BluePath Celebrates Autism Month
April is Autism Month and BluePath Service Dogs is proud to celebrate a series of milestones that reflect both its impact to date and its vision for the future: the graduation of four new autism service dog teams, the organization’s 10th anniversary, and continued momentum behind its Anchoring Our Future capital campaign.
Founded in 2016, BluePath Service Dogs provides expertly trained service dogs to children with autism – free of charge – helping families experience greater safety, independence, and connection. Over the past decade, the organization has grown into a nationally respected nonprofit, transforming lives through the powerful bond between a child and their service dog.
As part of its ongoing work, BluePath is also celebrating the recent graduation of four new autism service dog teams. BluePath service dogs are trained to prevent dangerous wandering by anchoring a child who attempts to bolt, while also offering emotional support and helping families re-engage with their communities.
“For a family navigating life with a child with autism, a service dog can be a gamechanger,” said Michelle Brier, CEO of BluePath Service Dogs. “Our dogs provide a level of safety that allows families to move through the world with greater confidence and less stress, fundamentally changing their day-to-day lives.”
As BluePath marks its 10th anniversary, the organization reflects on a decade of meaningful growth and impact. BluePath has supported families through service dog placements and facility programs, while building a strong network of volunteers and supporters dedicated to its mission.
With autism now affecting 1 in 31 children in the United States, demand continues to outpace supply. BluePath remains focused on closing that gap, ensuring that every eligible family, regardless of financial means, has access to a service dog.
Looking ahead, BluePath is advancing its Anchoring Our Future capital campaign, a $7 million initiative to establish a permanent campus in Carmel, New York. The 16-acre property will significantly expand the organization’s capacity to breed, raise, and train service dogs while bringing its operations together in one purpose-built location.
“This property represents a turning point for our organization,” Brier said. “We’re in the home stretch of the first phase of our capital campaign, and there’s real urgency to get across the finish line so we can help more families who need us.”
During Autism Month, BluePath invites the community to join in this celebration by learning more, getting involved, and supporting the mission.
