Website Design 101

For some time, we knew we wanted a fresh new look to our website. But, being a nonprofit and having a limited budget for what could cost thousands of dollars; a dedicated volunteer created and maintained our site for years. Earlier this year, our corporate sponsor Talk Inc. expanded their creative communications agency to include website design and management. When their creative team contacted us about taking on the project of redesigning and hosting our website, we were very excited. After all, we have had the direct benefit of the quality work this creative group does. Talk Inc. had redesigned our corporate brochures, helped us to name both our Carolina Canines for Veterans and Carolina Canines for Therapy programs, created our Carolina Canines for Therapy logo, prepared quality press kit information and have provided countless press releases over the course of the last two years. Needless to say, we were anxious to work on the website project with Talk.

Over the last several weeks, the creative work of Shawn, graphic designer extraordinaire, Susan with her very talented writing style and management of the project, and Nathan with his incredible web marketing and management skills, have proven their high caliber standards. Under the attentive direction of President & Creative Director, Debbie Elliott, Talk has exceeded any expectations Carolina Canines may have had. Actually, they have blown us away with the breathing website that professionally portrays the mission of our organization and our goal of helping people with disabilities.

Over the next week or so, Talk will be providing training to Carolina Canines for managing the content of our site. They will also be adding a photo gallery and a newsroom. Those pieces will go live as soon as we complete our part of those efforts.

Did this happen without our involvement? No. Step by step from the design to the copy, we were involved in every process. Even the transition to going live and changing over our email accounts was done with thoughtful guidance from Talk. Designing and implementing a website, whether new or redesigned, is an effort that takes a great deal of planning and cooperation between both parties. If you are looking for someone that will get the job done for you, using the latest technology and understanding how to market your business on the internet, I’d call Talk. They’ll get the job done right.

North Carolina Outstanding Volunteer Service Award

Carolina Canines for Service would like to congratulate Donna Sweetman, Advanced Trainer, as one of the five New Hanover County Volunteer of the Year Award recipients and for being the New Hanover County’s Medallion of Honor winner for 2009. Donna will be recognized at the Governor’s Mansion in early November with the other 20 Medallion of Honor winners and could be selected as the 2009 North Carolina Outstanding Volunteer Award Recipient.

The New Hanover County Nominees and Award Recipients were honored at an awrds dinner hosted by the Cape Fear Volunteer Center at City Hall Chambers on October 22, 2009. Each year across the state of North Carolina, nonprofit agencies nominate volunteers who have demonstrated the upmost concern and compassion for their neighbors by making a significant contribution to their community through volunteer services. In New Hanover County, nine volunteers were nominated and recognized for their service in the community. The nominations are presented by the agency the individuals volunteer for and the nominations are reviewed by a committee of judges. Of those individuals, five were awarded the New Hanover County Volunteer of the Year Award. The selection of each County’s five nominees is conducted at the County level and submitted to the Commission for approval. Selection is based upon the nominee’s volunteer efforts, accomplishments, and impact. The nomination reflects meaningful commitment of time and service by the nominee. The nominee’s service addresses a community need and/or enhances the quality of life of North Carolinians and demonstrate acts of generosity and kindness. A statewide panel, under the direction of the NC Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service, evaluates the nominations for the Medallion Award.

Donna dedication and work over the last 9 years with Carolina Canines as a foster puppy parent, advanced trainer and instructor for other foster families and advanced trainers, exemplifies her passion and commitment to the volunteerism she does. Donna volunteers an average of 120 hours a month and is currently working to train her ninth service dog that will be provided to a person with a disability later this year.

Carolina Canines is honored to be in the company of this dedicated and compassionate individual and we are pround of Donna for all of her help to support the mission of our programs.

Training Mission Disney

Much of the service dog training Carolina Canines volunteers and staff do is in and around Wilmington, Myrtle Beach or Jacksonville, but occasionally we get an opportunity to take a service dog in training on a different kind of adventure. This time, Service Dog Titus went to Disney!

If you are ever wondering how we know a dog is ready for placement, visiting a high distraction location, like Disney, is one way to fully determine the service dogs abilities. From Hollywood Studios Toy Story to Magic Kingdoms Small World, Disney was full of surprises around almost every corner or curve. Titus, we are pleased to say did wonderful. He readily managed Disney, with the crowds of people, Disney characters, the Celebration Parade including stilt walkers, an evening performance of Cirque du Soleil and the infamous Disney fireworks displays. Titus is a champion.

