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November begins the season to pause and give thanks for what we individually and collectively appreciate and cherish. For the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, this includes the 203 organizations the Trust supported this year with $13.1 million in grant awards. Since 1998, the Trust has granted more than $124 million and there are now nearly 700 nonprofit organizations that the Trust calls "family." It is through their work that we realize the Trust's mission to help people in need, protect animals and nature and enrich community life in our primary communities of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Phoenix, Arizona.

This issue's feature article focuses on the Trust's interest in encouraging the unique role animals can play in helping people in need, as Mrs. Pulliam did throughout her life. The volunteers of Phoenix Guide Dog Raisers raise puppies for eventual service in association with Guide Dogs for the Blind. The process is extremely challenging and disciplined, but filled with love between those many volunteer families and the puppies they prepare for final training and pairing with their eventual masters. The Indiana Canine Assistant and Adolescent Network pairs young dogs with incarcerated adults. The dogs live at the prison with their handlers who train them to become canine assistant partners. Lives are changed as the adolescent and adult offenders experience the rewards of responsibility, caring for others and contributing to the lives of those in need.

We also want to acknowledge the commitment of the 42 members of cohort six of the Trust's Nina Scholars program who began their studies earlier this fall at our four participating community colleges and universities. They joined 100 returning Nina Scholars who are working on their associate's and bachelor's degrees.

The Trustees and staff of the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust wish you and those you serve and love a most meaningful Thanksgiving holiday.

We welcome your comments and questions. Please contact us at Connections.