ICAN hopes to change lives on both ends of the leash

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Indiana Canine Assistant Network’s mission changes lives on both ends of the leash. The Indiana based non-profit trains service dogs in a different way - in prisons. Participating inmates are given a dog to raise and train to provide independence and confidence for children and adults with disabilities while also offering a sense of purpose and second chance for these inmate handlers.

In fact, 68% of the men and women released from the program go into an animal related job. The cycle works to benefit the community as a whole.

“And when they see the result, a dog who knows no cues or command and then every day is learning something new and watching that development happen, for that individual, its really gaining their confidence and at the end of the day they get to contribute to the world right from where they are,” says Jillian Ashton, President and CEO of ICAN.  

Learn further information about ICAN here.