This year at Disney is the year of celebration, and our friend Merilee ensured that Rick and I were celebrated with a button that announced our marriage. Disney cast members offered their congratulations and well wishes. During the Celebration Parade at Magic Kingdom, nearly every stilt walker came over to us to offer their congratulations and say hello to Titus. The Disney cast is an amazing group of dedicated and concerned people. Highly trained and taking their roles as ambassadors seriously, they frequently asked if our service dog needed water, always asked if they could pet him and offered access to areas where he could be walked. They guided us to ride access and asked if special seating was needed for certain rides. They were attentive without being overbearing.

Taking a service dog to Disney is a valuable experience for the dog because if they can handle this environment, they can handle anything asked of them. We’d welcome the opportunity to have a generous sponsor for a training excursion for each of our service dogs at Disney. Any takers?

New Look Coming Soon

We are working harder than ever to create a new look to our website. Well, we’re really just reviewing and approving the hard work of our corporate sponsor Talk Inc. Talk has been working with Carolina Canines for several years now after selecting us as their Project Pet Project. Talk, Inc is a creative communications agency that helps companies grow and navigate change. Talk utilizes public relations, graphic design and internet marketing to help companies find their voice. And, top Dog Camden keeps the Talkers on their paws to help Carolina Canines put their best paw forward.

We will be sharing more information as we get ready to launch the new site in the next several weeks and we know you will enjoy the new look and the ease of navigation.

2009 Volunteer Appreciation Picnic

The 11th annual Volunteer Appreciation Picnic was held on September 19, 2009 at Castle Hayne Park. Sponsored by our Board of Directors, over 70 volunteers and their families including service dogs, service dogs in training and Carolina Canines for Therapy team attended the celebration. Volunteers were recognized for their contributions to the organization, from visiting local hospices, nursing homes or schools through our Carolina Canines for Therapy program or raising and training a service dog for someone with a disability through our Foster Puppy Parent program. In 2009 alone, CCFS volunteers have logged over 30,000 hours of volunteer time!

This year’s picnic was especially exciting as we were joined by our two newest clients, Leslie Smith and Kathy Ormsby. Also in attendance was Georgette & Jim Lynn from Serendipity Dry Pond Kennels in Snow’s Cut, NC. Georgette has generously donated 5 labradoodle’s to the service dog program and brought two new puppies’ with her to meet their new foster puppy parents, Deb Jendrasek and the Brinkley Family. With a beaming smile, executive assistant, Pat Hairston told the new service dogs in training their mission in life; to assist those with a mobile disability. Also joining us in celebration was CWO2 John Nolan and other members of the Camp Lejeune Marine Corp Base Brig Program that have helped make it such a success.

With beautiful weather and delicious food, the 2009 Volunteer Appreciation Picnic turned out to be a great success and a wonderful way for Carolina Canines for Service to show the many volunteers just how much they mean to us! Keep up the great work!

Ingredients for a Successful Partnering

Take one Wounded Warrior, mix with one Service Dog trained by Carolina Canines for Veterans, saturate with hard work, sprinkle with plenty of training opportunities, combine with laughter and rest, and the result is one incredible service dog partnering destined for new beginnings.

Meet Leslie Smith and Service Dog Issac. Leslie first met Isaac in Washington, D.C. the evening before the presentation of the Newman’s Own Award for the Carolina Canines for Veterans program. Since that time, plans were underway for the pair to begin their team training in Wilmington as the newest wounded warrior to be partnered, creating an opportunity for greater independence.

Leslie, U.S. Army Captain - retired, was serving during Operation Joint Forge, an eight-month peacekeeping deployment to Bosnia-Herzegovina, when just short of completing her deployment she was diagnosed with a rare blood clot disorder and rushed back to the United States where complications led to the amputation of her left leg below the knee and the loss of vision in her left eye. Leslie spent nearly 8 months at Walter Reed and underwent 20 surgeries that have enabled her to walk again. Her life since her injury has taken her down many paths, including the keynote speaker at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, MN, and the one to Carolina Canines for Veterans is not without thought and planning. It is the right time in her life for a canine companion to assist with her every day needs, some of which she will have to rethink to use her service dog, instead of doing for herself. Like many, Leslie has learned to adapt to the tools she needs to live, but this time, the tool has four legs, a wagging tail, some dog hair, the desire to work and plenty of kisses.

