Service Dog Strong for Sexual Assault Survivors
Donation protected
Hi, I'm Simone Emmons. I am raising funds to start a nonprofit called Service Dog Strong For Sexual Assault Survivors. It will be the first of it's kind in Maine, turning rescue dogs into service dogs for men and women living with RR(rape related)-PTSD. Persons diagnosed with PTSD from sexual assault that are battling with symptoms might be able to find relief with owning a service dog. And that's where Service Dog Strong comes in. We will put in survivors hands the key to transformation and hope in the form of a medically trained service dog.
Since launching this campaign, things have happened fast! I have received so much support over this project things have just fallen into place. I have found my board members for the nonprofit and also have been able to raise almost to the dollar amount, enough money to begin the legal process of starting a nonprofit.
With all that being said and done, we are in the major fundraising stage. We have lined up all the needed people to support this cause. We have shelters working with us graciously to provide the dogs. We also have the trainers lined up, ready to start classes when we are. And unfortunately and fortunately, we have had many survivors reach out to us already asking for dogs. We have ALMOST all the missing pieces to make this happen. All except the monetary funds to actually buy the dogs, complete with shots and vetting, to pay for the training and to provide the survivors with a service dog vest and leash for their dog.
It takes $3500 to have one survivors go through our program. This will put the handler and dog through training program and get them on the path to recovery and leading a full life. We will need a minimum of 6 people to start the first class, bringing the total of donations needed to complete the first class (6x3500) = $21000.
The board and I know how daunting 21k can sound. We all still remain very optimistic and know this can be done, due to the HUGE community outpouring we have thus far received. We know there is a need for this nonprofit and know this amount will be reached because there are so many generous people here in Maine and over the globe that have already voiced their support and supported us already! We thank you all! Even the people that could not donate money have been awesome in spreading the word and sharing our Facebook page! Thank you everyone!
When I decided to start this GoFundMe page, I thought nothing would come of it and I could at least "say I tried". Now that I have come so much farther than I ever though I would, I am so grateful. I know I would not be able to do this without my service dog Gunner, and I just want to be able to provide another human that suffered what I went through, the same help. My PTSD symptoms would never let me go on tv, but now, check out our page and you will find news stories on SDS!
Please, if yo have read this far, it has touched you. Consider helping men and women around Maine dealing with a horrific life altering experience, back into the fold and on the path to optimism and happiness. Consider donating $5 or $50 to our cause and help us get the first class going!
All donations, small or large are accepted and honored! We all are 100% volunteer run, so all of your donation will go DIRECTLY to survivors. I truly believe and research shows, dogs help assault survivors with PTSD! Thank you sooo much for your attention and kindness. Let's be Service Dog Strong together!
Email with any questions and to add your support! [email redacted]
Since launching this campaign, things have happened fast! I have received so much support over this project things have just fallen into place. I have found my board members for the nonprofit and also have been able to raise almost to the dollar amount, enough money to begin the legal process of starting a nonprofit.
With all that being said and done, we are in the major fundraising stage. We have lined up all the needed people to support this cause. We have shelters working with us graciously to provide the dogs. We also have the trainers lined up, ready to start classes when we are. And unfortunately and fortunately, we have had many survivors reach out to us already asking for dogs. We have ALMOST all the missing pieces to make this happen. All except the monetary funds to actually buy the dogs, complete with shots and vetting, to pay for the training and to provide the survivors with a service dog vest and leash for their dog.
It takes $3500 to have one survivors go through our program. This will put the handler and dog through training program and get them on the path to recovery and leading a full life. We will need a minimum of 6 people to start the first class, bringing the total of donations needed to complete the first class (6x3500) = $21000.
The board and I know how daunting 21k can sound. We all still remain very optimistic and know this can be done, due to the HUGE community outpouring we have thus far received. We know there is a need for this nonprofit and know this amount will be reached because there are so many generous people here in Maine and over the globe that have already voiced their support and supported us already! We thank you all! Even the people that could not donate money have been awesome in spreading the word and sharing our Facebook page! Thank you everyone!
When I decided to start this GoFundMe page, I thought nothing would come of it and I could at least "say I tried". Now that I have come so much farther than I ever though I would, I am so grateful. I know I would not be able to do this without my service dog Gunner, and I just want to be able to provide another human that suffered what I went through, the same help. My PTSD symptoms would never let me go on tv, but now, check out our page and you will find news stories on SDS!
Please, if yo have read this far, it has touched you. Consider helping men and women around Maine dealing with a horrific life altering experience, back into the fold and on the path to optimism and happiness. Consider donating $5 or $50 to our cause and help us get the first class going!
All donations, small or large are accepted and honored! We all are 100% volunteer run, so all of your donation will go DIRECTLY to survivors. I truly believe and research shows, dogs help assault survivors with PTSD! Thank you sooo much for your attention and kindness. Let's be Service Dog Strong together!
Email with any questions and to add your support! [email redacted]
Organiser
Simone Emmons
Organiser
North Windham, ME
