SPECIAL | feature
As you get to know the P.E.O.s in your chapter or flip through the pages of The P.E.O. Record, you’re sure to recognize what a wide variety of special interests and areas of expertise those in our organization possess. We’re continuously impressed with how P.E.O.s use their talents. Here we’re thrilled to share stories of how three P.E.O.s are making the world a better place with help from some special furry friends. with 4-Legged Friends Difference P.E.O.s
P.E.O. Founder of PAWS For People by Carol Crowder, I, Newark, Delaware
Making a
Lynne Robinson, I, Newark, Delaware, is the epitome of what a P.E.O. sister should be.
Not only does she show loving concern to those in her chapter, she also demonstrates compassion to people in her local community. Lynne is the founder and executive director of “PAWS for People,” a 17-year-old non-profit organization that provides pet therapy support for disabled, ill, anxious and/or stressed individuals. Healthcare workers, hospital patients, students, etc.—the list is endless—all have experienced the healing powers of pet therapy. PAWS therapy teams, along with their amazing pets, provide hope, comfort and love to those in need. PAWS began as a tiny non-profit organization in February 2005, with only Lynne, 21 therapy teams, 10 places to visit, a phone, an amazing therapy dog named Boo Radley and lots of hope. Under Lynne’s leadership, it has blossomed into a staff of 11, along with 500 trained and certified teams that visit over 202 partnering sites in Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland and Pennsylvania. The start of the pandemic proved to be challenging for PAWS. COVID restrictions created obstacles to therapy programs that relied on one-on- one visits and close proximity with ill and disabled people. Lynne, her staff, and her therapy teams got creative and found innovative ways to continue caring for people while following health guidelines. They conducted Zoom sessions, did window visits, sent out cards, pictures and videos and did everything they could think of to offer the joy and comfort of their pets to those in need. These programs proved quite successful and PAWS is gradually returning to “in person” visits as sites begin to open back up. Lynne beams with pride as she explains the many benefits of pet therapy that she’s observed first-hand. “Pet therapy is a powerful, healing therapy aligned with other alternative therapies. Watching the positive change in people as they visit with a dog, cat or bunny is a reward in itself. People relax, become more focused and feel better. Now, especially during the grips of this pandemic, pet therapy is in great demand. We all could benefit from some time with a calming, affectionate pet.” The positive impact that Lynne and PAWS have had on the local community has not gone unnoticed. Lynne recently received the State of Delaware Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Award that honors the contributions of Delaware individuals and groups who have made a significant impact in their communities through service and volunteering. Despite serving as executive director of PAWS, Lynne has never taken a salary. Instead, she prefers to volunteer her time and energy to the healing mission of the organization. We are so proud of the compassionate work she does in the community and love having her as a sister.
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THE P.E.O. RECORD | May–June 2022
Women helping women reach for the stars
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