East Clinton Family Receives Service Dog Thanks To Funds Raised By Magnified Giving Students
February 5, 2021 | Written by Lindsey Barta
In 2018, we shared the inspiring story of how students in the Magnified Giving Program at East Clinton High School raised $4,000 for 4 Paws for Ability in order to fund a service dog placement for the family of a former program participant.
At an emotional Giving Ceremony in May 2018, the Roosa family learned that the money raised by the East Clinton students was the exact amount needed to complete fundraising for a service dog for their son, Austin, who has Autism, severe Anxiety, and Sensory Processing Disorder.
As a result, the Roosas were able to move forward in the 4 Paws Program, where dogs are bred and trained specifically for each child or veteran. In the midst of this process, the Roosas’ son Alex was diagnosed with ODD, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Sensory Processing Disorder. Since both boys have diagnoses that fall under the ADA, the Roosas’ team of doctors and the staff at 4 Paws for Ability decided to increase the dog’s responsibilities to meet the needs of both Alex and Austin. They were pleased to learn that their new dog would be able to support two of their children! The family submitted interview questions and videos to the trainers to give them an inside look at Austin and Alex’s needs, their family dynamics, and everyday life. This information helps the breeder technicians and trainers to make exactly the perfect match for their family.
The Roosa family with their new service dog, Holden. Image courtesy of Memories by Beverly.
Enter Holden the Golden Lab! We are excited to share that after delays due to Covid-19, the Roosas finally received their amazing service dog Holden on October 5, 2020. Amy Roosa says, “Holden has been amazing help for all of us! His attention to the boys and his calming actions through task-trained skills allow for a more typical lifestyle and makes daily life a lot less stressful. Holden truly loves his job and is proud of what he does.”
Amy is optimistic for the future and the new possibilities available to her sons and her family thanks to Holden’s special skills. She says, “We are most looking forward to normalized public life - of course, this also must include Covid subsiding. We are hoping that a social bridge will be created because of Holden. Dogs are kid magnets and so we are hoping that other children will engage with Holden and our boys and eventually, our hope is that Austin will be able to answer stock questions about the dog, such as: What is his name? or How old is he? Right now, Austin does not engage in conversations with peers.”
4 Paws for Ability has gone above and beyond in providing support for the Roosa family. Amy says, “My experience with 4 Paws has been nothing short of miraculous. Their organization is inclusive, transparent, and non-judgmental. It’s not just an organization that I used to obtain a service dog, we are family through the experience. I feel so connected to the staff, as well as the other families that have also gone through the program. Fortunately, this experience isn’t temporary, they are committed to continually supporting us with any need that may rise in the future. There just isn’t any way to adequately thank them for the life changing involvement they have had in our lives.”
Because of experiences and stories like this, we aren’t surprised that students in the Magnified Giving program have granted over $26,000 to 4 Paws for Ability since 2008! Students are consistently compelled by their mission and the huge impact they have on children, families, and veterans.
Sweet Holden relaxes during his 4 Paws for Ability program graduation ceremony. Image courtesy of Memories by Beverly.
Casey Curtis, the teacher from East Clinton High School whose students raised the funds needed to place a dog with the Roosa family, said, ”I can’t imagine not being a part of Magnified Giving. It has become such an integral part of my life. My family has fallen in love with the program so much that it’s a household term. I love the entire concept of this program and what it gives the students as far as empowerment. They are doing good in their community and they have the power to change the world. This program gives them that confidence and it makes them be better individuals as they go out into the world.”
Casey has maintained a special and supportive relationship with the family. Amy Roosa says, “Our family has become fast friends with Casey and her family. Casey has such an amazing heart for others. Casey is inspiring to watch, as she encourages the Magnified Giving students at East Clinton. She did such a great job when my daughter was in the program many years ago and I can see that she continues to do the same with each group that moves through each year. I am proud of Casey and her class, and I am humbled to have been blessed by them.”
This story is packed with beautiful layers that show why empowering students as philanthropists is so important and valuable. Donors generously gave of their treasure to support Magnified Giving, and Magnified Giving supported Casey and her students at East Clinton with philanthropy curriculum and a $1,000 grant to give away. These students, compelled by what they learned through Magnified Giving and motivated by a need in their own community, went above and beyond to raise additional funds for the grant, involving their whole school in the effort through NERF fight fundraisers, bake sales, “dress down days” for teachers, and more. As a result, Holden gets to be part of the Roosa family! The funds provided by Magnified Donors helped empower students through a life-changing experience and directly support the Roosa family through the hands of a wonderful local nonprofit. So many supportive and caring relationships resulted from this process and gift. With all of this in mind, Amy Roosa says, “Thank you, Magnified Giving, for your role in making this possibility a reality!!!”