PAWS for People earns three awards from small business chamber
PAWS for People, a Newark-based pet therapy organization, was recognized with three Blue Ribbon Awards at the Delaware Small Business Chamber’s annual meeting April 12.
Bob Older, DSBC founder and president, presented Blue Ribbon Awards to recognize the top member businesses in 20 different categories. The Judges’ Choice Blue Ribbon Award winners are determined by a select panel of judges; the general public’s vote determines the winners of the People’s Choice Blue Ribbon Awards.
PAWS for People received the following three 2018 Awards: Community Involvement Award - Judges’ Choice; Customer Service of the Year - Judges’ Choice; Community Involvement Award - People’s Choice.
Older said this is the first time both the judges’ and the public’s votes were unanimous. “We are honored and thrilled to receive these three prestigious awards from the DSBC,” said Lynne Robinson, PAWS for People executive director. “This recognition underscores and reinforces our ongoing commitment to our community and the myriad services PAWS provides to its population.”
PAWS for People is a volunteer nonprofit organization that provides one-on-one animal-assisted therapy and comfort for children and adults with physical, social and emotional challenges. PAWS therapy pets are gentle, well-trained and certified to interact with people of all ages.
Currently, more than 500 PAWS therapy teams visit 160-plus facilities in Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland. Visitation sites include hospices, assisted living facilities, Alzheimer’s units, chemotherapy treatment rooms, physical and occupational rehabilitation sites, and drug and alcohol treatment centers. In addition, PAWS for Reading teams provide reading sessions in schools and libraries to help children enjoy reading while improving their literacy skills with the comfort and encouragement of an affectionate cat, dog or bunny.
