Sera Nelson & Jacob Brent- The Fest of Ability

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W.A.G.S. 4 Kids brightens the lives of children with disabilities through service animals. They are hosting a family fun day and 4k in Berea during the first weekend in June – The W.A.G.S. 4K Run, Walk & Roll! Sera Nelson, Director of Development & Special Events and Jacob Brent, Senior at Solon High School join us now to explain this family friendly event.

Event Info:
The Fest of Ability
Saturday, June 4th
9 AM – 3 PM at Coe Lake in Berea
Tickets $10 – $25

Contact Info:
W4K.EventBrite.com

Source: WKYC, Live On Lakeside Originally aired 5.17.2016

Meet Rory

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Rory was born June 5, 2008. At the age of 7, in August, 2015, he was
diagnosed with generalized seizures. His brain was constantly seizing which would
cause him to have short term memory loss. It was difficult for him to learn new
things. When he was told to do something, he would start doing it, then his brain
would seize and reboot. He would then forget what he was told to do. On
December 25, 2015, Rory had his first grand mall seizure. He was put on several
medications. In January, 2016, one of his medications caused him to have
pancreatitis. In March, 2016, they discovered a pseudo cyst on his pancreas and
performed major surgery to remove it. Rory still has grand mall seizures that we
are trying to control with medication, we just never know when they will come.
He loves dirt bikes, ATV’s and just being outside. We had to sell his dirt bike and
his ATV due to his condition. Rory still is very happy and positive even through all
the hospital stays, seizures, surgeries and doctor appointments. He is very brave
and strong. Rory does have difficulty making friends and developing relationships.
We are hoping that a service dog will be a companion to Rory so he can feel more
secure, at ease, make more friends and live life to the fullest even with his
disabilities. Thank You!!!

Click Below to Donate To Rory’s Service Dog

Donate Online Now

Donate Online Now!

You can also mail a check or money order to:

W.A.G.S. 4 Kids

112 East Center Street

Berea, OH 44017

Please make a memo that your donation is for Rory.

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Scene Magazine & Harry Buffalo Present Fourth Annual CLE “Have A Heart” Charity Date Raffle

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Scene Magazine & Harry Buffalo Present Fourth Annual CLE “Have A Heart” Charity Date Raffle
Charity Date Raffle at Barley House to Benefit W.A.G.S. 4 Kids Providing Service Dogs to Local Children with Disabilities
For Immediate Release

CLEVELAND, April 4, 2016 — Presented by Cleveland Scene Magazine & Harry Buffalo, the “CLE Have A Heart Charity Date Raffle” is taking place at the Barley House in downtown Cleveland from 6:30pm to 10:00pm on June 23rd, 2016. Now in its fourth year, CLE Have A Heart’s mission is to create a fun, feel-good event that offers charity-minded men and women the opportunity to meet and make a difference through raising money to change the life of local children living every day with life altering mental and physical challenges.

CLE Have A Heart supports the mission of Working Animals Giving Service for Kids (W.A.G.S. 4 Kids). W.A.G.S. 4 kids is the only 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to training and placing Mobility Service and Autism Spectrum Service dogs to children up to the age of 18. Singles and couples alike are invited to attend this signature Cleveland event for the opportunity to have a great time for an even better cause.

Homa Bash (Channel 5 News) joins Steve Guy (2014 CLE Have A Heart Bachelor, Author “Memoirs of A Wingman”, Host of CleSound.Com‘s “This Awesome Wrestling Show”), entertaining as hosts this year. Along with enjoying open bar and heavy appetizers, guests are invited to bid on date packages as well as meet and mingle with a co-ed crowd of over 400 including the Heart of Rock N’ Roll’s most eligible Bachelors, while the Silent Raffle will feature amazing gift package items valued at over $8,000. Special Guests include Learn 2 Love Me hosting their “adult” prize wheel, a tasting by Cleveland Whiskey, Live Music by DJ G and Live Productions on site to capture your red carpet entrance.

