Getting involved in local education programs is a great way to make a positive impact in your community. By volunteering in schools or after-school programs, you’ll help foster learning and growth among students, ultimately shaping a brighter future for all. At Hand in Paw, our Therapy Teams visit local schools every week in the Greater Birmingham and Tuscaloosa area to help students achieve academic and educational goals. One of the ways our Therapy Teams make a difference in classrooms is by assisting struggling readers through the Sit, Stay Read! program. By reading aloud to nonjudgmental furry friends, students build reading skills and gain confidence!
You can get involved in our reading initiative by coming to our upcoming Book Fair on April 13th from 10-2pm at Barnes & Noble at The Summit! Stock up on your favorite books and a percentage of the sale will benefit Hand in Paw.
Another great way to get involved in your community this season is by volunteering at fundraising events brought to you by your local nonprofit organizations. I know here at Hand in Paw, we certainly appreciate the extra help around event season. Your volunteering can make a big difference, whether it be helping set up, cleaning up, or working the event. One of our largest fundraisers, Mutt Strut, is coming up on April 20th at Homewood Central Park. If you would like to volunteer at this event, please reach out to Amanda Summers at amanda@handinpaw.org! You can also support Hand in Paw by purchasing a ticket to the dog-friendly 5k and fun run at handinpaw.org/muttstrut.
As a final thought, volunteering with Hand in Paw by becoming a Therapy Team presents a multitude of opportunities to not only emotionally fulfill yourself, but also grow the bond between you and your four-legged companion. Our Animal-Assisted Therapy programs fully rely on the volunteer work from our handlers and their furry counterparts. We pride ourselves in bringing comfort and happiness to those we visit 100% free of charge and need more volunteer Therapy Teams to help reach more people in need!
To become a Therapy Team, you must first meet our basic requirements: you and your pet must undergo a group obedience course to ensure the safety of your pet as well as those they are interacting with, your pet must be spayed or neutered, and be at minimum 18 months old. Please visit our website for the full list of criteria and to learn more about the volunteering roadmap.
Volunteering with Hand in Paw has many benefits; The opportunities presented for your pet’s obedience training to grow are plentiful, while also allowing them to work on their social behavior and skills. But above all, our Animal-Assisted Therapy programs provide a profound mental reward for both you and your pet, fostering a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment while strengthening your bond together. To learn more and apply to become a Therapy Team, visit our website at handinpaw.org/volunteer.
Becoming active in your community is not just an opportunity for your own personal growth but will cause a domino effect in your surroundings. Volunteering touches the lives of many and creates a better quality of life for those you help.
