ICAN helps those in their community while also helping those incarcerated

An incarcerated handler at Correctional Industrial Facility helping care for a litter of ICAN puppies

By working with service dogs in training, more than 50 incarcerated individuals in Indiana are finding purpose, developing life skills, and establishing a connection to the community beyond their prison walls.  

Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN) works to train dogs to place with people living with disabilities. However, this organization is even more unique because the dogs are trained in different prisons across Indiana by incarcerated men and women. As such, ICAN not only helps the individuals who rely on service dogs but also improves the lives of those who are incarcerated by teaching them skills they can use in the community once they are released.    

ICAN began partnering with the Department of Correction in 2002, and over the past two decades, they have been training their service dogs with the help of incarcerated handlers. While being taught, the dogs stay in prison for six weeks, and then they are furloughed for three weeks, during which time they work with ICAN volunteers outside the prisons. This schedule allows them to train in prison and acclimate to the outside world.  

ICAN client Lauren (second to left) with her facility dog ICAN Pilot and two female incarcerated handlers (right) at Indiana Women's Prison

“Working hands-on with the dogs and seeing the good they are doing fills a void in their hearts,” says Hannah Sauce, ICAN training manager. “It gives them a purpose and a better future.”

 The incarcerated individuals at Indiana Women’s Prison often discuss their positive experiences working for ICAN and how it has brought more meaning to their lives.  

Stacey (not pictured), an incarcerated handler who has worked for ICAN in prison for two years, stated, “Without ICAN, I would be in a terrible place. ICAN has brightened my future.”  

This type of testimonial is common among those incarcerated who participate in ICAN and supports the notion that ICAN changes the lives of those who need the dog and those who train the dogs.  

ICAN client Crystal (center) & ICAN Brady with incarcerated handler (right) at Pendleton Correctional Facility

Alexa and Andrea (not pictured), two additional incarcerated handlers at the women’s prison, discussed how they believe their work with the program will not only change their own lives, but also the lives of those around them.  

“Being part of ICAN is being a part of something bigger than myself,” said Andrea. “I can still do good for my community behind these walls.”  

Alexa added, “Working at ICAN has taught me how to be a better communicator. It’s taught me that I can make a difference in people’s lives. It also taught me it’s okay to ask for help.”  

The changes in the incarcerated individuals are also evident to those around the prison system.  

 Leo Borst, a case work manager and facility coordinator at Correctional Industrial Facility (CIF). shared, “ICAN improves the work ethic of those who are incarcerated. This program requires a lot of commitment because they take care of a dog every day. ICAN makes them more dependent and reliable while also boosting self-confidence.”

An incarcerated handler at Pendleton Correctional Facility working with a service dog in-training

These dedicated men and women are crucial in training ICAN’s service dogs to ensure they reach their full potential and become reliable assistant dogs for future clients.

Their commitment and support are invaluable to the organization. Without them, ICAN’s training model would be significantly different.

ICAN is grateful to these individuals who choose to enhance their lives by dedicating their time to its organization and mission.

If you’d like to learn more about ICAN’s prison program, contact ICAN Training Manager Hannah Sauce at hannah@icandog.org.