Photo: SRO Sarah Livingston speaks at the event
CARMEL, IN – On Tuesday, Synergize closed out a year of local impact by supporting the Carmel Police Department’s initiative to bring a therapy dog to Carmel. This therapy dog could have many uses, including support for students in local schools, de-escalation of crisis situations, breaking down stigma around treatments for mental health, and connecting officers to those in the community.
This initiative is spearheaded by SRO Sarah Livingston. Livingston has been with the Carmel Police Department for 18 years. After attending a resiliency training that included a therapy dog, and watching the clear positive effect of the dog on the training’s participants, she was inspired to bring the same benefits to her city.
It wouldn’t be the first police therapy dog in Hamilton County. Noblesville PD’s Luna has been a massive success in her city. Not only has she been able to help with crisis responses and comfort for those involved, but she has also been a huge source of moral support to Noblesville’s police officers.
Synergize’s latest 4:30 Meetup raised money to help make this vision a reality. The group’s members and guests gathered at COHatch in Carmel to build and deepen friendships, and hear SRO Livingston’s story from her personally. The event was sponsored by Justin Steill of Homes with Steill and drinks were served by Sugar Creek Vineyard and Winery.
Through memberships and tickets, the group raised $2100 to help support the impact. The total cost of a therapy dog is more than $20,000. Those in the community who are curious about the initiative can contact the Carmel Police Department.
Synergize is a professional community that provides its members a space to build authentic relationships and create local impact. They would like to thank the Presenting Partners that make their mission possible; Indy Facets Private Jeweler, Straticos, Kennected, and Current Publishing. To learn more about the organization, visit www.synergizeindy.com.