Group+4


 * Community Concerns: **


 * 1) Humane Treatment of Animals
 * 2) Mentoring Orphans/Foster Children
 * 3) Homelessness

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We chose Circle Tail Inc because we felt although it isn't a perfect charity, it best meets our want to help both animals and humans. Circle Tail Inc. provides dog assistance training at no cost to the individual in need. We want to help them because they are supported entirely by public contributions. As stated on AIP website, we should donate our money to charities that don't have large reserves of available assets. Circle Tail receives no government funding so this is another reason we feel strongly about this organization, to us this shows their determination to help people in this way. They provide service dogs for people with disabilities and hearing dogs for deaf individuals. Circle Tail rescues animals from shelters and take in stray dogs as well. They educate the public about the importance and functions of assistance dogs. They also help end the pet overpopulation by spaying and neutering all dogs before adopting them out.

It is estimated that it costs eight thousand to ten thousand dollars to train one dog/person team. As you can see this organization is quite expensive to run and therefore needs our contribution. The majority of their funds comes directly from public support. Ninety five percent of their income goes to programs. Three percent goes to fund raising. Two percent goes to administrative costs. This follows the AIP standard for sixty percent or above of proceeds going to charity related events. There are only six paid staff. The chief executive only makes forty four thousand three hundred forty dollars annually. Obviously they care more about their cause than what they will get out of it. They are also very open and honest about how they spend their money and the details behind their work and company. The description on their site is very clear and precise and gives us a behind the scenes look at what they want to accomplish. [|Lighthouse Youth Services] ~[|**BBB review of Lighthouse**]