A Special Gift
Here’s an utter unusual and unexpected place. Retrieving Freedom, Inc. near Sedalia Missouri is a a pleasant surprise. They are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that trains and places Service Dogs for veterans with disabilities and children with autism nationwide, completely free of charge to the recipients. Their brand new facility is located just out of town on a stunning property with a lake and hiking trails designed for the physically disabled.
They train and have placed over 300 Service Dogs to assist with specific tasks for their clients, such as mobility assistance, seizure alert, and emotional support. In addition volunteers provide loving homes and basic training to future Service Dogs during the first stage of their journey. They partner with colleges, universities, and correctional facilities to provide training opportunities and raise awareness about Service Dogs. In their career development program they hire and train local residents to become Service Animal trainers. They offer additional services to support veterans with disabilities, such as job placement assistance and mental health resources. In addition they have received high ratings from charity evaluators like Charity Navigator (4 stars) and Give.org relying on donations, grants, and fundraising event
Retrieving Freedom website: https://www.retrievingfreedom.org