Causes: Centers to Support the Independence of Specific Populations, Human Services

Mission: For more than 30 years, Fidos has existed for two simple reasons:-to enhance the quality of life for persons with mobility impairments, hearing loss and veterans with PTSD in the Baltimore-Washington area by partnering them with specially trained assistance dogs-to improve the quality of life for people in healthcare/educational facilities through the use of well-trained therapy dogs who offer unconditional affection and attention, including the Fidos Dogs Educating & Assisting Readers (aka DEAR Program) taking place in local schools and libraries. Fidos DEAR Program improves reading skills by encouraging children to read one-on-one with a Fidos Therapy Dog and Trained Volunteer. -to build disability awareness and develop healthy and helpful relationships with dogs and their handlers for high school students through our Junior Volunteer Program which has an excellent reputation and benefits for young people who desire to perform voluntary community service.

Target demographics: Use specially trained dogs to enhance the lives of people in the area. Washington/Baltimore Metropolitan area.

Direct beneficiaries per year: Six service dog teams graduated, 15 clients in training, 35 active service dog teams and our therapy teams did over 50 socially distanced and virtual visits and reading sessions.

Geographic areas served: Washington-Baltimore Metropolitan Area

Programs: - Dogs for veterans including PTSD, hearing dogs, service dogs. - Hearing and service dogs for area residents with disabilities. - Therapy dog teams that visit medical and educational facilities. - DEAR (Dogs Educating and Assisting Readers) and Fidos Lends An Ear (virtual) tell literacy programs where students read to therapy dogs. - A Junior Volunteer program. - Public outreach and education about the importance of service dogs and therapy dogs. - An intern program for high school students