Help Lucky Become a Service Dog for Our Students

Help Lucky Become a Therapy Dog for Our Students

Introduction:

Hello, I'm Julieta Delgadillo, a dedicated educator with a passion for creating change and providing opportunities for underrepresented students. My journey into education has been deeply shaped by personal experiences, and I am committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all my students.

My Story:

I began teaching in 2012, but my connection to Santa Maria High School (SMHS) runs much deeper. After graduating from SMHS in 2005, I attended Allan Hancock College and then UC Santa Barbara, where I majored in English. Post-college, I worked with children with disabilities while substitute teaching in our district. My experience includes applied behavioral analysis and secondary-level language development, allowing me to teach both regular and special education classes. Currently, I teach ELD, American Literature, and Advanced Placement courses. I also served as co-department chair of the English department for two years, including during COVID-19, and was nominated for Educator of the Year in 2021-2022.

Growing up as a second-generation Mexican-American, I faced numerous challenges. My educated father instilled in me a love for learning. After his untimely death, I found solace in the school library, dreaming of different lives and possibilities. Despite being placed at the remedial level in my low-performing Title 1 school, my passion for literature ignited in 11th grade while reading Emerson’s "Self-Reliance."

As a first-generation college graduate, I share my story to inspire my students to seek higher education. I encourage them to “advance confidently in the direction of their dreams,” as Thoreau said. My goal is to use my expertise and ongoing professional development to advocate for underperforming students, address racial disparities, and enhance learning in low socioeconomic communities.

Why I Need Your Help:

Recently, I was blessed with an incredible companion—my puppy, Lucky. Lucky embodies hope and possibility, not just for me but for our entire school community of 3,200 students, including those who are ELD, fostered, and homeless. I met Lucky while on a walk with my friend Judy and her dog, Lucy. Lucky was being walked by an older man who mentioned that Lucky’s owner was starting her own business and didn’t have time for him anymore. We instantly connected, and Lucky followed me for about 20 minutes. We exchanged numbers, and the rest is history—Lucky became a part of my family.

I aim to have Lucky trained as a service dog so he can join me in the classroom, providing essential emotional support to our students and helping them navigate challenges. His presence would enhance my ability to teach and create a sanctuary of empathy and healing for those who need it most.

The Challenge:

I was offered a quote by Doggie Do Good to get Lucky professionally trained so that he can be on campus. This would be incredibly helpful as I am supported by the Disabilities Act in California (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 2, § 12185) but the cost is too much for me to bear alone. I need to raise the funds to get him trained as soon as possible before the new school year starts this August. (8/7/24--Quote:We are excited to work with Lucky for an additional week, I think that will be really beneficial for him.

I wanted to touch base with you regarding his service dog evaluation. The service dog team worked with him, and we think he has the temperament to be a service dog! He is such a sweet boy, eager to please, and very confident, which are key factors when we are determining if a dog is the right fit. With that being said, Lucky is able to move forward with service dog training at the completion of his camp, however I know you mentioned you need to get funding in order. The training would be $6,000. We'd require a deposit of $3,000 to start, and the remaining balance would be due once Lucky was done with training. We estimate 6-8 weeks of service dog training since it is only for one task.)

How You Can Help:

Your generosity and support can make this dream a reality. Your donation, no matter the size, will directly impact the lives of our students and strengthen the fabric of our community. Together, we can nurture a space where compassion thrives and every student feels valued and supported.

Please consider joining us on this journey of hope and healing. Your kindness will ripple through our school, touching hearts and inspiring futures. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for considering our cause and for being a beacon of hope in our community.

Donate and Share:

If you can, please donate and share this campaign with your friends, family, and colleagues. Any support or information on grants would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your support!