Issac came to Carolina Canines from Grand Strand Humane Society and was just two days away from being euthanized. He has spent 14 months in training, having waited for his special someone for the last several months. Each match of a person and their service dog is unique. The needs of every applicant, whether civilian or veteran, are carefully reviewed and the dogs’ skills accessed to determine the best possible match considering needs, personalities and life style. The match between Leslie and Issac is right, more than right, and we know they will be a confident team as they go out onto their own. Carolina Canines for Veterans has given Issac the skills he needs and team training has given Leslie the tools she needs to use Issac. Now, it’s all up to them.

Making the placement of Isaac possible takes many and our thanks goes to the Marine Corp Base Camp Lejeune, the prison handlers, Stephen LeQuire-CCV Trainer, Marianna Thompson-Myrtle Beach Trainer, Horry County Humane Society, Jameson Inn Wilmington, Wilmington Orthotics and Prosthetics and our Carolina Canines for Veterans funders.

Carolina Canines for Service Receives the 2009 Newman's Own Award at Pentagon Ceremony

RECIPIENTS SELECTED FOR 2009 “NEWMAN’S OWN” AWARD

ADMIRAL MIKE MULLEN, CHAIRMAN, JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF PRESENTS AWARDS IN PENTAGON CEREMONY

Admiral Mike Mullen, USN, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, provided remarks at the tenth annual Newman’s Own Award Ceremony at the Pentagon on September 10, 2009, as awards totaling $75,000 were presented to eleven volunteer organizations for their innovative programs to improve military quality of life.

USA Together was judged as the best entry and received a $15,000 award. USA Together is a Craig’s List-like web site where qualified injured service members and their direct families can post unmet needs and receive assistance from individuals, businesses, community groups or other Veteran Service Organizations who want to help.

Newman’s Own, Fisher House Foundation, and Military Times Media Group sponsored the competition, which seeks to reward ingenuity and innovation for programs that benefit service men and women and their families. The challenge is straightforward: “Present an innovative plan to improve the quality of life for the military community and receive funding to carry out the plans.”

Admiral Mullen was joined by Tom Indoe, President of Newman’s Own; Fisher House Foundation trustee Tammy Fisher; and Elaine Howard, President of Army Times Publishing Company, in presenting the awards.

Including this year’s awards, the annual competition that began in 2000 has recognized 125 programs with awards totaling nearly $600,000. A total of 112 entries were received for the 2009 program. Six judges evaluated each entry based on the organization’s impact to the respective communities, creativity and innovation.

Judges for the 2009 competition were:
Mrs. Deborah Mullen Spouse of the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
Mrs. Sandee Cartwright Spouse of the Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
Mrs. Mary Jo Myers Trustee, Fisher House Foundation
Mrs. Tammy Fisher Trustee, Fisher House Foundation
Mr. Bill Lee Vice President, Operations, Newman’s Own
Mr. Mark Tilley Director, Sales, Newman’s Own
OVERALL WINNING ENTRY
$15,000 AWARD
"USA Together"

USA Together, Los Altos, California
USA Together is a web site whose purpose is to use the internet to connect individual injured service members who may need some help as they recover with those Americans who want to help, but don’t know who or how to do so. Simply put, USA Together is a Craig’s List-like web site where qualified injured service members and their direct families, including Gold Star families, can post unmet needs for goods, services or modest financial assistance. Then the public, as individuals, businesses, community groups or other Veteran Service Organizations, can reach out to offer help and support. Potential Donors subscribe (for free) to the site to get
notified via email as new needs are posted. For more information, contact Dave Mahler (dave@usatogether.org).