100% of proceeds raised go to Working Animals Giving Service for Kids. W.A.G.S. 4 Kids actively supports kids with challenges and their families. W.A.G.S. 4 Kids presents an opportunity for a child we see spending their life having things done for them, to reach out physical, emotionally, mentally and engage with the world around them.

Tickets to CLE Have A Heart are $30 Early Bird before April 26th, $35 in advance or $40 at the door. To purchase your tickets in advance, click here and follow the instructions.

In partnership with Barley House, PPG, TownHall, HotCards.com, ESPN Cleveland, Lamar Advertising, Orville McEachron Photography, Tito’s, Pier W and other partners, you can be assured of not only a great time, but also a great feeling for being part of a great cause. So what do you have to lose? Make A Date To Change A Life. You might change yours in the process.

About Harry Buffalo
Harry Buffalo and CMG Management Co. are committed to partnering with neighborhood charities to help those in need. A tradition started by local leaders Bobby George and Corey May, community fundraising events are important to each restaurant by giving back to their community by serving families delicious, GMO-free food and donating proceeds to local charities and events. Last year, more than $10,000 was donated to local charities through the company’s Community Fundraiser program.

About W.A.G.S. 4 Kids
W.A.G.S. 4 Kids is YOUR 2015 Cleveland Scene Readers’ Choice Best Charity organization that empowers local children with disabilities by providing mobility service and autism service dogs to meet the specific needs of children with disabilities in Northeast Ohio, utilizing their Award-Winning ODRC Accredited Cell Dog Training Program. Service dogs are custom trained to provide therapeutic, emotional and physical support for children with disabilities and their families. W.A.G.S. 4 Kids is focused on spotlighting the abilities of children with disabilities and works year-round to provide “typical” kids the opportunity to do whatever they love toward the betterment of a classmate facing everyday challenges through their Kids Who Can! Youth Empowerment program. To learn more, visit www.wags4kids.org.

Photo and Video opportunities available. For more information on Cleveland Have A Heart, click here. You may call 216-586-5853 or email Sera@wags4kids.com. Tickets are available now at www.clevelandhaveaheart.org. Sponsorship opportunities still available, click here for more information.

Click Here To Download a PDF Copy of this Media Release

RELATED LINKS

http://www.clevelandhaveaheart.org

http://www.wags4kids.org

Logan & Rockford – Let The Magic Begin…

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We first met Logan in October of 2015. A funny, outgoing and kind 13 year-old, Logan loves NASCAR, Minecraft, building with Legos and watching sports. He likes to sing and enjoys music as well. Logan has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD, and struggles with anxiety. He has difficulty forming relationships and making friends, as well as communicating what he is feeling and thinking. This can lead to a lot of frustration. He also has a difficult time focusing and completing tasks. We adopted Logan when he was four and a half years-old and we’re the fourth placement he had known. All of that moving has caused him to continuously worry about feeling secure. His parents are hopeful that an Autism Service Dog will be a companion for him and help him to meet and make friends, provide security and ease his anxiety.

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These days it’s Spring Training at Logan’s house! With Rockford by his side, Logan has a renewed focus, confidence and general sense of ease when out making new friends. Now mom’s biggest frustration, is getting the boys to stop playing ball when it’s time for dinner. With Logan’s smile looking back at her, it’s a trade well worth making.

Mission Accomplished! Thanks to all of Logan’s friends, family and of course the W.A.G.S.’ community for making this partnership happen! Every event attended, every raffle ticket purchased, makes moments like this possible. Let the magic begin…

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W.A.G.S. 4 Kids Receives 2016 Best of Berea Award

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BestOFBerea2016_SupportServicesPress Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

W.A.G.S. 4 Kids Receives 2016 Best of Berea Award

Berea Award Program Honors the Achievement

BEREA March 1, 2016 — W.A.G.S. 4 Kids has been selected for the 2016 Best of Berea Award in the Support Services category by the Berea Award Program.

Each year, the Berea Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Berea area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2016 Berea Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Berea Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About Berea Award Program

The Berea Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Berea area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

The Berea Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community’s contributions to the U.S. economy.

