Feeling lost? Turn to Freedom and Courage, and follow Follow’s lead.
Did we mention that Freedom is a Goldendoodle, Courage is a mini Bernedoodle, and Follow is a Maltese?
Local nonprofit Inspire Women, with offices in the Spring Branch District, recently launched Inspire Doodles. This program sends trained therapy dogs along with program graduates and ministry leaders to provide emotional support to communities in transition or crisis, such as Mission of Yahweh, which serves homeless women and those recovering from abuse.
“As a child growing up in a turbulent environment, my dog was a safe friend I could rely on during times of emotional need,” said Anita Carman, Founder and President of Inspire Women and Inspire Doodles. Today, Carman — through her organizations — can support individuals and communities who would benefit from similar emotional support.
Research shows that therapy dogs are effective in lowering anxiety levels. They create a safe space for children and individuals who have experienced trauma, allowing them to speak openly and start the process of emotional healing.
“Through trained therapy dogs led by ministry leaders who are also registered therapy dog handlers, we combine paws and hands in service,” Carman said.
And it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. “Our dogs vary in size. Depending on the situation, we will dispatch the right pup for the right scenario,” Carman added.
Inspire Women is dedicated to empowering women through leadership development and biblical training. They provide programs and resources to equip women for ministry and missions, including a leadership development program.
For the past 25 years, Inspire Women has empowered women through discipleship, leadership development, radio programs and regular gatherings aimed at replenishing those who serve. To date, the organization has awarded over $8.7 million in scholarships. This year, they welcomed their largest cohort yet: 160 students currently active in the program.
The signature curriculum offered through Inspire Women’s Leadership Academy is designed to help women develop the emotional resilience necessary to complete their mission, whatever it may be. Completion of the Leadership Academy is recognized for credit at select accredited institutions.
The group is currently preparing for its 25th annual conference on September 6 at The Westin Galleria. Keynote speakers will include Carman, along with an award-winning movie producer and director who is developing a film about her.
For registration, visit: https://inspirewomen.org/events/conference/
Later this fall, the nonprofit will host an awards luncheon at the River Oaks Country Club, which serves as the ministry’s sole annual fundraiser.
“We invest in the leadership potential of women serving as nonprofit leaders, ministry leaders, counselors, and missionaries. The women we train reach abused children, trafficked women, at-risk youth, drug addicts, and alcoholics within hundreds of different ministries,” Carman said. “When you support Inspire Women, you support countless needs in the world.”
For more information, visit: https://inspirewomen.org/events/award-luncheon/
— Dorothy Puch Lillig
Inspire Doodles is seeking sponsors for their therapy dogs. Want to help? Visit https://inspiredoodles.org/.
