Welcome National Volunteer Week 2025!
Written by Melissa Pletcher, Manager of Volunteer Engagement
Dedication
When I first joined Leader over three years ago, I thought I knew what dedication was. I have met and worked with many fine volunteers who were so dedicated and gave so much of themselves to their organizations. But when I arrived, I discovered an entirely new level of commitment.
Who else would voluntarily drive 400 miles in winter to transport puppies to and from a prison? Who would open their home to a Leader Dog Mom and embrace the beautiful chaos of whelping up to 40 puppies? A Leader Dog volunteer, that’s who!
Every day, I witness the incredibly generosity and dedication of our volunteers. They arrive despite snowstorms and treacherous roads because they refuse to let anyone, human or canine, down. They share their expertise in veterinary care, leather work, and data analysis to advance our mission. They invest their money, time, and love raising puppies so someone else can experience greater independence. They sacrifice holidays, weekends, and evenings to serve. Some have spent time every week in our canine center villages for decades. This level of dedication isn’t just amazing, it’s truly awe-inspiring.
We are profoundly fortunate to have such devoted volunteers supporting us. We simply could not fulfill our mission without you. During National Volunteer Week, we want to extend our heartfelt THANK YOU to each and every one of you! Your commitment makes everything possible.
Happy National Volunteer Week!
Ready to Learn, Support, or Make a Difference?
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Apply to a Program
Learn the skills for safe, independent travel and lead a life without limits — all at no cost.
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Donate
Since we receive zero government funding or insurance money, we rely 100% on the generosity of donors like you.
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Volunteer
Every day, we rely on the support from our community of volunteers, made up of people just like you who make our mission possible.
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.