Canine Companions

Healing4Heroes

By Katrina McDowell on Nov 11, 2024 in Giving

Did you know that veterans have a 20 percent higher chance of having a disabled child than the average American? Healing4Heroes, the top-rated veteran nonprofit in Georgia, is making a significant difference. They are helping veterans lead fulfilling lives with their canine companions, inspiring hope and resilience in the face of challenges.

Healing4Heroes, a Yardi-supported nonprofit, was established in 2008 in Peachtree City, GA. The heart of this organization is its dedicated volunteers, many of whom are combat-injured veterans. They train ADA-compliant service dogs for veterans with any disability (except complete blindness) using canines from animal control.

“We have placed over 1,350 service dogs with veterans nationwide, but mostly from around the metro Atlanta area, provided 135 service dogs to children of veterans, and 3,700 companion dogs,” said Piper Hill, founder and CEO of Healing4Heroes.

Currently, Healing4Heroes is building cabins for veterans so they have a more affordable place to stay while in training. It also trains 125 service dogs for veterans. All trainers are in continuing education with more room to learn.

Funding from Yardi will allow Healing4Heroes to finish the second cabin so veterans have a place to stay during training week.

“Yardi has been extremely generous to Healing4Heroes in the past,” said Hill. He continued, “We are extremely grateful for every penny Yardi graciously donated to Healing4Heroes to help our veterans.  We could not complete our mission or help as many veterans as we do a year without the support of wonderful people like you!”

Brian and Jack

Veteran Brian met service dog Jack two weeks ago, who has become a miracle he never thought would happen in a million years. They have built an incredible bond and security, and Brian’s stress level has decreased tremendously. When he gets on edge or even remotely changes his attitude, Jack is there for him to let him know. He calms and chills him out. Brian feels that having something to live and breathe to focus on trumps any ridiculous thought or feeling and is a blessing in disguise.

Brian feels that for those suffering from PTSD or TBI in firefighters, EMTs, police officers or military-related personnel, a genuine service dog is the answer. Brian is there to help anyone who would like to get involved with Healing4Heroes, and he says it’s the best thing that has happened to him.

Thanks to his friends at Healing4Heros, Buck Parker and James Stevens, Brian has a family of camaraderie that was missing in his life.

“I was not forgotten, nor was I left behind, and I will not leave you behind either!”

Volunteer Opportunities

If anyone from Yardi would like to volunteer once the weather cools, the second cabin Healing4Heroes is building will need some property clean-ups. They also have a fundraiser on August 24 at the Crown Plaza in Peachtree City. Dog Days of Summer will need donations and auction items, people to check in others, and someone to watch the auction items. Please see this flyer for more details.

Find future non-profit profiles at https://www.yardi.com/blog/category/giving.

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