About Our Prison Program
Since 2010, Summit has maintained a successful partnership with the Monroe Correctional Complex, where carefully screened incarcerated men help train Summit service dogs under the guidance of our professional trainers. Through this program, both the dogs and the men gain valuable skills that help shape their futures.
In ten-week training sessions, dogs live and work alongside their incarcerated trainers, building consistency, trust, and advanced skills. Summit trainers lead regular on-site classes, where teams are evaluated for progress and practice techniques under the guidance of Summit staff.
To learn more about the impact of this program, read Servicing the Soul by Lukas D’Ambrosio, an article highlighting Summit’s work at the Monroe Correctional Complex.
Summit Gains
Countless, consistent training hours that accelerate each dog’s development
A structured, focused learning environment for our dogs
Expanded opportunities to build meaningful community partnerships
Incarcerated Men Gain
Improved communication skills
Strengthened social and interpersonal skills
Valuable job and vocational skills
Increased patience and emotional resilience
A renewed sense of joy and purpose
Get Involved
Want to see the direct impact of our prison program partnership? Join us for one of our quarterly ceremonies, where we celebrate the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.
Ceremonies are typically held in March, June, September, and December.
Interested in attending the next ceremony? Contact info@summitdogs.org today!