Foundation donates $25,000 to support a veteran’s life-changing road to recovery

The American Water Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water, the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company, and American Water’s Military Services Group, announced today the Foundation awarded a $25,000 State Strategic Impact grant to K9s For Warriors, the nation’s largest provider of trained Service Dogs for veterans.

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Meet Hydro! Hydro is a one year old black Labrador Retriever, whose name was selected by American Water Military Services Group employees. (Photo: Business Wire)

“The American Water Charitable Foundation is pleased to partner with K9s For Warriors to support our veterans and Service Dogs,” said Carrie Williams, president, American Water Charitable Foundation. “This unique partnership aligns with the overall mission of American Water’s Military Services Group in providing safe, clean, and reliable water and wastewater services to 18 U.S. military installations—and is one more way we honor and support the wellbeing of our veterans, as well as our ongoing commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equity.”

K9s For Warriors remains committed to ending veteran suicide, raising awareness for invisible disabilities, and creating policy level reform.

“We are excited to partner with the American Water Charitable Foundation to further our mission of rescuing dogs from high-kill shelters and giving them new purpose as a Service Dog,” said Rory Diamond, CEO of K9s For Warriors. “The generous donation from the Foundation will allow us to pair a Service Dog with a deserving veteran who is struggling with the invisible wounds of war.”

The State Strategic Impact grant is part of the 2022 Keep Communities Flowing grant program, focusing on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. State Strategic Impact grants support high-impact projects and initiatives throughout American Water’s regulated and regulated-like footprint.

“We are delighted to partner with the American Water Charitable Foundation in selecting an organization that supports the veteran community and resonates with our team,” said Steve Curtis, president, American Water Military Services Group and Contract Services Group. “Through this grant, we will help save two lives: a rescue dog and a veteran.”

Learn more about the American Water Charitable Foundation, including additional grant opportunities here.

About American Water Charitable Foundation

The American Water Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides a formal way to demonstrate the company’s ongoing commitment to be a good neighbor, citizen, and contributor to the communities where American Water and its employees live, work and operate. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf and follow the American Water Charitable Foundation on Facebook.

About Military Services Group

Military Services Group, a subsidiary of American Water, provides water and wastewater services to military installations across the country as part of the federal government’s Utilities Privatization program. Including Naval Station Mayport, Jacksonville, Fla., the Military Services Group will own, operate and maintain water and wastewater assets at 18 military installations: Fort Rucker, Ala.; Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif.; Scott Air Force Base, Ill.; Fort Leavenworth, Kan.; Fort Polk, La.; Fort Meade, Md.; Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.; Picatinny Arsenal, N.J.; U.S. Army Garrison West Point, N.Y.; Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio; Fort Sill, Okla.; Fort Hood, Texas; Joint Base San Antonio, Texas; Hill Air Force Base, Utah; Fort A.P. Hill, Va.; Fort Belvoir, Va.; and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

About American Water

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and diversityataw.com. Follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

About K9s For Warriors

Determined to end veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors is the nation’s largest provider of trained Service Dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma. With most dogs coming from high-kill rescue shelters, this innovative program allows the K9/Warrior team to build an unwavering bond that facilitates their collective healing and recovery. This treatment method is backed by scientific research (from Purdue University’s OHAIRE Lab) demonstrating Service Dogs’ ability to help mitigate their veteran’s symptoms of PTSD while simultaneously restoring their confidence and independence. Founded in 2011 as a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, K9s For Warriors remains committed to bringing widespread awareness to veterans’ mental health and contributing to policy-level reform. The organization’s facilities include: K9s For Warriors National Headquarters (Ponte Vedra, FL), Davis Family Mega Kennel (Ponte Vedra, FL), Gold Family Campus (Alachua, FL), Petco Love K9 Center (San Antonio, Texas), and K9s For Warriors at Heidi’s Village (Phoenix, AZ).

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