Summary of Services
- Service Dog Placement: Families are guided through a structured process to receive a service puppy, including an initial call, campus visit, and home evaluation
- Training & Support: Families participate in training sessions to ensure the puppy and child develop proper behavioral and social skills
Supporting Children With Exceptionalities
Project Chance creates an inclusive, educational, and therapeutic environment to support children with developmental disabilities in Northeast Florida. Founded by B.J. Szwedzinski, a former special needs educator and dog trainer, Project Chance understands the challenges parents of children with exceptionalities face and integrates service dogs into a program centered on advocacy, education, and partnerships with nonprofit agencies.
Eligibility and Application
The process for receiving a puppy begins with an initial call, during which Project Chance gathers information about the family, including household size, work schedules, and daily routines. Families are then invited to speak with team members on the Project Chance Campus, followed by a home evaluation to ensure the safety of the puppy.
Finally, families complete an application, and staff determine eligibility, taking into account factors such as the child’s Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). To qualify for a puppy, at least one adult in the household must be available to care for and interact with the puppy regularly.
Families must also sign a media release, allowing Project Chance to capture photos of the child and puppy, and commit to participating in activities with trainers, peers, and teams to promote behavioral and social development. Additionally, families must live within driving distance of the training center to complete the required training sessions.
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A Local Training Center for Convenience
The training center is located at 3800 Joe Ashton Road, Saint Augustine, Florida 32092, in the World Golf Area. For more information, please call (904) 614-7497 or email: info@projectchance.com