BluePath Service Dogs buys Carmel campus to expand autism support

BluePath Service Dogs has purchased a 16-acre campus in Carmel, New York, as part of a $7 million capital campaign that aims to expand its autism service dog program. The move gives the nonprofit a permanent home for training, operations and community engagement as demand for its services grows. Why it matters: - BluePath Service Dogs says the Carmel campus will let the nonprofit serve more families affected by autism over the long term. - The property gives the organization a permanent base for service dog training, care and operations. - The purchase also creates room to scale a program that supports children with autism and their families. What happened: - BluePath Service Dogs marked its 10-year anniversary by purchasing a 16-acre property in Carmel, New York. - The nonprofit said the purchase is a major milestone in its Anchoring Our Future Capital Campaign. - The campaign has raised more than $5.3 million toward a $7 million goal. - BluePath plans to use the campus as the primary location for its service dog program and organizational operations. The details: - The campus includes kennel facilities, dedicated training and program space, staff housing for around-the-clock canine care and space for community engagement. - BluePath will continue operating the pet boarding business previously known as Dogward Bound. - The boarding operation will provide additional revenue that supports the nonprofit’s mission. - Renovations are already underway. - Current work includes HVAC, plumbing, electrical and flooring improvements. - The next phase is expected to include accessibility upgrades, expanded training facilities and other campus improvements. - BluePath was founded in 2016. - The organization provides autism service dogs designed to improve safety, independence and quality of life for children and families navigating autism. - Autism now affects 1 in 31 children in the United States, according to the release. Between the lines: - The property purchase shifts BluePath from growth through fundraising alone to growth through owned infrastructure. - Keeping the boarding business in place gives the nonprofit a built-in funding stream tied to the new campus. - The move suggests BluePath is preparing for more demand and more operational complexity as its programs expand. What’s next: - BluePath still needs to raise about $1.7 million to reach its $7 million campaign goal. - The organization said additional funding will help finish accessibility and training upgrades. - Supporters can track campaign progress through the Anchoring Our Future Capital Campaign . - BluePath said it will continue serving families from Carmel as renovations advance. The bottom line: - BluePath’s new Carmel campus gives the nonprofit a long-term home and the physical capacity to grow its autism service dog mission.