About Our Commitment To “Shelter To Soldier”

Dynamic Nonprofit Recipient Brings Post-9/11 Combat Veterans Together with Service Trained Rescue Dogs to Help Both Recover and Move Forward Actively Together

Leading California Personal Injury Firm Celebrates Opportunity to Give Back to Community by Supporting Those Who Served, While Demonstrating Attorneys’ Appreciation for Military Values, and Showcasing Legacy of Integrity, Hard Work, Dedication, and Success

The Barnes Firm & Shelter To Soldier Saving Two Lives At A Time

The Barnes Firm—a leading personal injury firm with multiple offices across California and New York—officially announced a $45,000 donation to Shelter to Soldier, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Shelter to Soldier actively adopts dogs from California shelters and trains them to become psychiatric service dogs for post-9/11 combat veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and/or other injuries associated with traumatic service experiences.

The Barnes Firm's Rich Barnes, Injury Attorney

“This donation is a very impactful moment for all of us at The Barnes Firm, especially in light of all that is happening in our country and the world,” said Richard Barnes, President, The Barnes Firm. “Our amazing team of attorneys and professional staff is thrilled to step up for a cause like this, and we look forward to watching the training process unfold over the coming months. As a dog lover and supporter of our military service members, I’m personally excited to meet the selected dogs and veterans that this contribution will positively impact.”

How It Works

“Shelter to Soldier is extremely appreciative of the generous donation being made by The Barnes Firm to help advance our organization’s unwavering commitment to operating an unparalleled service dog training program,” said Graham Bloem, President, Shelter to Soldier. “As a GuideStar Gold rated participant, we will deploy these dollars in an efficient manner, utilizing the skills of our certified team of trainers to take shelter dogs with no training and a potentially troubled past, and provide them with elite training and a more promising future as a highly cared for psychiatric service animal.”

man looking in the mirror with his dog and the reflection shows the man in uniform

Veterans & Shelters By The Numbers

Recent estimates suggest that an average of 20 veterans lose their lives to suicide nearly every day in the United States, and in 2018 alone, over 6,300 veterans took their lives.

Meanwhile, roughly 1,800 dogs are euthanized on a daily basis nationwide.

Shelter to Soldier is committed to making an impact on these devastating statistics by providing hope through the companionship of a psychiatric service dog who provides non-judgmental, 24/7 support and motivation to veterans otherwise debilitated by mental illness. These veterans made massive sacrifices to protect American freedom, and Shelter to Soldier is a truly unique and effective initiative dedicated to giving back to those who served by fulfilling the mission of “Saving Lives, Two at a Time^TM.”

Based on the size of the donation being made, The Barnes Firm has pursued Shelter to Soldier’s Red Star Sponsorship level, which is a collaborative offering that this contribution amount will cover the cost of supporting three separate dogs and veterans throughout the entire 12-to-18-month training program. Such cost coverage includes adoption fees, housing, medical care, grooming, food, treats, training and equipment, bedding, toys, testing, handling training, service dog equipment and documents, and materials for the veteran recipient and service dog pairing. This commitment concludes with the eventual placement of the selected dog with a post-9/11 combat veteran suffering from PTSD and/or TBI and a related ceremony to celebrate the occasion.

Border collie Australian shepherd mix dog lying down on tan veteran service military combat boots looking sad

“We take community service very sincerely at The Barnes Firm, and while our exceptional team of trusted trial attorneys remain committed to getting clients the best possible result, we are also committed to leaving a positive mark on the many people and regions we serve across California.”

“Our firm has always adhered to a strong set of military values and principles, in order to ensure that we retain a rock-solid foundation that helps us stand apart from the competition.”

Richard Barnes, President, The Barnes Firm

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The Barnes Firm was founded by prominent attorney and military veteran Steve Barnes (1959-2020), and is now led by his brother and distinguished attorney Richard Barnes. With an exceptional team of over 40 experienced legal professionals who provide a diverse offering of personal injury services and legal counsel, the firm focuses on motor vehicle accidents, medical injuries, workplace injuries, aviation accidents, nursing home negligence, wrongful death, products liability litigation, and more.

In addition to earning high marks and the continued trust of satisfied clients, attorneys at The Barnes Firm have repeatedly been recognized within the industry for excellence in the legal field. Awards and accreditations for many attorneys of The Barnes Firm include honors from The Best Lawyers in America for legal ability and professional ethics, Million Dollar Advocates Forum for achieving verdicts or settlements of $2 million or more, Super Lawyers based on a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement, and others.

For further information about The Barnes Firm, and its practice areas, success on behalf of past clients, and commitment to Shelter to Soldier, visit www.TheBarnesFirm.com/ShelterToSoldier or contact the Law Offices of The Barnes Firm via phone at 1-800-800-0000.

young man is sitting outside with his pet dog, on a summer evening, silhouetted by the sunset in the sky

About Shelter To Soldier & The Barnes Firm

About Shelter to Soldier

Shelter to Soldier is a California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that adopts dogs from local shelters and trains them to become psychiatric service dogs for post-9/11 combat veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and/or other psychological injuries. Shelter to Soldier Co-Founder, Graham Bloem is the recipient of the American Red Cross Real Heroes Award, 10News Leadership Award, CBS8 News Change It Up Award, Honeywell Life Safety Award, and the 2016 Waggy Award for Animal Welfare. Additionally, Shelter to Soldier is a gold participant of GuideStar and accredited by the Patriot’s Initiative. To learn more about veteran-support services provided by STS, visit www.sheltertosoldier.org.

About The Barnes Firm

The Barnes Firm has experienced personal injury attorneys who focus exclusively on accident cases including, but not limited to, auto/motorcycle, construction/workplace and mesothelioma/medical injuries. The attorneys at the firm have helped thousands of injured victims recover millions of dollars through their personal injury claims. The firm has locations in California and New York, with offices in San Diego, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, Buffalo, Rochester, NYC, and Long Island. For more information, visit www.TheBarnesFirm.com/SheltertoSoldier.

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