Our Mission:
We provide therapeutic support for youth and their families by offering second chances to abused and neglected animals as they work hand in paw in their journey towards hope and restoration. 🐰 OUR MISSION
We provide therapeutic support for youth and their families by offering second chances to abused and neglected animals as they work hand in paw on their journey towards hope and
restoration.
🐰 OUR VISION
We envision a world that supports and honors second chances for humans and animals alike. We envision humans and animals working alongside each other, hand in paw, during their journey towards hope and restoration as they lead a new walk in life.
🐰 OUR PURPOSE
We are a non-profit therapeutic agency dedicated to helping the most economically and socially disadvantaged groups in our society -- abused and neglected children and animals. Hand in paw, these animals will provide emotional support to little girls like me, and other children in dire need of support. This organization provides complimentary therapeutic services (via donations, grants and/or sponsorships) so that children in need can access mental health support via animal-assisted therapy (AAT), an evidence-based intervention. Together, animals (bunnies, dogs, and other furry friends) will offer comfort and support to vulnerable childrens’ mental and/or physical health. In particular, animals serve as an intervention for overcoming post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, specific phobias like agoraphobia and aerophobia, along with depression. Animals, especially canines, help produce neuro chemicals in the brain called dopamine. Dopamine is associated with love, bonding, and pleasure. By being in the presence of an animal, one's capacity to love increases as their depression and feelings of sadness decrease. Animals offer a sense of safety; they reserve judgment and love unconditionally. Additionally, we hope that working with the animals will inspire clients to adopt our animals or other shelter animals to help give them a second chance at life. AAT is not covered by health insurance agencies. Therefore, to fund this important therapeutic intervention, we rely on grants, donations, volunteers, interns, and other fundraising efforts. In summary, those in need of mental health support and services continue to rise amid and post COVID-19. But services are either not available nor affordable. At the same time, many humane societies are overflowing with unwanted, neglected, or abused animals. In COVID-19, their interactions with people were, and continue to be, limited. Yet they too desire love and attention. Together, animals and humans can foster love, hope, and companionship when bettering their mental health and therapeutic journey.
🐰 OUR VALUES
Respect: We believe that both human beings and animals are deserving of dignity and respect. Safety: We value mental, physical and emotional safety for all those involved. Self-Determination: We value self-determination for those with hands and paws. Youth, their families and the animals all have the choice to participate in therapy. Acceptance: We value acceptance toward self and others. Collaboration: We value collaborative therapy rooted in positive rewards-, play-, and relationship-based methods. Compassion: We value compassion as youth and their families learn to recognize and respond to animals’ feelings. Humanity: We value humanity, ethical practices and humane animal treatment.
🐰 OUR APPROACHES
Therapy: We provide therapy by easing accessibility barriers such as finances and hours of operation for those seeking mental health services. Research: We hope to partner with local universities to conduct further evidenced-based research to help support the demand and impact of the trauma informed animal assisted therapy, activities, and interventions. Advocacy: We will engage in advocacy efforts to help propel insurance coverage for trauma informed animal-assisted therapy, activities, and interventions into legislative policies and practices.
🐰 OUR STORY
Arlene Angeline founded this organization because of her own journey with mental health and abuse. This is her story. Broken bones, bleeding welts, and a withered soul – that was me, the disposable child. I remember my crazed dad violently racing down our narrow and chilling hall. My sister and I knew what was coming – a lesson…a very sadistic lesson. Well conditioned, we walked into the haunting garage. We reached down into the familiar lemon tinted buckets and chose our weapon, a long wooden stick. My sociopathic father snatches our sticks. He pounds our fragile bodies over, and over, and over again, until our bodies drop to the floor as if lifeless. We cover the stinging sensations with our hands, as we defeatedly observe our dad unbuckle his leather belt for round two. When the rose-carpeted hall is sufficiently stained with our desperate and weeping blood, he is finally finished. We then retreat to the comfort of our pets for comfort and escape. Our bunny-rabbits. Walter gave me the comfort, love, and security that I craved but could never find in my father. He helped me heal emotionally from the welts inflicted on me. And he taught me how to love, rather than harboring resentment, fear, and anger. This is the true story of elementary-aged sisters. My sister and I have lived to tell our stories, but others are not so lucky. As a result of my upbringing, I have chosen to dedicate my life to assisting the most economically and socially disadvantaged groups in our society – abused and neglected children and animals. From the eyes of a current social worker, even in a world filled with samsara, a glimmer of hope always lies on the horizon. By understanding our past, we can use our strengths to create a better future for all. We all have the power to re-define our futures; we all have a story to tell. I want to help other children like me to re-define their futures and not be held back by their past. Thus, in the year 2021, I founded Arlene's Angels: Hand in Paw Healing 501(c)(3).
