Since 1979, Helping Hands Monkey Helpers (monkeyhelpers.org) has provided more than 150 highly trained capuchin monkeys free of charge to people with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and other physical impairments, enabling them to live more independent lives. The dexterous capuchins, which can live to be 40 years old, are trained for three to five years at a specialized facility. They help their owners with everyday tasks, such as scratching itches, turning book pages, retrieving dropped objects, and flipping light switches. Helping Hands carefully matches the monkeys to the recipients, making 10 to 12 placements each year. At the start of each placement, staff members provide extensive in-home coaching to ensure the comfort of the new owner and thereafter offer ongoing support.
The charity has earned a four-star overall rating from Charity Navigator, which rates not-for-profit organizations on the strength of their finances, their control of administrative and fundraising expenses, and the transparency of their operations. Four stars is the group’s highest rating.
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