$10,000 AWARD
“Vets4Vets Peer Support Group”
Vets4Vets, San Diego, California

Vets4Vets (www.Vets4Vets.us) is the national, peer support community of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans helping each other heal from the psychological injuries of war. In just over two years, more than a thousand individuals have attended one of 45 free, residential, weekend workshop across the country to benefit from and learn the skills of basic peer support. There are 25 local groups across the country. With the Newman’s Own grant, the volunteer leaders in the Camp Pendleton and San Diego area will organize two weekend workshops and form two on-going peer support groups for Marines, OEF/OIF veterans, and their spouses. The goal is to stay in touch with each other and provide each peer support after these workshops and share advice about way to reintegrate to civilian life including connecting with services provided by military units, the Veterans Administration, Vet Centers and other nonprofits. For more information, contact Abel Moreno (abel@vets4vets.us)


$7,500 AWARD
"Homes for Wounded Heroes"
Bay Area Builder’s Association Support Our Troops. Inc., League City, Texas

Bay Area Builder’s Association (BABA), a division of Greater Houston Builder’s Association, was approached in 2005 by the family of a Marine severely injured in action in Afghanistan. The family was seeking a trustworthy remodeling contractor to make the necessary home improvements to accommodate their son, returning in a wheelchair. BABA answered, “Here we are!” BABA accomplished the project 100% free of charge, and BABA Support Our Troops, Inc. was born. Since then, the organization has provided new homes for 4 families of severely wounded heroes from the war on terror. The 5th new home is being presented soon, completely free, with taxes and insurance paid for two years. The dream is to spread this program to other Home Builder Associations around the country. In January 2010 BABA Support Our Troops, Inc program will be presented at the International Builder’s Show in Las Vegas. For more information, please see http://www.babasupport.com/.


“Three Step Transformation”
Operation Life Transformed, Woodbridge, Virginia

Founded in March of 2007, Operation Life Transformed provides access to flexible online training programs that lead directly to high-demand job placement opportunities as identified by the Department of Labor. The Three Step Transformation program bridges the gap between online training, resume assistance and job placement with corporate partners, thus improving the quality of life and financial stability for our military families. The 2009 Newman’s Own Award grant will provide online training to 57 members of our military community to include: active duty military spouses (Guard and Reserve), Veterans, widows/ers, and the caregivers of wounded soldiers. Operation Life Transformed also received a Newman’s Own Award grant in 2007. For more information, contact Tania Mercurio (tmercurio@lifetransformed.org)

$5,000 AWARD
“Beck PRIDE Center for America’s Wounded Veterans”
Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, Arkansas

The Beck PRIDE Center for America’s Wounded Veterans is named in honor of donors Buddy G. and Charlotte Beck of Fairfax Station, Virginia. “PRIDE” is an acronym for Personal Rehabilitation Individual Development and Education. The mission of the Beck PRIDE Center is to provide combat wounded veterans with first class educational opportunities, extensive learning assistance, plus physical and mental health rehabilitation; within a university environment. It supports the reintegration and preparation of wounded combat service members into post-service careers. The Beck PRIDE Center opened in October 2007. It has served more than one hundred thirty active duty or discharged service members and their families; including all branches of military service from across the U.S. It supplements veterans benefits or fills service gaps; does not duplicate other federal or state programs. The Beck PRIDE Center is housed within Arkansas State University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions in Jonesboro, Arkansas. ASU is a natural setting for this program; offering comprehensive higher education programs and degrees that directly support veterans. A “military friendly” institution, ASU has an active ROTC program and houses the 875th Arkansas National Guard Armory. For more information, contact Susan E. Tonymon (stonymon@astate.edu).


“Operation Patriot’s Call”
AMVETS Post 12, Winder, Georgia

Operation Patriot’s Call is a partnership between AMVETS Post 12 and local citizens, businesses and organizations that have pledged to support the families of the 1/121st, currently deployed to Afghanistan. The vision of Patriot’s Call is to mobilize Georgia’s communities to support their local heroes. National Guard Units do not have the convenience of a local base for support nor do they have the sense of community that comes with being attached to a base. While some communities wave flags as the soldiers leave and then quietly go about their business, Operation Patriot’s Call is actively creating and building a network to help with issues that come up while a spouse is deployed. This effort helps improve the quality of life for military families by providing a support network during the deployment and for up to 6 months after, giving the soldiers peace of mind while defending this Nation’s freedom. For more information, contact Michelle Walker (michellewalker30680@yahoo.com).


