South Fork AICs Get to Attend Graduation Ceremony

South Fork JLAD AICs from Left to right Nicholas Schmit, Brent Morrow, Naythan Olney,
John Savelich, Chet Schisler, and Jonathan Cuha

Recently, South Fork Forest Camp (SFFC) had the privilege of taking six adults in custody (AICs) to the Joys of Living Assistance Dogs (JLAD) graduation in Keizer. The best part? The AICs had no idea that this field trip had been approved!

The AICs were warmly welcomed by the other guests, who expressed their appreciation for the hard work put into training the dogs. Originally, two AICs, Olney and Schisler, were scheduled to be guest speakers via video. However, they had the chance to address the audience in person, sharing their experiences and what JLAD has taught them about themselves. The recipients of the dogs trained at SFFC were able to personally thank the AICs, creating an emotional and memorable moment for everyone.

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A Special Graduation and Passing of the Leash Ceremony at EOCI

Earlier this month, a heartwarming and transformative event took place at the Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution (EOCI). It marked the fifth Joys of Living Assistance Dogs (JLAD) program graduation and passing of the leash ceremony. AICs, EOCI staff, JLAD volunteers, and the fortunate recipients of these exceptional service animals attended the momentous occasion.

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Puppies! Puppies! Puppies!

The Joys of Living Assistance Dogs program is going strong at South Fork Forest Camp

Last year, South Fork Forest Camp (SFFC) partnered with the Joys of Living Assistance Dogs (JLAD), a non-profit organization dedicated to training and raising service dogs to support and assist persons living with disabilities. The adults in custody (AICs) train them, and then the dogs are placed with individuals that need them. Below are testimonials from AICs talking about how the program has impacted their lives.

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South Fork Forest Camp Introduces the Joys of Living Assistance Dogs Program

South Fork Forest Camp (SFFC) recently partnered with the Joys of Living Assistance Dogs (JLAD), a non-profit organization dedicated to training and raising service dogs. Their mission is to provide skilled, devoted service dogs to support and assist persons living with disabilities – creating cohesive teams focused on building a life of greater freedom and independence. The adults in custody (AICs) train them, and then the dogs are placed with individuals that need them.

Last week, SFFC received their first set of eight puppies who will be rotated through SFFC four at a time. These dedicated AICs at SFFC put their hearts and souls into these dogs, and clearly the dogs do wonders for these individuals too. Below are testimonials from AICs talking about how the program has, and will, impact their lives.

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Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution’s JLAD Service Dog Program

Here is a little history about the Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution (EOCI) Joys of Living Assistance Dogs (JLAD) Service dog Program. EOCI started the program in 2016, after almost a year of planning. Approximately 70 percent of the dogs graduate from the program, which is above the national average. The training program started with 16 puppies and has expanded to 32 dogs. Only 16 dogs are trained at any given time, as the dogs are rotated in and out every week.

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Shutter Creek Dog Graduates from JLAD

Adult in custody trainers pose with SCCI dogs

Last Saturday, Joys of Living Assistance Dogs (JLAD) held a graduation ceremony for dogs who have completed the program and were being officially placed with their recipients. Shutter Creek Correctional Institution (SCCI) was beyond excited to have Saber, one of the institution’s first JLAD dogs, as part of the graduating class. Saber worked with SCCI off and on over the past year and has now been placed with a young family and will be providing support to the mom in that family. You can follow JLAD on Facebook to see more pictures of the ceremony and updates on what the dogs do in their off weeks from SCCI.

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