Two Missions. One Heart.
Save the Kids and Dogs was born from a simple belief: that every child deserves a safe, nurturing environment — and every dog deserves a loving home. We bring those two needs together in Southeast Michigan.
How We Started
In 2020, our founder watched a child in her neighborhood form an instant bond with a stray dog she'd been fostering. That moment crystallized something she'd long believed: the healing power of the human-animal connection is real, and it's especially powerful for kids who've experienced trauma, instability, or neglect.
What started as informal weekend meetups between at-risk youth and rescue dogs quickly grew into a structured program. Today, Save the Kids and Dogs runs weekly mentorship sessions, partners with local shelters, and has helped hundreds of children and dogs find stability, confidence, and belonging.
We operate entirely in Southeast Michigan — Detroit, Ypsilanti, Pontiac, and the surrounding communities — because we believe in showing up for the neighborhoods that raised us.
To empower at-risk youth and rescue animals in Southeast Michigan through structured mentorship, therapeutic animal interaction, and community-driven support programs.
Community First
We root every program in the neighborhoods we serve, building trust through consistency and presence.
Dignity for All
Every child and every animal in our care is treated with unconditional respect and compassion.
Radical Transparency
We publish our financials, outcomes, and program data because our donors and community deserve to know exactly where their trust goes.
Healing Through Connection
We believe the bond between a child and an animal is one of the most powerful therapeutic tools available — and we build programs around it.
Real Numbers. Real Lives.
Since 2020, our programs have created measurable change for kids and dogs across Southeast Michigan.
Youth Served
Children enrolled in mentorship and therapeutic animal programs since 2020
Dogs Rescued
Rescue dogs placed in foster care, trained, and adopted into loving homes
Program Completion
Of enrolled youth complete the full 12-week program cycle
Adoption Rate
Of dogs in our foster network are successfully adopted within 90 days
Partner Shelters
Local animal shelters and rescues we collaborate with across Southeast Michigan
Cost to Families
Every program is free to participating youth and their families — always
The People Behind the Work
A small, dedicated team of staff and volunteers who show up every week — rain or shine.
Darnell Washington
Former social worker with 15 years in child welfare. Darnell founded STKD after seeing firsthand how animal-assisted therapy transformed outcomes for the youth he served.
Priya Nair
Licensed counselor and youth advocate. Priya designs and oversees all mentorship curriculum, ensuring every session is trauma-informed and evidence-based.
Marcus Okafor
Certified animal behaviorist and former shelter manager. Marcus leads our foster network, rescue partnerships, and dog training programs.
Lena Kowalski
Detroit native and community organizer. Lena builds the relationships with schools, shelters, and neighborhood groups that make our programs possible.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Whether you give, volunteer, or simply spread the word — every action moves us forward.