Changing lives one animal at a time!

Welcome Aboard, Darrin!

Paws for Patrick is pleased to announce the appointment of Darrin Utynek as the organization's new Executive Director. With over 25 years of diverse leadership experience in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors, Darrin brings extensive knowledge and expertise to the organization and its mission.

“We are delighted to welcome Darrin to Paws for Patrick. His proven leadership will accelerate our impact and enable our important mission,” said Andy Silvernail, CEO of International Paper and Board Chair of the Paws for Patrick's Board of Directors.

Darrin Utynek previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of Bernie's Book Bank, where he was appointed the first CEO of the organization. The organization provides over 2.5 million books annually to over 300,000 children in the Chicagoland area. Under his direction, the organization was able to enhance its business operations and technology in an effort to sustain the work done in Chicagoland and begin expanding its mission nationally.

Prior to his time at Bernie’s Book Bank, Utynek served as the Chief Operating Officer of the American Red Cross, the Vice President of Administration for the Habitat Company, and Senior Director of Risk Management for the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago.

Fronzie Roemer, Co-Founder and Vice Chair of Paws for Patrick added, "We are thrilled to welcome Darrin as our new Executive Director. His passion for our mission and extensive experience in the non-profit sector will be invaluable as we continue to honor Patrick's legacy."

As Executive Director, Darrin will apply his diverse experience to lead the organization and advance the mission and tremendous work of Paws for Patrick.

Our Mission

Paws For Patrick is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the mental health of young people through the emotional support of animals.

We provide the funds and resources to bring the love of animals to the people who need it most.

Using our Emotional Support Animal (ESA) and Therapy Dog programs, we provide the funds and resources to bring the love of animals to the people who need it most—helping clients across the country with the costs associated with ESA letters, adoption, and training. We also seek to raise awareness of mental illness and break the stigma that still exists.

Patrick’s animals, especially his beloved dog Cici, gave him a sense of peace and love that no human could ever provide. This work can never bring Patrick back, and the pain of his loss will never go away, yet his memory and legacy still live on most profoundly.

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS

Using our Emotional Support Animal program, let us help you with your journey to acquiring an ESA.

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ESA Request Form

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"Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them, and filling the emptiness we didn't ever know we had." - Thom Jones

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What is an ESA Letter?

An ESA (Emotional Support Animal) letter is a document provided by a licensed mental health professional that certifies an individual's need for an emotional support animal. This letter is typically prescribed to people who have a mental health condition or emotional disorder and can benefit from the companionship and support of an animal. The ESA letter provides certain legal protections under laws such as the Fair Housing Act (FHA). It usually allows individuals to live with their emotional support animal in housing that might otherwise have pet restrictions. An ESA letter does not provide protections for traveling with a pet or assistance animal. To travel with your animal worry-free, they must be a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD.)

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