“Carolina Canines for Veterans”
Carolina Canines for Service, Wilmington, North Carolina

Carolina Canines for Service (CCFS) is a non-profit health and human services organization that provides people with disabilities quality trained service dogs. In 2008, CCFS launched a national pilot program, Carolina Canines for Veterans, to assist wounded warriors with a quality trained service dog, using military prisoners to train the dogs rescued from local shelters. Operating entirely on private donations, CCFS trains prisoners at the Camp Lejeune brig in Jacksonville, N.C. to raise and train each service dog. Carolina Canines for Veterans is the first of its kind to work within the walls of a military prison to train service dogs. Prisoners get a second chance to help their comrades. Wounded vets get a second chance for an independent lifestyle. Shelter dogs get a second chance at life. Service dogs are provided at no cost to the wounded warrior. For more information, contact Pat Hairston (info@carolinacanines.org).

“Camp C.O.P.E.”
Camp C.O.P.E., Dallas, Texas

Camp C.O.P.E. provides interactive small group counseling, specifically designed for the children of deployed or injured service members. Participants engage in therapeutic activities which highlight: coping skills, expression of anger, feeling identification, handling stress & anxiety, caring & empathy, empowerment, and dealing with grief & depression. The camp is designed to help our young heroes cope with the effects of war, deployments and the sacrifices they are asked to make every day. So far, Camp C.O.P.E. has held six camps and provided services to over 1,000 children. All camps have been supported by corporate and individual donations. For more information, contact Sarah Brava (campcope@yahoo.com).


“Support Our Wounded Heroes”
Family & Friends for Freedom Fund, Inc., Pompton Plains, New Jersey

Family & Friends For Freedom Fund, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, was founded in January 2005 after the founder’s family member, GySgt James Sturla was severely wounded in Iraq. Family and friends worked together to get through life-altering circumstances, and became aware of many other families who were undergoing similar changes in their lives. These families have been living a financial hardship long before our economy changed, and now have the added struggle of coping with emotional and physical burdens. Family & Friends For Freedom Fund has assisted over 170 military families and made grants in excess of $400,000. For more information, contact Kathy Sturla (info@injuredmarinesfund.org).


“Expanding the Comfort”
Sew Much Comfort, Burnsville, Minnesota

Sew Much Comfort provides adaptive clothing to support the unique needs of wounded service members from all branches of the military and national guard. The need for adaptive clothing continues to grow as American military members continue to be injured serving in current conflicts. Each week, wounded military members are medically evacuated to the United States for extensive treatment for bullet wounds, burns, head and limb injuries and amputations. Many previously injured are still in the recovery process. Some injuries require large fixator, prosthetics and casts that are too bulky to fit under ordinary clothing and underwear. Sew Much Comfort is the only organization providing adaptive clothing at no cost to our wounded service members. Without adaptive clothing, the only option for them is a hospital gown. Sew Much Comfort have produced and delivered over 75,000 items of adaptive clothing to our injured since we began in December 2004. For more information, contact Michelle Cuppy (mmc.cuppy@comcast.net).


“Camp STRIDE Wounded Warrior Fall Family Retreat”
STRIDE Adaptive Sports, Rensselaer, New York

In September 2008, STRIDE Adaptive Sports launched a unique mentorship opportunity between STRIDE Youth Athletes and Wounded Warriors with similar disabilities. The Wounded Warrior Fall Family Retreat was an outgrowth of four years of winter events to teach recently injured service members how to ski or snowboard in our adaptive program. The fall retreat is hosted in the Adirondacks for three days of kayaking, whitewater rafting, hiking, campfire cooking, and tent camping, but most importantly, a time to connect Wounded Warriors with children in the community who have similar challenges. Since 1985, STRIDE has been enriching the lives of children and individuals with disabilities by providing adaptive sports and recreational opportunities. In partnership with school districts and other non-profits, opportunities are provided to challenge people, potential and possibilities. STRIDE Adaptive Sports is a volunteer non-profit organization providing over 4,000 adaptive sport and recreation lessons annually to children & individuals with special needs. STRIDE has over 250 skilled volunteer sport instructors, serving more than 1,000 families; and offers free programs in seventeen different sports and locations. For more information, contact Katie Moshier Suhr (kmoshier@stride.org).