Home of Guiding Hands is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public benefit corporation (Tax ID # 95-6058273) located in eastern San Diego County, California. For over 40 years, they have provided ongoing educational, social, medical and familial support for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
A few years ago, Home of Guiding Hands sold their big campus in Lakeside and purchased 28 individual group homes offering around the clock caregivers and support staff to their clientele. It has truly become a home for the 400 plus people they work with on a daily basis.
Not only do they need to upkeep and maintain 28 individual group homes, but there are pets who live in most of the houses, sometimes several pets live in just one house. Shots, veterinarian visits, and food have no designated funding in the organization’s budget. State funding cannot be used to pay for extras, like pets. Yet, many agree that the residents love their dogs, cats, fish and birds. Their pets make the houses feel like real homes.
Most of the individuals in HGH’s programs are very low income and cannot afford these pets on their own. The caregivers often donate their own funds to provide pet care and food when needed, but nothing is in place for long-term provisions for these animals.
A gift designated for Home of Guiding Hands’ pets would provide much needed support for ongoing pet therapies, emergency veterinarian services, yearly shots and special treats, as well as, providing funds for replacement of damaged items, furnishings, carpets and screens, occasionally caused by the pets. Please help the people and pets of Home of Guiding Hands by donating today. Visit their website at http://www.guidinghands.org/ for more information about this wonderful organization.
Thank you!
P.S.
I wrote this essay for a contest I wanted to enter. Unfortunately, after writing this piece, I found out that I could not submit it due to my age. I decided to go ahead and post it here.
On a side note: I worked for this organization for two years. The above info is based on my own personal experiences in the Development Department. I have often felt the pets were an integral part of making houses into actual homes and the residents were so attached to them. I remember when one dog required surgery, it was like pulling teeth to get funding for it. The staff and the residents of that home were blessed when someone came through with a donation to help out so the dog did not have to be put to sleep. Many of the dogs in the homes are retired seeing eye dogs and have served our community so admirably. They are the gentlest animals, obedient and well trained, but they are older and require medical treatment.
So please, if you love pets, if you love helping people with developmental disabilities, consider contacting HGH and offering your support. Trust me, any dog and cat toys, aquariums and supplies, bird cages, pet food for all types of animals, gift cards to Petco or any pet store is needed. So even if you can't donate money, but if you have new pet items you could donate to the pets of HGH, I'm sure it would be very much appreciated.-Angie
