Helping People with Disabilities Lead Independent Lives—with Canine Companions

For people with disabilities, leading an independent life can be an extraordinary challenge—at any age. But one proven way to help the disabled lead lives with greater independence is through the companionship of service dogs. In today’s episode, we talk with Dorian Stern, the director of philanthropy for the Northeast region of Canine Companions, a national nonprofit organization that provides remarkable, highly trained service dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities. Now in its 50^th year, Canine Companions offers services at no cost to qualified individuals. Dorian, a self-described “altruistic cheerleader,” will describe how various programs work, how dogs are trained, and the various roles and services they can provide. She’ll also explain ways people can get involved with the organization, from becoming a puppy raiser to volunteering for events, like Dogfest.

About the Guest:

Dorian Stern is the Director of Philanthropy for the Northeast region of Canine Companions, a national nonprofit organization that provides service dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice and educational settings. In her role, Dorian identifies, cultivates and partners with individuals, foundations and corporate partners who wish to further the kinship between Canine Companions’ remarkable, highly trained dogs of and their new owners. An inventive, dynamic executive, she has applied her talents in marketing and sales from the corporate sector to the nonprofit area, specializing in donor relations, grants, fundraising, strategic analyst, and community organizing.