Guide Dogs for the Blind is an organization with the mission of providing "enhanced mobility to qualified individuals through partnership with dogs whose unique skills are developed and nurtured by dedicated volunteers and a professional staff."

Guide Dogs for the Blind has a campus in San Rafael and Oregon but the Board of Guide Dog for the Blind is located in Sacramento.

There are 12 schools accredited by the International Federation of Guide Dog Schools in the United States and some in other countries as well. Roughly 10,000 people use guide dogs in the US and Canada.

Programs

• Training with a Guide Dog - The dog has been specially trained to assist the mobility of a person who is blind. The person is responsible for directing the dog by keeping a mental map, being the leader of team, and providing care and praise. All services and benefits are offered free of charge, including: transportation to and from Guide Dogs' campus; room and board; dog equipment and, of course, your Guide Dog.
• Post-graduation Support - GDB's extensive follow-up program is the most comprehensive of its kind, including everything from phone consultation, personal home visits, education, advocacy, and networking.
• Workshops for Persons Considering a Guide Dog - The purpose of this workshop is to introduce you to the unique benefits and responsibilities of working and living with a Guide Dog. You will gain information through discussion and hands-on experiences. You will leave with the ability to make an informed decision as to whether or not a Guide Dog is a viable choice for you.
• Guide dogs for blind and visually impaired youth - Our K9 Buddy Program matches specially selected dogs to become wonderful friends to visually impaired children and young adults. A dog can contribute to sensory development, motivating a child to learn and enhancing self esteem.
• Programs for the dogs - Breeding, adoption, guide dog training, kennel programs, puppy raising, veterinary, and etc.

Volunteer

There are great ways to get involved with Guide Dogs for the Blind and volunteering is absolutely one of them. Volunteers welcome dogs into their homes; they act as program ambassadors, help stuff envelopes, and stay caught up on filing. Qualifying to be a volunteer is flexible and anyone with any type of skill can help. A few volunteering opportunities provided are community volunteers, breeding stock custodians, puppy raisers, campus volunteers, and speakers.

Short-term Volunteering

You can participate in activities such as the Week of Caring and other community volunteer days if you are looking for a one-time or short-term volunteer projects.

Donations

This is a nonprofit organization and donations are help out a lot. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by federal and state laws. They can be made online, by mail, in person, or events held by the organization.

Planned Giving

As part of our Development Department, our Planned Giving staff oversees deferred gifts to our school. We can help create a gift plan that will best express your desire to support Guide Dogs for the Blind, and at the same time fulfill your personal financial goals.

Shop with GDB Partners

When you shop with the following merchants, a portion proceeds will be donated to Guide Dogs:

• Natural Balance Pet Foods
• Guide Dogs for the Blind VISA Platinum Rewards Credit Card (partnered with UMB)
• AirTrain Airways
• Alaska Airlines
• Brick & Bottle
• Captain Kirk's San Francisco Sailing
• Cloud Star Corporation
• Cloverbyclover
• Panera Bread Co.
• ...and so much more.

Mailing Address for Donations

Donations Department Guide Dogs for the Blind P.O. Box 3950 San Rafael, CA 94912-3950

Fundraisers

The fundraisers help benefit the organization and training for dogs and students and veterinary care for working guides and puppies in training.

Oregon Fall Luncheon

Date:November 4, 2011 Location:The Oregon Zoo Cascade Crest Banquet Center Cost:$60.00

Festive Holiday Luncheon

Date:December 7, 2011 Location:Westin St. Francis Hotel, San Francisco, Grand Ballroom Cost:$125

There is also an open independent fundraising and anybody part of the organization can hold fundraisers.

References

Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc., Web. 31 Oct. 2011

Comments

This report was written for Cynthia Linville’s English 1A class at CSU Sacramento Fall 2011.