Since the NEADS Prison PUP Program began at John J. Moran Medium Security prison in Cranston, RI in 2005, it has been changing lives, thanks in no small part to Joe Souza. A Correctional Officer at the facility, Joe has been with the program since the beginning, serving as the liaison between the prison and NEADS staff. To date, approximately 200 inmates have participated as handlers and 300 dogs have passed through JJ Moran. Joe’s dedication and support have been instrumental in ensuring the program runs smoothly and achieves its goals.
“Inmates in the program learn valuable skills in training the dogs, skills some have even used to find employment working with animals after their release. But the impact of the program goes far beyond these individual handlers,” Joe reflects. “The whole facility benefits from the presence of the dogs… they lift the mood of the place for staff and inmates alike.”
One of the most powerful aspects of the program, Joe shares, is when the inmate handlers meet the people who will receive the dogs they’ve trained. “It’s moving to see how these visits can bring even the toughest handlers to tears,” he says.
In early November, NEADS staff and Puppy Raisers presented Joe with a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of his years of dedicated service and his upcoming retirement. The certificate was presented on behalf of the management of NEADS and the scores of puppy raisers with whom he has interacted throughout his tenure.
NEADS Weekend Puppy Raiser Rob Arico, who has worked with Joe for the last eight years, shared his appreciation: “Having the support and flexibility of a liaison like Joe has made my role as a NEADS volunteer much easier. He has been a valuable resource for all JJ Moran Puppy Raisers and has always gone that extra mile to support the program. Over the past eight years as a Weekend Puppy Raiser and NEADS advocate, I have participated in a number of community events where having a pup with me made a big impact. Even when these events were during the week, when the pups are typically in prison with their handlers, Joe has worked with me to bring out a pup – for an early morning high school event, a Tuesday night fundraiser at Flatbread Company, or a Thursday night presentation at the VFW about Service Dogs for Veterans. It’s been a pleasure to work with him.”
From all the people and pups at NEADS, thank you, Joe! And best of luck in your retirement.
