AAF of the Midlands announces PAALS as the ‘16-‘17 public service recipient

June 15, 2016

The American Advertising Federation (AAF) of The Midlands has awarded local non-profit, PAALS as the club’s public service client for 2016-2017. The Midlands chapter selects one nonprofit organization in our community, from all applications received, each year and assists them with their marketing and advertising needs.

AAF of the Midlands selected PAALs to serve as the public service candidate for 2016-2017 to benefit from a partnership in further promoting their services and offerings. PAALS trains animals to assist people with varying abilities to live more independent and enriched lives by providing them with assistance dogs. Some of PAALs specially trained canines are taught to turn lights on and off, tug open doors, pick up dropped items and alert for help to assist individuals in wheelchairs. Other dogs go on to assist children with autism and soldiers with PTSD to accomplish therapeutic and real life goals. These dogs are primarily placed in and around South Carolina.

PAALS is committed to enriching and empowering children and adults with physical disabilities and social needs by training service animals and providing animal assisted educational and recreational activities. PAALs offers a range of services and programs in support of individuals with mobility challenges and individuals with Autism, to those with PTSD or those needing general home or facility companions.

AAF of the Midlands will begin work with PAALS this summer. As stated by PAALS lead, Jen Rogers, “PAALS is thrilled to work with AAF of the Midlands- their support in helping us establish and execute on a thoughtful and strategic plan with help us further increase our reach in support of our mission of helping our community as the only ADI accredited program and AAII member based in the state of South Carolina.” Our collaboration will work towards stating a prominent voice for PAALS within the community in an effort to further reach those in need of these valuable services.

For more information on our Public Service initiatives or to download the Public Service application, visit aafmidlands.com.

 

About PAALS

PAALS trains animals to assist people with varying abilities to live more independent and enriched lives by providing them with assistance dogs. Some of our specially trained canines are taught to turn lights on and off, tug open doors, pick up dropped items and alert for help to assist individuals in wheelchairs. Other dogs go on to assist children with autism and soldiers with PTSD to accomplish therapeutic and real life goals. These dogs are primarily placed in and around South Carolina. During the two-year training period required to produce a service dog from a puppy, PAALS also provides programs for underserved youth, seniors, and individuals with special needs. Some examples of programs that use puppies in training include an integrated camp for youth and special needs individuals for assistance dog training, outreach visits to retirement homes, and educational programs for youth. Learn more at http://www.paals.org/

 

About AAF of the Midlands

The Columbia Ad Club was founded in 1955 and is affiliated with the American Advertising Federation (AAF) which is the oldest national advertising trade association, representing 50,000 professionals in the advertising industry worldwide. The affiliate’s name was changed in 2007 to AAF of the Midlands in order to enhance branding at the local, regional and national level. AAF of the Midlands is a member of Third District of the AAF, which represents South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. The AAF is dedicated to serving members by protecting and advancing advertising interests. AAF fulfills this mission through effective government relations, professional development, public education, advertising education, advertising standards, public service and recognition of excellence.