Paws With A Cause’s $9.5M facility renovation to expand services
Paws With A Cause embarks on a new chapter with a $9.5 million renovation of its Wayland headquarters to expand custom-trained assistance dog services.
What’s happening: Paws With A Cause (PAWS) is marking a major milestone in its nearly 45-year history with a $9.5 million renovation of its headquarters in Wayland. The nonprofit, known for custom-training assistance dogs for individuals with disabilities, broke ground on the project in August. The investment will help the nonprofit serve more clients.
Why it is happening: Launched as part of PAWS’ first community capital campaign, “Embrace the Journey,” the renovations will modernize the organization’s facilities at 4646 Division St. in Wayland. Entering its public phase in April, the campaign has already raised over $8.6 million.
With less than $1 million remaining to reach its goal, the organization is calling on the community to rally around the project. Dan Vos Construction Co., Journey Construction Group, and FMD Architects are managing the project.
What they are saying: “We are one step closer to providing independence, confidence, and companionship for more people with disabilities through the partnership of a PAWS assistance dog,” says Michele Suchovsky, PAWS CEO. “What started as a simple goal to serve more clients has become a $9.5 million campaign and facility renovation project that is set to have a lasting impact.”
Why it is important: The facility upgrades are focused on five areas: a modernized training center, improved accessibility, a state-of-the-art veterinary clinic, the addition of a new “canine village” training space, and enhanced breeding and foster puppy areas. PAWS has outgrown its existing facilities, which have been in use since 1994 and lacked the capacity for the growing number of assistance dogs needed to meet client demand.
Who will be impacted: Molly Koroleski, a PAWS client and treasurer of the board of directors, shares how her hearing dog, Mater, was custom-trained to alert her to essential sounds like her alarm clock, cell phone, and even her baby crying.
“These renovations will allow PAWS to match and custom-train more assistance dogs like Mater for clients like me,” Koroleski says.
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