The generosity of IAM Union members will soon be on display for the entire world to see.
A new documentary highlighting the IAM’s favorite charity, Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines, will debut on Hulu on Tuesday, April 22. The film, titled “Unleashing Hope: The Power of Service Dogs for Children with Autism,” is the brainchild of talk show host and comedian Rosie O’Donnell, who showcases how a service dog transformed the life of her child with autism, Clay.
“My child is completely different because of the dog. They saved my child’s life. The healing started,” O’Donnell told Variety. “They have calmed down. They have a sense of connection. I was in shock. At the end of the year, they were getting most improved student at school.”
WATCH: Official Trailer for “Unleashing Hope: The Power of Service Dogs for Children with Autism”
In addition to Rosie and Clay, viewers will also follow another child with autism, Kaleb, and his family as they embark on their journey with the GDA | TLC program.
“I’m extremely proud of this documentary and the spotlight it puts on Guide Dogs of America. Support dogs are so helpful for children with autism,” O’Donnell told Variety. “Seeing the impact that a guide dog like Kuma has had on Clay and so many others has been heartwarming and uplifting.”
O’Donnell got connected with GDA | TLC through the charity’s prison training program, where inmates that O’Donnell has met have been volunteering to train service dogs. In 2020, GDA | TLC expanded its operations to not only train dogs for individuals who are blind and visually impaired, but also for military veterans and children with autism. O’Donnell told her heartwarming story to delegates at the IAM’s 2024 International Convention.
WATCH: Rosie & Kuma | Autism Service Dog Team
“I’ve always been proud of the work we do, which is why I am so grateful to Rosie that now the world can see the impact service dogs are having on children with autism,” GDA | TLC Vice President of Strategy and Operations Zack Gittlen told Variety. “The production team poured their heart and souls into the film and that’s why ‘Unleashing Hope’ shines.”
GDA | TLC was founded by the IAM’s Executive Council in 1948 after a member, Joseph Jones, sought the assistance of a guide dog for his mobility needs, but was declined by many organizations due to his “advanced age.”
“We’re incredibly thankful to Ms. O’Donnell for using her platform to showcase the life-changing work of Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Every IAM member should be proud that our union continues to pour our hearts and souls into giving the gift of sight and independence to so many.”
Thanks to the continuing generosity of IAM members across North America, GDA | TLC has continued to provide guide and service dogs to countless individuals, free of charge.
“We are incredibly grateful to Rosie O’Donnell, the entire production team, and everyone who poured their hearts into bringing Unleashing Hope to life,” said GDA | TLC President-Director Tony Blevins. “This documentary beautifully captures the spirit of our mission and the profound impact service dogs have on children with autism and their families. We’re thrilled the world will finally get a behind-the-scenes look at the love, dedication, and hard work that goes into each of these life-changing partnerships. It’s an honor to share our story—and the stories of the remarkable individuals we serve—with a global audience.”
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