We believe in the power of community, both within our organization and beyond. We feel this belief rings true in our dedicated team members who go above and beyond in their personal lives to make a positive impact. One such inspiring individual is Kelly Knapke, who's been an Account Executive with FriendsOffice for over a decade. Kelly’s passion for helping others extends far beyond her work, as she volunteers with ICAN (Indiana Canine Assistant Network), the only accredited organization in Indiana that provides assistance dog interaction (ADI) and places these life-changing dogs with individuals living with disabilities.

A Personal Journey with ICAN
Kelly’s journey with ICAN began when a close friend, who had sponsored a pup in the program, shared the incredible impact these service dogs have on the lives they touch. This resonated deeply with Kelly, leading her to explore the organization further. “I became a volunteer for ICAN after a dear friend shared amazing stories of the lives that one ICAN dog had changed upon graduation,” Kelly recalls. “This program just seemed like another perfect fit into my life. The fulfillment we volunteers experience is so hard to put into words.”

Volunteering with ICAN has allowed Kelly to contribute to a program that not only provides invaluable assistance to individuals with disabilities but also reduces recidivism rates among inmates who are part of the volunteer force who help train these dogs. “85% of inmates are not reoffending,” Kelly explains. “The narratives of their journeys with these dogs are heartwarming.”

The Role of a Furlough Volunteer
As a Furlough Volunteer, Kelly spends around three weeks at a time with a service dog in training. These dogs, ranging from six months to two years old, accompany Kelly everywhere as they continue their socialization and reinforce the cues they’ve learned. “These dogs are so loved, not just by the people associated with ICAN, but everywhere I go, I see smiles pop up,” Kelly shares.

Kelly’s current dog is her sixth ICAN service dog in training, and the bond she forms with each dog is profound. The impact these dogs have on the people they meet is clearly undeniable, as Kelly recounts a touching story from a visit to an elementary school.

A Heartwarming Story of Connection
During a meeting at an elementary school, Kelly encountered a young boy running around the office without shoes. She calmly cued the ICAN dog to lie down and asked the boy if he wanted to pet the dog. They made a deal that if he put on his shoes, he could pet the dog. The boy agreed, put on his shoes, and returned to pet the dog, instantly calming down and sharing stories about his own dog.

The following week, Kelly and the ICAN dog returned to the school. The same boy, brought to the Principal’s office for being disruptive in class, immediately recognized Kelly and the dog. Kelly asked him if he wanted to help hold the leash, and the boy, who had been wild moments earlier, settled down on the floor with the dog, petting her and sucking his thumb. The Principal, witnessing the transformation, remarked, “I need one of these dogs,” to which Kelly proudly responded, “The dog had done exactly what she was being trained to do.”

The Impact of ICAN and Its Volunteers
ICAN’s work extends far beyond the individuals who receive these service dogs. Samantha Thompson, the communications manager for ICAN, explains the different types of service dogs they train: Mobility Assistance, Facility Assistance, and Psychiatric Assistance, each serving a unique role in helping those in need.

“Kelly is very dedicated to our mission,” Samantha shares. “She’s currently our only volunteer in Richmond, IN. Maybe she’ll help us expand our volunteer network on the east side of the state?”

Volunteers like Kelly are the backbone of ICAN, helping to ensure that these highly trained dogs are well-prepared for their future roles. Kelly’s commitment to ICAN and her passion for making a difference shines through in everything she does, from her work at FriendsOffice to her volunteer efforts.

Encouraging Others to Get Involved
Kelly’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have on their community. She encourages everyone to find something they’re passionate about and get involved. “I love making people smile, and ICAN sure does just that,” Kelly says. The joy and fulfillment she experiences through her volunteer work are evident, and it’s clear that Kelly’s efforts are making a meaningful difference in the lives of many.

At FriendsOffice, we are proud to support team members like Kelly who embody our values of community and compassion. Her work with ICAN is just one example of how our team members are making the world a better place, one paw at a time.