About W.A.G.S. 4 Kids

Working Animals Giving Service for Kids (W.A.G.S. 4 Kids) is YOUR 2015 Cleveland Scene Readers’ Choice Best Charity organization that empowers local children with disabilities by providing mobility service and autism service dogs to meet the specific needs of children with disabilities in Northeast Ohio, utilizing their Award-Winning ODRC Accredited Cell Dog Training Program. Service dogs are custom trained to provide therapeutic, emotional and physical support for children with disabilities and their families. W.A.G.S. 4 Kids is focused on spotlighting the abilities of children with disabilities and works year-round to provide “typical” kids the opportunity to do whatever they love toward the betterment of a classmate facing everyday challenges through their Kids Who Can! Youth Empowerment program.

SOURCE: Berea Award Program

CONTACT:
Berea Award Program
Email: PublicRelations@awardconnections.org
URL: http://www.awardconnections.org

Sera Nelson
Director of Development & Special Events
Working Animals Giving Service for Kids
Email: sera@wags4kids.com
Phone: 216-586-5853 ext. 2
URL: http://www.wags4kids.org

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Reentering the world in Bay Village

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Olivia, once an outgoing and academically excellent student was diagnosed with Clinical Depression and OCD at 14 years old.  Anxiety and self- harming behaviors took a toll on all aspects of her life.  She became unable to attend school and many days would not leave her bed or her home.  Olivia and her W.A.G.S. Service Dog, Susie, are now exploring the world together!  Olivia’s therapies continue to help her gain the coping skills she needs to live her best life and Susie will be joining her in her classrooms at High School next month.

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ESPN Cleveland Presents W.A.G.S. 4K Run, Walk & Roll

Posted on by Sera

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Contact:
Sera Nelson, Director of Development & Special Events
O: (216) 586-5853 x 2                                                                           sera@wags4kids.com

MEDIA ADVISORY

For Immediate Release: November 19, 2015

ESPN Cleveland Presents W.A.G.S. 4K Run, Walk & Roll

It’s the Fest of Ability! Celebrating Berea and All Our Kids Who Can!

to Benefit W.A.G.S. 4 Kids to Provide Service Dogs to Local Children with Disabilities
WHAT: W.A.G.S. 4 K Run, Walk & Roll is a race made up of three parts: a 4K Run, 1 Mile Walk, and 1 Mile Roll to promote health, ability and visibility in the Special Needs community. This will be our 1st annual W.A.G.S. 4K Run Walk and Roll so we hope you join us in the celebration! The Family Fun doesn’t end when the race does. Stick around and enjoy Food Trucks, raffles, crafts, and other “family friendly” games, challenges and activities built for all ages and ability levels to enjoy and take part in. It’s the FEST OF ABILITY! Celebrating Berea and all our Kids Who Can!
WHEN: Date: Saturday, June 4th 2016

Day-Of Registration & Packet Pick-Up: 9am

Race Start Time: 10am, Walk & Roll Start Time: 10:15am

View The Route & Register Now: http://w4k.eventbrite.com
WHERE: Coe Lake, Berea, OH 44017

Please don’t drink and drive. Thanks to Transportation Sponsor, Uber! Download the app and sign up using promo code WAGS4KIDS to get your first ride free up to $20. $5 will be donated to W.A.G.S. 4 Kids.
INFORMATION: W.A.G.S. 4 K Run Walk and Roll is an annual community event open to all, presented by ESPN Cleveland and Euphoria Health and Fitness aimed to give visibility to W.A.G.S. 4 Kids and the incredible abilities of our community and our children.

