Community Enrichment Programs
Along with serving as a sanctuary for senior dogs, Pepper’s is a valuable community resource for underserved populations.
Pepper’s provides a safe space for senior dogs as well as people in a positive and inclusive environment.
Through our community enrichment programs, we provide social and emotional support, essential life skills training, workforce development resources, and learning opportunities to underserved groups such as adults with neurodiverse conditions, adults with disabilities, senior memory care residents, and students from accredited school transition programs.
PAWS TO PROFESSION:
Helping Adults with Autism
Our “Paws to Profession” enrichment program is innovatively designed to enhance the social and emotional wellbeing of autistic adults, while providing workforce development training and helping them to take their next steps toward independence.
The program is led in collaboration with professional caregivers from our partner organizations. Autistic adults from various organizations are paired with senior dogs within our sanctuary in a safe and mutually beneficial environment.
Participants are involved in caregiving activities led by staff that require task completion and responsibility that are essential to job readiness. In addition, by engaging in positive interactions with our senior dogs, participants acquire social and emotional regulation skills, confidence, and empathy all while laying the groundwork for independent living and future employment opportunities.
Our dogs look forward to the days when these friends get to come visit and play with them at the end of their volunteer shift.
SENIORS HELPING SENIORS:
Serving Retirees, Independent Living Residences, and Memory Care Groups
Our “Seniors Helping Seniors” enrichment program brings together individuals from retirement communities, independent living homes, and memory care groups and pairs them with our senior dogs in a safe, supportive environment.
The program is designed to promote social and emotional wellbeing, reduce feelings of loneliness or isolation, increase cognitive stimulation, encourage physical activity and mobility, and enhance overall quality of life for both senior companions. Program participants engage with our senior dogs in various activities including leisurely walks, story time, indoor and/or outdoor play, and cuddle sessions that occasionally result in a good nap. Our dedicated team of staff and trained volunteers work in collaboration with senior caregiving partners to ensure a safe and enriching experience for all participants.
Our senior dogs have a lot of life lessons and love left to share.
PAWSITIVE PATHWAYS:
Helping Young Adults with Education and Job Readiness
Our “Pawsitive Pathways” enrichment program provides students coming from transition schools with hands-on learning experiences in support of their Individualized Education Plans (IEP) or 504 Plans.
With the assistance of our senior dogs and dedicated staff, educators can effectively address the emotional and social needs of these young adults as they navigate pivotal life transitions. In addition, our sanctuary fosters an environment for personal growth and development, offering a safe space where program participants can engage in unique learning opportunities alongside their canine companions that improve their job readiness and essential life skills. Local collaborative partners include Cherry Creek School District Transition and Jeffco Transition School.
Our senior dogs have overcome difficult life transitions of their own and serve as inspiring examples of perseverance.
Help Senior Dogs Thrive
There are so many ways you can help PSDS and the senior dogs in need across the country.