Paws for a Cause: Firefighters Support Four-Legged Healers at Youth Centre

A new four-legged team member is on the way to bring comfort, calm and courage to children and youth navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

The Township of Langley Firefighters’ Charitable Society has announced a 10-year commitment to support the creation and long-term maintenance of Langley’s Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC) Facility Dog Program. This support will include annual financial contributions raised through community fundraising efforts, as well as gifts-in-kind when possible, such as dog food and veterinary care.

The facility dog will be provided through the respected Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides program. The CYAC has an approved application and is currently awaiting a professionally trained dog matched to their specific program needs.

Facility support dogs assist Canadian professional agencies working with vulnerable individuals who have experienced trauma, often as a result of criminal behaviour. These dogs are not pets. They undergo two years of specialized training before being matched to an approved agency. Their working careers typically span eight to 10 years, during which they are trained to provide a non-judgmental, attuned presence and calming influence in high-stress situations.

Why This Program Matters
Children and youth who experience abuse often face overwhelming fear, anxiety, trauma and distrust when disclosing what has happened to them or participating in investigations, interviews and court processes. By reducing emotional distress, the Facility Dog Program helps young people tell their story once, safely and with dignity.

In therapy sessions, facility dogs have been shown to help reduce anxiety, depression and PTSD symptoms. Their presence can make the therapeutic process more effective and help facilitate positive outcomes earlier.

The CYAC facility dog may be present during:

• Forensic interviews

• Police or child protection meetings

• Medical examinations

• Therapy and counselling sessions

• Court preparation and testimony support

In each of these settings, the dog provides calm, steady companionship, helping children regulate their emotions and remain grounded during stressful experiences.

Beyond supporting victims, the program also offers meaningful benefits to the professionals who work in high-stress, trauma-exposed environments. The presence of a facility dog can reduce stress for investigators, clinicians, and staff, contributing to healthier workplaces and more effective service delivery.

Community Partnership at Its Best
“We are deeply grateful to the Township of Langley Firefighters’ Charitable Society for choosing to commit to this important program for the next decade,” said Heather Scott, Executive Director of Langley Community Health and Hospital Foundation, CYAC’s fundraising partner. “Their generosity ensures that children and youth facing unimaginable circumstances will have a source of comfort and stability beside them. This is an investment not only in a program, but in better outcomes, earlier healing, and a more compassionate system of care.”

Jordan Sparrow, representing the Township of Langley Firefighters’ Charitable Society, shared why the initiative resonates so strongly with their organization.

“As first responders, we see the impact of trauma every day. Mental health support is incredibly important to us, both for the community we serve and within our own profession,” said Sparrow. “Supporting a facility dog at the CYAC is a natural fit. It keeps resources local, strengthens services in Langley, and provides comfort in moments when it’s needed most. We’re proud to stand behind a program that helps young people feel safe and supported.”

The Township of Langley Firefighters’ Charitable Society’s long-term commitment ensures that once matched, the facility dog will have sustainable funding throughout its working life, covering care, upkeep, and program needs.

Together, this partnership reflects a powerful truth: healing happens best in community, and sometimes, it begins with a quiet presence and a steady heartbeat at a child’s side.

-

For media inquiries, please contact:

Terra Scheer, Director of Marketing & Communications
Langley Community Health & Hospital Foundation
P: 672-879-2364 E: Terra.Scheer@LCHHFoundation.com W: LCHHFoundation.com

Stefan Jones
Township of Langley Firefighters’ Charitable Society
C: 778-918-2553 E: Stefan.jones@hotmail.ca W: www.tlfcs.org