Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Sheep Dogs mark decade of service
Online event will feature speakers, silent auction
Sheep Dog Impact Assistance had planned to mark a decade of service Aug. 15, but organizers made the decision to postpone the in-person anniversary celebration until May 1. However, on Aug. 25, the nonprofit organization will play host to an online event, “Sheep Dog IA 10th Anniversary Salute” — a day of looking back at 10 years of service.”
Supporters are encouraged to log in that day on the group’s Facebook page, @SheepDogIA, for live video from 8 to 8:30 a.m., noon to 12:30 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m. “to hear from Sheep Dog program participants who have experienced life change.” An online silent auction to benefit the group at SDIA10. givesmart.com opened last week and will remain live through the conclusion of the anniversary salute at 8 p.m Aug. 25.
Throughout the last 10 years, Rogers nonprofit Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA) has had the honor and privilege of engaging, assisting and empowering our nation’s Sheep Dogs – Veterans and First Responders – who willingly put their lives on the line for us every day. With the generous support of their donors, members and sponsors, SDIA has helped more than 3,000 of these heroes “Get Off The Couch” and reengage in living an active, meaningful and productive life since its founding in 2010, Rose Corscadden, communications director, tells me.
“I am incredibly grateful for the support of our communities, sponsors, donors, staff, leadership and members,” says founder and CEO, retired Marine Sgt. Maj. Lance Nutt, “We see positive change in every participant during our Disaster Response Missions and Outdoor Adventures, and often hear from participants who had been contemplating suicide, but by being with fellow Sheep Dogs, they realized that they are not alone in their struggles. This confirms what we know — by gathering together Sheep Dogs who have suffered similar traumas and experiences, the camaraderie and peer support they receive fosters healing, and their attitude, motivation and perspective are drastically improved. This can be a catalyst for them to create the positive change needed to live their best lives.”
Corscadden adds that since
2010, the group has had a “tremendous impact in the lives of our nation’s heroes.” They have deployed 1,271 members and volunteers on 63 Disaster Response Missions and have assisted 12,583 people recover from tornadoes, hurricanes and flooding. During the covid-19 pandemic, the nonprofit organization assisted 36,275 people by delivering food, water, masks and necessities to people in need and transported 201,325 lbs of donated food to food pantries for distribution.
In between Disaster Response Missions, they have kept 1,756 Sheep Dogs engaged and active through 144 Outdoor Adventures, including trips to New York City and Yellowstone National Park, as well as trips to hunt, fish, hike, skydive, compete in obstacle course races and more. During past holiday seasons, SDIA has also assisted more than 6,200 Sheep Dogs and their families by providing Thanksgiving meals, Christmas gifts for their children and gift cards for First Responders.