Fidelco Forward Expands Its Reach

In the last issue of FidelcoNews, you learned about the enthusiasm of the first Fidelco Forward focus group held in Bloomfield. The group talked about why they are so committed to Fidelco – their family members have been affected by sight loss; they’ve experienced the joy and bittersweet goodbye’s that come with raising foster puppies or they’ve had neighbors share Fidelco stories with them and let them know how we change lives. Their personal involvement has grown along with the organization and they want more people to learn about the mission and passion behind the Fidelco family.

In October, a second group of  Fidelco friends met in southwestern Connecticut. The group was again facilitated by Allen Dunahoo of Smith Barney in West Hartford and again the discussion focused on how individuals can become part of the Fidelco family. It may begin by sending a donation in response to a mailing; or visiting a Fidelco booth at an event in your town; or your child may bring home a bookmark after meeting a Fidelco dog at a school program. Regardless of how you make that first personal connection, the group agreed that as you hear the Fidelco story, you will be inspired to become more involved. Mark and Patricia Wratten emphasized the importance of having a continued presence in local communities. When they walk around town socializing their foster puppies, people ask them questions and they are more than happy to talk about Fidelco. Visibility for Fidelco takes many forms– whether it’s trainers or foster families working with their dogs on local streets, a Watch Me Grow program presented in a neighborhood school, stories appearing in the media or Fidelco representatives speaking to social and community groups.

Fidelco Forward has given us an opportunity to hear from small groups of donors who represent you in our growing Fidelco family. We value their opinions and we would appreciate your input as well. To that end, we are conducting a short, on-line survey that will provide us with information on how we can help you become more involved with Fidelco. Simply visit www.fidelco.org/survey. Thank you for your time and we look forward to hearing from you!