IMPACT (Inmates Providing Animal Care and Training)

The idea of an IMPACT program originated from Dr. Thomas Lane of the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Lane had intimate knowledge of the therapeutic value in a dog’s unconditional love and felt IMPACT would be a way for inmates to contribute back to society. A proposal was made to the State of Florida, Department of Corrections asking the state to allow inmates at the minimum security Work Camp in Gainesville to participate in Southeastern’s Puppy Raiser Program.

The administrators of the Work Camp agreed to implement the program. They arranged for kennels to be placed on the grounds of the Work Camp and screened potential participants. Dr. Lane offered his services in overseeing the medical care of the puppies at no cost.

Southeastern began placing puppies with the inmates at the Work Camp. All the puppies were official guide dog pups and were expected to learn manners, basic obedience and receive daily care and plenty of love from the inmates. Through this program both the inmates and the puppies learned the power of positive stimuli.

This program was an instant win-win for puppies and inmates alike. Our puppies received seemingly unlimited attention and care from the inmates while the inmates themselves had something of real value to give back. Many of the inmates lives were transformed from their experience in the IMPACT program.

Today's program has expanded to the Ridgeland Correctional Facility in South Carolina, Coleman's Federal Women's Prison in Florida, Metro State Prison in Atlanta, Georiga, correctional facililty at the Maxwell Airfoce base near Montgomery, Alabama, Gainsville Correctional Institution, Gainsville, Florida, Lawtey Correctinal Institution, Stark, Florida, and Port Manatee Juvenile Facility, Palmetto, Florida.

The program has been a success for both Southeastern Guide Dogs and inmates who have participated.