SCI Waymart welcomed a brother and sister duo who will be "working" in the Forensic Treatment Center (FTC). Through a partnership with SCI Chester, Waymart now is a loving home for the two puppies! Waymart continues to create innovative programs to promote quality of life for the FTC patients. This addition to the FTC milieu will boost morale, positive energy and promote a sense of community.
Bella and Buddy are from a litter of nine that were found as strays in Georgia. They were rescued by Wags and brought to Pennsylvania. These pups were the last two left and sent to SCI Chester to be housebroken before coming to SCI Waymart
Bella and Buddy will be handled on the units by two certified peer specialists and two other handlers, and they will be available throughout each day. Recently, one of the dogs came for a visit, and the response from the FTC patients was overwhelming joy. Introducing pets to a therapeutic environment has shown to have benefits such as increased communication, increased self-confidence, increased physical activity and an overall happier mood. Pets also reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression, boost morale and give staff and patients something to look forward to. Waymart would like to extend a huge thank you to SCI Chester for their unending support and efforts to bring this program to our staff and patients.
Pictured from left: Lynn Patrone, forensic mental health program administrator;
Madeline Quinn, SCI Chester superintendent’s assistant; Buddy and Bella, lab
mixes; Bobbie Bassett, deputy superintendent for forensic services; and Dave
Chapel, unit manager.