BEGA North America, a manufacturer of outdoor architectural solutions with headquarters in Carpinteria, is partnering with Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering people to live more fulfilling lives through the human-animal bond.
Throughout nearly 40 years of operations in Santa Barbara County, BEGA North America has established itself as a community partner, supporting a variety of local nonprofits and community organizations.
Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara, guided by empathy, integrity, stewardship, and transparency, focuses on empowering individuals to lead more fulfilling lives through interactions with therapy dogs.
BEGA’s sponsorship will support the nonprofit’s programs in Carpinteria, including:
• ARF! (Animals + Reading = Fun!): Promoting literacy through engaging reading sessions with therapy dogs.
• Therapy Dog Visits: Bringing comfort and companionship to individuals in various settings, such as schools, children’s organizations, senior living care facilities, and other facilities that serve vulnerable populations.
• Wag Well: A mindfulness program designed to enhance overall mental well-being through the therapeutic benefits of interaction with dogs and teach children the skills they need to reduce stress and anxiety amid the demands of daily life.
“At BEGA North America, we believe in the power of community. Our partnership with Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara reflects our commitment to giving back and supporting programs that are important to our employees and enhance the well-being of individuals,” said Don Kinderdick, president of BEGA North America.
“Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara has intentionally made Carpinteria a priority over the past six months as it has historically been an underserved area,” said Carey Bradshaw, Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara executive director.
“We are delighted to partner with schools and local organizations to offer Therapy Dog, Literacy and Mindfulness Programs to the community,” Bradshaw said.
The partnership aims to make a positive impact on the local community by contributing to the success of Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara’s initiatives, and reflects both organizations’ commitment to building community, living responsibly, and enabling the individual to realize their full potential.
Programs in Carpinteria include:
Aliso Elementary School
ARF! will be provided to at-risk students in first-third grades in the spring.
Wag Well Mindfulness Program for students in K-fifth grade in the 2023-24 school year.
Canalino Elementary School:
Therapy dog visits offered throughout the school year and at events like the Book Fair.
ARF! was offered with after-school care service in the fall.
Carpinteria Middle School:
Wag Well Mindfulness course offered for Workability class, comprised of students with mental and physical disabilities.
Carpinteria Community Library:
ARF! offered the first Wednesday of the month to children visiting the library, aimed at children in first-third grades.
Girls, Inc. of Carpinteria – Therapy dog visits provided as part of the after school program.