Since its beginning in 2004 the mission of W.A.G.S. 4 Kids has maintained a strong commitment to and belief in the ability of children who are able, to help those challenged in their everyday lives. Today we are proud to say that kids across Northeast Ohio are doing their part to change the lives of their peers through the Kids Who Can! Youth Empowerment Program, designed specifically to empower individual students and youth groups to engage whatever individual gifts and talents they may have, in benefit to local children. The first annual W4K Run, Walk & Roll event will be a family fun day in which athletes of all ages & abilities can compete, while also serving as a fundraiser for the training and placement of these life-changing Mobility Service and Autism Service Dogs. Each dog is trained to meet the specific needs of a child with disabilities in Northeast Ohio utilizing our Award-Winning ODRC Accredited Apprenticeship Service Dog Training Program. We are driven by our belief in early intervention and will work with a family as early in a child’s life as there is a need and an interest. Over the past eleven years W.A.G.S. 4 Kids has raised over $1M and provided over 60 Service Dogs to local kids doing spectacular work in our community. Recently voted your 2015 Cleveland Scene Magazine Readers’ Choice Best Charity, we are the charity that Cleveland built. We have never forgotten that Berea is where our roots took hold and where they will forever be our home.

We are very proud to be able to give back to the community. But we are even prouder of the people who share in the belief that we all deserve to actively pursue happy and healthy lives. 2016 marks our 12th year in celebrating camaraderie of this kind and we truly hope that you will take part in joining us next year as we march forward.

Guests who have questions or want to come to the WAGS 4K Run, Walk & Roll are encouraged to register by calling 216.586.5853 x 2 or emailing sera@wags4kids.com. Guests may also view the route and directly register by visiting the above links.

 

Download PDF: W.A.G.S.4KRunWalkRollMediaAdvisory2016-0604.docx

A Thankful Thanksgiving – Kaitlynn & Wilson

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For this edition of “A Thankful Thanksgiving – Kaitlynn & Wilson” Kaitlynn’s Mom, Michaelle, went above and beyond to produce the below video. It brought our staff to tears.

When words fail…press play:

Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving from our family at W.A.G.S. 4 Kids. It’s been 11 years (can you believe it?) On behalf of our board, our staff, our volunteers, our parents, our children, our inmate apprentices and the staff of Grafton Correctional Institute…Today and every day we are thankful for your love, your support, without which, none of this would be possible. When we say “Let the magic begin” Know that you are the magicians. We know, and you know that our children are capable of anything and everything their heart desires. Thank you for believing in them. Cheers to making more dreams a reality in 2016!

William’s Anchor – A Thankful Thanksgiving

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Sponsor A Child, William

William was born with a Genetic disorder of TUBB4A gene. (Meet William)

Mom, Eve, was given a brochure about W.A.G.S. 4 Kids. William had wanted a dog for many years and says “I thought that I needed to take action.”

Because of William’s extensive physical disabilities, he is surrounded by adults but has no same-age friends and hence, no social life. By getting a service dog, the family knew that William would develop a personal relationship with his dog and have a best friend like no other.

Day 1 William & Anchor leave Grafton Correctional Institution Let the magic begin!

Day 1 William & Anchor leave Grafton Correctional Institution Let the magic begin!

It has been six months since Anchor has met his forever friend in William “It has changed his life. He now has a constant friend and companion who is there for him.”

“I regularly tell people about W.A.G.S. and how unique it is in that it is not only helping children but also helping inmates who have lost hope in their lives. Many inmates are early victims themselves and they have never had an opportunity to see themselves as contributing to something important. This program is such a win-win for children in need and adults who want to turn their lives around.” says mom, Eve.

New to the program in 2015, families are now able to enter Grafton Correctional Institution in Grafton, OH no matter a child’s age (previously this was only a privilege allowed to recipients 18+), to have the advantage of training alongside the inmates apprentices. While each family still receives in-home transition training from a W.A.G.S. 4 Kids staff trainer, this critical hands-on hand-off is crucial to the success of each partnership. But the support of W.A.G.S. staff doesn’t end there. “The knowledge level is exceptional and the willingness to reach out and help in continued training is excellent. I feel that anytime there might be an issue there is ready access to answer questions and make suggestions. It is evident that everyone involved in W.A.G.S. is passionate about the mission and that they are willing to do whatever it takes to help a child in need.”

Stay tuned for next week’s final installment of our 2015 Thankful Thanksgiving Blog series. Dedicated to, who else?…You!