A.G.S guides the work of the inmate trainers.
Upon receiving a dog, each placement family also receives in home transition training and ongoing training support.
Members interested in making a contribution to this wonderful organization are urged to call the SMW Local 33 main office at 800-527-3834 and speak with any of the secretaries, who can send a receipt. Donations can also be dropped off with a Business Agent. All checks should be made out to W.A.G.S. 4 Kids.
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