Project COURAGE Canines Offering Understanding, Reassurance, And Gentle Encouragement

Program Summary for Grant Application:
Project COURAGE is a law enforcement-led community engagement and victim support initiative that integrates specially trained comfort dogs into public safety services. The program is designed to enhance emotional well-being, trust, and trauma-informed care within the community—particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, crime victims, and individuals in crisis.

Through structured interactions, these canines help de-escalate stress, foster open communication, and create a more compassionate presence during community outreach events, school visits, and victim interviews. By pairing the calming influence of therapy-style dogs with the authority of trained officers, Project COURAGE builds bridges between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Key Goals:
– Provide emotional support to victims and witnesses of trauma.
– Strengthen law enforcement’s community presence through therapeutic outreach.
– Promote positive youth engagement and public education.
– Reduce anxiety in high-stress situations such as interviews or court settings.

Impact Statement:
Project COURAGE addresses a critical gap in community policing by introducing a human-animal bond component that improves emotional outcomes and builds trust—particularly in underserved and trauma-affected communities. Funding will support canine training, handler certification, outreach programming, and operational resources to expand the program’s reach and impact.