Canine CellMates held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of their new location in Cobb County on Thursday, September 9. Susan Jacobs-Meadows, Founder and Executive Director of Canine CellMates cut the ribbon.

The Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of Fulton County, Robb Pitts, and Deputy Chief, Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, Jill Holander, spoke at the event.

In addition, Cobb County District Attorney Flynn Brody, Cobb County Chamber Executive Board Chairman John Loud, Cobb County Chamber Director of Member Engagement Elizabeth McMahon, Honorable Jason Marbutt Cobb Superior Court Judge, Honorable Kellie S. Hill Cobb Superior Court Judge, Cobb County Commissioner Keli Grambrill, Cobb County Government Alive Korucu, Representatives from Barry Loudermilks office, Alton Adams, Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Public Safety, Fulton County Public Defender’s Office Liz Markowitz, and Khadijah Abdur-Rahman were in attendance.

Canine CellMates is a nonprofit organization that has been dedicated to reaching incarcerated men using the magic healing power of dogs since 2013.

During their time participating in the Canine CellMates program, inmates train rescued shelter dogs as well as sitting in classes and curriculum designed to help give them the tools to avoid future incarceration.  Through this program, Canine CellMates transforms the community by offering hope and a second chance. They are very excited to be expanding their services to an out of custody program called “Beyond The Bars.” This program will help to positively impact the lives of more men, and more rescue dogs.

During their time participating in the Canine CellMates program, inmates train rescued shelter dogs as well as sitting in classes and curriculum designed to help give them the tools to avoid future incarceration.  Through this program, Canine CellMates transforms the community by offering hope and a second chance. They are very excited to be expanding their services to an out of custody program called “Beyond The Bars.” This program will help to positively impact the lives of more men, and more rescue dogs.

Building tours will be given in the coming weeks after the ribbon cutting, to provide an overview of how this program will work inside the new space.