We’re guided by a simple truth…
Connections with others create safety and acceptance, and those connections lead to healthy relationships that, in turn, create stronger communities.
our ambition
We harness the healing power of dogs to break down barriers and spark powerful connections—empowering youth and adults who either have socially isolating conditions or have experienced trauma.
Our specially designed programs provide opportunities for youth and adults to learn social-emotional behaviors that can help them not just survive—but thrive—in school and later in life.
Healthy relationships are the foundation for a healthy community—and CIC is dedicated to giving youth and adults the tools they need to be active participants in their community by delivering transformative moments between dogs and humans.
our origin
With us, it’s personal.
CIC began in 2010, when professional dog trainer Danielle Graczyk became aware of the role her dogs played in her recovery. Recognizing the support her dogs brought to her during this hard time, she felt called to share her experience with others. Canine Inspired Change developed organically from her dog behavior knowledge and personal evolution. On this path Danielle developed relationships with legal experts, behavioral analysts and education experts, all reinforcing the transformative nature of connection and community, inspired by the unconditional, non-judgmental love dogs provide.
our present
Since its inception, Canine Inspired Change has:
Trained over 180 CIC Therapy Dog Teams
Supported over 1000 students with tools to live socially and emotionally rich lives
Partnered with over 30 schools and organizations in the Twin Cities area
Provided youth with internship opportunities in CIC training classes
Added a mental health professional to our staff - effective 2022
Become an American Kennel Club recognized therapy dog organization
our future
We unlock the potential of youth, dogs and community members, and have goals to further our own potential. This is where we’re headed:
Expanded Programming - Host read to dog events to promote youth literacy, offer community connection opportunities, and create drop-in therapy dog sessions.
Mental Health Focus - With support and direction from CIC’s mental health professional, develop therapy dog sessions and programs that specifically support communities experiencing grief, addiction, anxiety, and more.
Volunteer Support - Through the establishment of our own training facility, we will increase the number of trainings for humans and dogs to pave the way for teams to do good in their community.
Trauma-Informed Approach - In collaboration with trauma-informed specialists, provide training class participants, CIC volunteers, and CIC staff with education around trauma-informed approaches to therapy dog work.
Provide Job Skills -Offer work experience for young people from CIC therapy dog sessions to learn about professional dog training, administrative duties, and the inner workings of a nonprofit organization.
Youth Advisory Board - Identify a group of young people from our in-school sessions to collaborate and brainstorm ways to impact CIC’s growth and influence our future.
Accessibility - Acquiring health insurance reimbursement eligibility so we can conveniently serve more people.
