Five inmates from the Hazelton Correctional Facility will be escorted to the West Virginia University campus this week to take part in a special speaking event. The group will speak on behalf of the “Paws 4 People” Foundation, a nonprofit organization that trains service dogs for people living with disabilities.

The event will take place Thursday, Feb. 16, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. in the Gold Ballroom of the Mountainlair. The inmates will give personal testimony about their crimes, being incarcerated, and how the Paws 4 People program has been a positive influence on them as they work to change their lives.

The Paws 4 People Foundation was created by WVU alumna Kyria Henry. It is active in seven states including Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia. Overall, there are 120 volunteers and 64 active service dogs. Since the program began in 1999, the volunteers and dogs have made more than 10,000 visits to schools, nursing homes, hospitals and prisons.

This event is free and open to the public.

-WVU-

jl/2/14/12

CONTACT: Rebecca Herod, Director of Marketing and Communication
304-293-7405, ext. 5251, Rebecca.Herod@mail.wvu.edu

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