National Volunteer Week: Jodi and David
Jodi and David standing inside the admin lobby at Leader Dogs for the Blind. Between them is career changed Leader Dog Winston.
Jodi Cardin has been volunteering in the philanthropy department since May 2024. While her son, David, volunteers as a dog bather in the Canine Center. His passion for dogs originally led him to begin volunteering at Leader Dog in 2011, working with the dogs in training and the puppies. In 2014, our family moved to Georgia, and we were out-of-state for 10 years before returning to Michigan. David missed the dogs and puppies and the special connection he shared with them, so it did not take long for him to start volunteering again.
Soon after, I was thrilled when the data entry volunteer position became available as I have worked in an office setting for most of my adult life and knew it would be a great fit for me. I am grateful for the opportunity to offer any help needed.
Both my son and I have truly enjoyed the rewards of volunteering – the mission of Leader Dog is so worthy, the dogs are an inspiration, and the employees and other volunteers are fabulous. I must give a special shoutout to the puppies! I am convinced it is impossible to look at a puppy without smiling.
Our volunteer day is affectionately known as our Fun Day, and we couldn’t think of a better place to spend it other than at Leader Dogs for the Blind.
Written by Jodi Cardin, data entry volunteer.
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The deadline is almost here!
Don’t miss this chance to have twice the impact
Your gift by September 30 will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $105,000 to help prepare the next class of Leader Dogs.
Double Your Impact for the Next Class of Leader Dogs!
Thanks to our friends at AAA – The Auto Club Group and Coastal Pet Products, every donation made now through September 30 will be matched, up to $105,000.
This means your gift will have TWICE the impact, helping prepare the Leader Dog Class of 2027 with the expert care, training and instruction they need.
Meet The Moms
Learn More About Becoming A Breeding Host
A free, open house-style “Meet the Moms” event for people interested in learning more about being a breeding host for a Leader Dog mom! Meet Leader Dog moms, volunteer breeding hosts, Leader Dog moms ready to go home and learn more about hosting a Leader Dog mom in your home.
When: Saturday, October 10 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Where: Leader Dog’s Campus (1039 S. Rochester Rd., Rochester Hills, MI 48307)
No registration needed, we hope to see you there!
Family, Friends and Supporters for the Blind
Join Us Monday, Sept 14 for a Virtual Group Meeting
Interested in learning more about blindness? Join our virtual group meeting to learn from others, build understanding, and discover ways to provide meaningful support to people who are blind or have low vision.
LAST CHANCE to take advantage of our Matching Gift Challenge
Support our $60,000 Matching Gift Challenge and have your gift DOUBLED!
Join Us For Dinner in the Dark!
Presented by AAA The Auto Club Group - March 20, 2026
Our signature fundraiser will take place at the Palazzo Grande in Shelby Township, MI. Every dollar raised supports life-changing programs at no cost to our clients, empowering people who are blind or low vision to live independent, confident lives.
The evening includes a family style dinner, an open bar, hors d'oeuvres, an ice cream and cannoli platter, an espresso station, and on-location parking.
A New Issue of the Faithful Friends Newsletter Is Out!
In our latest Faithful Friends newsletter, we highlight ways we are helping Leader Dog clients — and we invite you to learn how you can make a difference.