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Our Mission

Develop the first autism dog training facility in the United States.

Fund alternative and complimentary therapies for families and children with autism.

Fund and provide animal based therapies./learning programs for children with autism.

Description:
LockBox-Griffin's Hope

LockBox Foundation - Griffin's Hope Project is a non-profit organization established in June 2003. The first of it's kind in the United States of America LockBox's mission is to provide and develop new and innovative animal based therapy and programs for children with autism.

LockBox is multi-faceted in it's efforts. Building a state of the art dog training facility, head trainer residence and guest house accommodations is our fundamental objective. The need is great for service dogs for children with autism. Currently there is a two to six year waiting list. Parents of children with autism report a compromised ability to form human bonds, they are amazed at how quickly their child bonds with the unconditional love and acceptance of their unconventional four legged best friend. The LockBox Foundations hope is that the future proves these animal bonds enable the child to forge future bonds with people. In the meantime, these gentle canine heroes provide safety, love, and companionship to children whose world we can not access.

LockBox Foundation is also poised to organize and fund animal therapy/learning programs involving therapy horses and service dogs in the everyday educational environment of children with autism.Keeping in mind the strengths of animals in relating to and bonding with autistic children, we are prepared to build and develop a learning facility that incorporates scholastics with positive reinforcements by four legged creatures that never judge, never criticize and completely accept their young charges in a world these children don't understand or feel accepted in.

Providing individual families and applicants with funding for alternative and complimentary therapies is also part of our mission. Families faced with the devastating diagnosis of autism find themselves instantly financially compromised due to holes in the system that do not provide financially for the many alternative therapies 75% of parents of children with autism pursue. Some of the most common therapies used are gluten free/casein free organic diets, vitamin therapy, cranial sacral work, reiki treatments, herbalists, therapeutic riding, aquatic therapy to name but a few.

There is also no child care for children with autism. One parent needs to stay home. Losing one income in a two income family is a financial devastation. Families lose their homes, cars and 90% find their marriages collapse from the overwhelming pressure.

Our focus is on the families and children affected by autism. We believe wholeheartedly that if people truly understand the plight of another, they will make a difference. We will look to those who have the means to turn around, extend their hand, grasp hold of the person behind them and lift them up.

Ours is a leap of faith. Faith in humanity, and faith in our abilities to turn what some may view as a dead end, into a place to merely change direction. Upwards.

We are humbly looking for your support in whatever way you are able to enable us to blaze a new trail. Prepare to be inspired!

History:
We received our 501c3 in February 2004, we are in our infancy stage. We are in the process of working with a grant writer and a strategic planner. We are in need of Board Members to assist us in reaching our next level.

Contact person: Maureen Crowell, Executive Director, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (603) 332-1951

Address:

PO Box 1301 Rochester, NH 03866

Web Site: http://www.lockboxfoundation.com

Miscellaneous Information

Name of Executive Director (or equivalent) if not listed above:
	Maureen Crowell
Type of organization
	Nonprofit 501(c)3
Is your organization a Health and Human Service agency?
	Yes