VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
VOLUNTEER AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE
At Project 2 Heal, our volunteers are the driving force behind our mission. By sharing your time and talents, you play a vital role in raising, nurturing, and training service dogs that provide hope and independence to those in need.
We offer a variety of engaging volunteer opportunities tailored to your interests and skills, including the following below:
Please note: Volunteers participating in dog handling activities must be at least 18 years of age and have completed 20 hours of volunteer service with our organization. This experience is essential for understanding our mission, gaining the necessary skills, and ensuring effective training.
1. Stress Down Days:
- Event Support: Assist in setting up, managing, and breaking down event stations.
- Puppy Care: Help ensure the well-being and safety of our puppies during these events.
- Education: Engage with participants, educating them about our mission and the benefits of service dogs.
2. Local Events:
- Community Outreach: Represent Project 2 Heal at local events, seminars, outreach programs and community gatherings.
- Awareness Building: Distribute informational materials and speak to attendees about our programs and volunteer opportunities.
- Activity Coordination: Assist with organizing and running activities that highlight our mission and engage the public.
3. Annual Golf Tournament:
- Event Coordination: Help with the planning and execution of our biggest annual fundraiser.
- Day-of Assistance: Support various aspects of the event, from registration and logistics to raffle and auction management.
- Player and Sponsor Engagement: Interact with players and sponsors, ensuring they have a positive experience and understand their impact.
4. Fundraising and Sponsorship:
- Sponsor Outreach: Help identify and secure local and national sponsors for our events and programs.
- Fundraising Campaigns: Assist in organizing and promoting peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns, encouraging your network to support Project 2 Heal.
- Grant Writing: Collaborate with our team to research and apply for grants that can provide crucial funding for our programs.
Benefits of Volunteering
- Make a Direct Impact: Your efforts help us train service dogs that transform lives.
- Develop New Skills: Gain experience in event planning, fundraising, and community engagement.
- Build Connections: Meet like-minded individuals who share your passion for helping others.
- Flexible Opportunities: Choose from a variety of roles that fit your interests and schedule.
READY TO JOIN OUR VOLUNTEER TEAM? HERE’S HOW TO GET STARTED:
- Contact Us: Fill out our volunteer interest form here.
- Attend an Orientation: Join us for a volunteer orientation session where you’ll learn more about our mission, programs, and volunteer roles.
- Sign Up: Choose the events and activities that interest you and sign up to get involved.
- Make a Difference: Start volunteering and see the impact of your contribution on the lives of those we serve.
TRANSFORM LIVES THROUGH COMPASSIONATE CARE
WHAT DOES LITTER CARE INVOLVE?
1. Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Early Scent Introduction (ESI):
- ENS: Engage puppies in gentle handling exercises designed to stimulate their neurological systems. These exercises help improve cardiovascular performance, strengthen their immune systems, and enhance their stress tolerance.
- ESI: Introduce puppies to a variety of scents to enhance their ability to recognize and respond to different smells, an essential skill for service dogs.
2. Cleaning and Hygiene:
- Daily Cleaning: Ensure the living areas of the puppies and mother dogs are kept clean and sanitary. This includes regular cleaning of bedding, toys, and play areas.
- Sanitization: Use safe and effective cleaning products to maintain a hygienic environment, reducing the risk of infections and promoting overall health.
3. Caring for Mother Dogs:
- Feeding and Nutrition: Assist with feeding the mother dogs, ensuring they receive the proper nutrition to support their health and milk production.
- Exercise and Walks: Provide regular walks and exercise for the mother dogs, helping them stay fit and healthy.
- Monitoring Health: Observe and report any changes in the mother dogs’ behavior or health to our veterinary team.
4. Medical Care:
- Health Checks: Assist with routine health checks and weigh-ins for puppies, ensuring they are growing and developing properly.
- Medication Administration: Help administer any prescribed medications or supplements under the supervision of our veterinary team.
Requirements to Join the Litter Care Team
- 1. Volunteer Experience: 20+ Hours: Volunteers must have completed at least 20 hours of volunteer work with Project 2 Heal. This experience helps you become familiar with our organization and prepares you for the responsibilities of litter care.
- 2. Certification in ENS and ESI: Training Program: Volunteers must be certified in Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Early Scent Introduction (ESI) techniques. We provide comprehensive training to ensure you are well-equipped to perform these critical exercises.
- 3. Age Requirement: 18 Years and Older: Volunteers must be at least 18 years old to work with our litters, ensuring the maturity and responsibility needed for this role.
WHY VOLUNTEER FOR LITTER CARE?
- Make a Tangible Impact: Your efforts directly contribute to the development of puppies that will become life-changing service dogs.
- Build Specialized Skills: Gain hands-on experience in animal care, ENS, and ESI techniques.
- Connect with Our Mission: Deepen your involvement with Project 2 Heal and join a community of dedicated volunteers committed to making a difference.
EARLY TRAINING AND SOCIALIZATION
Project2Heal offers opportunities for volunteers to come to our facilities and work directly with our trainers to assist with basic puppy training and socialization. Prior to hands-on work with the puppies, volunteers must complete 20 volunteer hours in other departments. This ensures that each volunteer is properly trained and educated on Project2Heal’s mission and values prior to working with staff out in public.
Testimonials
Transforming People's Lives with Service Dogs
Volunteering with Project 2 Heal has been a transformative experience for me and my family. Coming from a military background, I've witnessed firsthand the toll that war and military missions can take on mental health. When my friend Miriam introduced me to this organization over 4 years ago, I was immediately drawn to their mission of providing service dogs and mental health support to those in need.
The dedication and organization of the Project 2 Heal team never fails to amaze me. From nurturing amazing puppies to hosting stress-relief events for the community, every aspect of their work is driven by compassion and a commitment to making a difference. Witnessing the impact of this work on both the recipients of the service dogs and my own daughter, who struggled with mental health issues, has been truly remarkable.
Two years ago, I brought my daughter to volunteer with me, and the positive effects on her mental health were immediate. Today, she continues to volunteer alongside me, and the bond we share with the dogs and the community is truly special. Knowing that we are contributing to the organization's mission of providing service dogs to those in need is incredibly rewarding. I am grateful for the opportunity to play a part in this transformative work and to witness the positive impact it has on individuals and families in our community.