Warrior Canine Connection and Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Partner on Service Dog Training Program
January 30, 2024
Contact: mark.vernarelli@maryland.gov , latoya.gray@maryland.gov
[BOYDS, MD] - In a groundbreaking partnership, Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) is excited to announce the launch of its new service dog training program at the Jessup Correctional Institution in Jessup, Maryland. Through this innovative program, incarcerated individuals will raise and train puppies that will become highly skilled service dogs for future placement with Veterans with visible and invisible wounds.
"We're thrilled to launch this program in partnership with the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services," said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. "This program represents a powerful synergy of rehabilitation and support for Veterans and provides incarcerated individuals with an opportunity to help their fellow brothers and sisters in arms."
In this unique program, Veteran incarcerated individuals will participate in WCC's Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training program, which will be led by WCC's expert staff. Inmate trainers will learn how to care for, socialize, and teach basic obedience and specialized skills to puppies who will ultimately become service dogs. This collaboration provides the inmates with a positive purpose during their incarceration and the chance to develop skills that can aid in their rehabilitation, future employment opportunities, and contribute to a meaningful cause.
"The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services is proud to serve and honor America's wounded veterans by partnering with Warrior Canine Connection to provide life-changing service dogs," said Carolyn J. Scruggs, Secretary of DPSCS. "This is an excellent restorative justice program, allowing incarcerated veterans to pay society back in a most meaningful way."
Together, these agencies offer an extensive array of programs, including nearly two dozen trade skill training initiatives, GED classes, and opportunities for pursuing college degrees through partnerships with five institutions of higher learning.
Funding for this new program at Jessup is made possible thanks to the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs and Boeing.
"Veterans know better than most that service can be healing. I am proud that the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs can support this program to allow incarcerated veterans to continue to serve their fellow veterans," said Secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Anthony Woods. "The service dogs trained through this program will be a game-changer for our veterans and families, helping them lead richer and more rewarding lives."
"We are proud to partner with Warrior Canine Connection to expand this important recovery program to even more veterans," said Linwood Ham, Boeing's director of military and veteran affairs. "Through this unique partnership, we are supporting veterans while providing incarcerated individuals an opportunity to give back in a meaningful way."
For more information about Warrior Canine Connection and its Mission Based Trauma Recovery training programs, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.
For media inquiries, please contact: Beth Bourgeois
Warrior Canine Connection
719-216-3206