🐰 WALTER'S STORY
A journey of hope, healing and restoration. Walter Reid Chandra is a remarkable little bunny rabbit who graced us with his presence for only a few short years. But even during that time, he managed to leave pawprints on our hearts forever. Even though the children, youth, adolescents and families were not able to meet Walter, they were blessed with his love, his empathetic heart and his listening ears while they spoke to him on his bunny camera. He touched so many lives with how strong and brave he was. From starting his life at a rabbit mill, to being adopted and given the life of luxury to free roam wherever he so pleased – Walter surely paved a bright and beautiful future undeterred by his health complications. He truly was the essence of Arlene’s Angels: Hand in Paw Healing 501(c)(3) of giving animals a second chance at life. Since his passing, home has not been complete without the pitter patter of his rabbit feet, but even so, his life will continue to hold so much meaning because the purpose he served will remain forevermore. He will remain loved, adored and appreciated for Walter is a true testament of a little bunny who offered unconditional love by providing the space people needed to open up and share their own trauma to finally gain the closure and healing they deserved.
🐰 OUR CLIENTS
Youth (ages 21 or younger) and their families.
🐰 OUR ANIMALS
We adopt animals at risk of being euthanized from high-kill shelters in hopes of giving them a second chance at life. All animals are vetted for safety, sociability, calmness and confidence before they are introduced and integrated into therapy with youth and their families.
🐰 THE NEED FOR HUMANS
In a population of 500,000 residents in Clark County, Washington, the ratio of those in need of mental health services to mental health providers is 355:1.
🐰 THE OPPORTUNITY FOR HUMANS
To offer mental health services and resources in Clark County, Washington, United States of America to youth and their families at a free or reduced rate, regardless of one’s health insurance.
🐰 THE NEED FOR ANIMALS
Approximately 920,000 animals are euthanized in shelters annually — animals that could be adopted, trained and serve as animal assisted (play) therapy companions.
🐰 THE OPPORTUNITY FOR ANIMALS
To rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals at risk of being euthanized from high kill shelters.
🐰 OUR ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
Effective Date: 10.20.2021
UBI Number: 604 819 291
🐰 OUR COMMITMENT
We give you our commitment and sincere compassion to one day prompt a revolutionary force as opposed to an evolutionary progression. We know that mental health is a basic right, which millions, if not billions of humans (and animals alike), are still waiting on.
🐰 OUR FUNDING
Arlene’s Angels: Hand in Paw Healing is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. We are currently supported through individual contributions and in-kind contributions. We aim to gain support from corporate donations, foundation grants, planned gifts, and special events.
🐰 OUR SOCIALS
Website: https://www.handinpawhealing.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/handinpawhealing/
Instagram: https://www.handinpawhealing.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handinpawhealing
GuideStar: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/87-3206957
🐰 OUR TEAM
Arlene Angeline Chandra
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Arlene Angeline Chandra, MSW, MHP, LICSW, CCTP has worked with hundreds of children, youth, adolescents and families during their journeys towards hope and restoration. To best support those she serves, she gained her Bachelor of Arts in both Psychology and Sociology from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington in 2014. She then pursued her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 2016. Then, in 2018, she gained her Mental Health Professional (MHP) distinction. In 2020 she earned her Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) licensure. Since 2020, she has maintained her Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) Certification as well. Finally, she earned her Master of Science degree in Nonprofit Management from Columbia University in New York, New York in 2022. Taken together, she offers the knowledge, experience and expertise to offer a healing hand. Jenna Nelmark
PRESIDENT
Meet Jenna L Nelmark, a skilled recruiter who has a passion for helping people find a fulfilling career that lasts a lifetime. With a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Human Resource Management and Business Administration from Washington State University Vancouver, Jenna has the knowledge and expertise to assist job seekers with their career search. Each day brings something new and exciting, and Jenna relishes the opportunity to chat with people and learn about their unique background and experiences. Growing up in a home full of pets, Jenna has always had a soft spot for animals. In 2018 she rescued a Yorkie Poo from a puppy mill in Seattle, and little Lucy has been the light of her life ever since. Through her work as a recruiter, community involvement, and love of animals, Jenna is an integral part of the lively and engaging community that she calls home in Vancouver, WA. David James Patterson
VICE PRESIDENT
David J. Patterson is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Princeton University, where he works in the Department of History and the Davis Center for Historical Studies. In 2022, he received his PhD in History from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. His research focuses on societal and cultural adaptations to climate variability in the pre-modern world, and he is currently writing a book about weather and climate in the early Middle Ages. As an environmental historian, he is enthusiastic about issues of sustainability, climate resiliency, and environmental justice. A lifelong animal lover, David is also a passionate supporter of animal-assisted therapy and the mission of Arlene’s Angels: Hand in Paw Healing. Esmeralda Garcia
TREASURER
Gustavo Serratos
SECRETARY
Gustavo Serratos is a Transportation Engineer working with the USDOT. He has a Masters in Urban Planning from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor and an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Gustavo is an animal lover and is a supporter of animal-assisted therapy. Benji Behr Chandra
ANIMAL ASSISTED (PLAY) THERAPY COMPANION
Hi! My name is Benji Behr Chandra. I feel pawfectly honored to be sharing this healing journey with you. Until we meet, I am sending you bunny nudges and bunny flops.
🐰 OUR INFO
Location: Vancouver, WA
Hours: Forthcoming
Phone: (360) 931-0869
Email: [email protected]
