LINCOLN, Ill. (WAND) — A unique program at Logan Correctional Center is transforming lives, both within the prison walls and far beyond, one trained dog at a time.
The Helping Paws Program pairs incarcerated women with mobility service dogs. The program allows women to learn valuable skills while preparing service and assistance animals for Paws Giving Independence in Peoria and the MidAmerica Service Dogs' Foundation in Chicago.
The program recently hosted a holiday celebration, bringing former program dogs and their recipients back inside the facility.
“It makes my heart happy to see these women do what they do in here," said Lisa Dial, who is with the Helping Paws Program inside LCC.
Dial said the impact for the women involved is significant, both personally and professionally.
“They are learning a trade that they can take with them outside of here,” Dial said. “We have the lowest recidivism rate in this program, which is 4.5%.”
Participants receive hands-on experience in dog training, grooming and specialized service work, skills that can translate directly into employment opportunities after release.
For many women, the most meaningful part of the program is seeing the dogs they trained go on to help others. During this event, women were able to reunite with dogs they hadn’t seen in years and meet the people whose lives were changed by them.
“The special part is they get to see the actual end product that they trained and put out there with the person that they met up with,” Dial said.
Several participants spoke about the emotional impact of those reunions and the personal growth they’ve experienced through the program. Amber Cannella told WAND News she has trained five or six service dogs, and is currently working in roles ranging from mobility assistance to vision support.
She described the program as transformative, helping her and others rebuild confidence and purpose during incarceration.
“I’ve learned that I am worthy of a second chance,” Cannella said. “Training these dogs, we’re giving them a purpose. But in turn, I’ve gained a purpose.”
Dial added that the program’s success is reflected not only in statistics, but in moments like seeing participants recognize their own growth.
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