PawsAbilities Image Make a Gift Give from my Community Foundation Fund

PawsAbilities

Interest Areas: Animal Related | Disability Services | Employment/Workforce Development | Human Services
Goal: $50,000
Funding Deadline: December 31, 2026
Giving Type: Capital Campaign

Project Description

HOPE Agency was founded in 2004 with a passion for supporting and mentoring individuals with special needs into realizing their potential and value in their communities. HOPE Agency not only supports individuals in their homes, but also in employment settings. We believe that employment and volunteering are crucial to everyone feeling value and purpose.

A dog is a person’s best friend. We treat our dogs like any other part of the family. We believe that dogs thrive in an engaging setting where they can learn good manners and boundaries. Through fun activities designed to promote impulse control and social skills, they ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all dogs in their care.

How do these two entities connect? HOPE Agency started PawsAbilities in November 2024. The impact of this opportunity has been far reaching for several reasons:

  • Volunteer opportunities for individuals with special needs to help gain skills for future employment in their communities.
  • Employment opportunities for individuals with special needs.
  • Exposure of human services to youth, resulting in greater understanding, compassion, and acceptance of others.
  • Extra income to support HOPE’s programming services.

Hope Agency leased a building at 217 S Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, and has an existing construction loan of $150,000 that paid for tenant improvements to open PawsAbilities and relocate our offices. To keep our current and future rents low, we have set a goal of raising $150,000 within 3 years to pay off our loan early. Keeping our rent low allows extra income from operations to directly fund Hope Agency’s mission. Currently we are at $100,000 of our $150,000 goal.

Any amount of support provides impact. Impact for individuals with special needs to realize their potential and worth. Impact for youth that realize that everyone wants to be accepted and valued. Impact for our communities that foster a community of inclusion and acceptance.

Thank you for considering being a part of this initiative that will strengthen our community.