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🐾✨ Yin & Yang Shine Bright at Castle Rock! ✨🐾 

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We’re bursting with pride as our beloved mascots, Yin (Bilbo) and Yang (Olive), brought home new ribbons from the Castle Rock Dog Show! 🏆🐶 Under the expert care of Anell Henderson and with the incredible support of the Scottish Terrier Club of Greater Denver, these two stars continue to amaze us. 

But their impact goes far beyond the show ring. At Project: Return To Work (R2W), Yin and Yang are more than just champions—they’re healers, companions, and symbols of hope. 💙 

Their calming presence brings comfort to our veterans and job seekers with disabilities, helping create a space of healing, growth, and connection. Whether they’re greeting guests or offering a quiet moment of peace, they embody the heart of our mission: compassion, dedication, and excellence. 

👉 Ready to make a difference or take the next step in your career? Visit return2work.org to apply today—whether you’re looking for meaningful employment or want to help others find their path forward. Let’s build a stronger, more inclusive workforce together. 🐾💼 

#R2W #YinAndYang #TherapyDogs #CastleRockDogShow #VeteranSupport #DisabilityInclusion #HealingThroughCompanionship #DogsofInstagram #ServiceWithHeart #JoinUs 

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Meet Farid: STEM Intern Using Tech Skills to Transform Lives at Project: Return2Work

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Hello! My name is Farid Ahmadov and I have been a STEM Intern at Project: Return2Work since January of 2025. I am a current senior at the University of Colorado Boulder pursuing a B.S. in Computer Science. My current goal is to land a stable software job where I can put my skills to use in building and improving software to make people’s lives easier.

Working at Project: Return2Work has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only have I developed valuable technical and professional skills, but I’ve also gained a deeper appreciation for how technology can be used to empower and uplift those who need it most.

My work has focused on the StaffCV system as well as outreach. I help guide job seekers through the system so that they can quickly be set up with an employer. I reach out and keep in touch with job seekers to make sure that they have all that they need to successfully gain employment.

Furthermore, working and helping disabled veterans, among other classes of society that need help with employment, has been both humbling and rewarding. Getting to help people who need our help has always been a goal of mine, as I have always looked for ways to contribute back to society.

I look forward to continuing my work with Project: Return2Work to help people who need our help.

Farid Ahmadov – STEM Intern
“I am a current fourth year student at the University of Colorado Boulder with a passion for helping people. R2W has been a great opportunity for me to explore this passion, as well as being privileged to work with an excellent team that shares my passion.”

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Scotties, Service, and Support: A Winning Day at the Castle Rock Dog Show

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The Scottish Terrier Club of Greater Denver recently competed in the Castle Rock Dog Show with our beautiful Scottish Terrier mascots, who receive looks wherever they go. This dog show was not only an opprotunity to showcase our mascots but also to draw attention to our cause here at R2W. We work closely with The Scottish Terrier Club, and it is always a pleasure to collaborate with individuals who are so willing to support our mission, helping not only military veterans but also all types of citizens struggling to find employment.

Their love for our mascots, along with their continued support of our mission is truly remarkable. The club hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including seasonal meetups, dog-friendly outings, breed education sessions, and community fundraisers. These gatherings offer a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere where Scotties (and their people) can socialize, play, and build lasting friendships. In addition to social events, the club also supports Scottish Terrier rescue efforts, fosters public awareness, and shares helpful resources for grooming, training, and breed health.

Membership is open to all Scottie lovers—whether you own one, hope to in the future, or simply admire the breed’s bold personality. Joining the club is a great way to meet other local enthusiasts, get involved in fun and meaningful events, and support the well-being of Scottish Terriers throughout Colorado. To learn more or get involved, visit https://stcgdenver.org.

Meet Yin and Yang

Meet Yin and Yang, our spirited Scottish Terriers! These two charming pups are not only adorable but also expert demo dogs helping groomers of all levels learn the essential techniques of hand stripping and pet clipping especially tailored for Scotties. Yin, with her calm and steady nature, is the perfect partner for learning precision and control. Yang brings the spark, showing how to manage energy and movement while grooming. Together, they make the perfect teaching team! To keep Yin and Yang looking and feeling their best, we’ve put together a wishlist of grooming tools, treats, and essentials that support their health, comfort, and performance. Whether you’re a fan, a fellow groomer, or someone who just loves Scotties, your support means the world to us and to them!

Support Yin and Yang:

Amazon Wishlist

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Annel Henderson: Breeding Champions and Igniting Hope with Project: Return to Work

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In the vibrant world of dog shows, where precision grooming meets poised athleticism, Annel Henderson of LocherB Kennels stands out not just for her champion Scottish Terriers but for their heartwarming role as mascots for Project: Return to Work (R2W). With recent victories at the Roaring Fork Kennel Club All-Breed Dog Show, where Olive (aka “Yang”) clinched Best Puppy and Bilbo (aka “Yin”) earned Best Opposite Sex, Annel and her furry companions are proving that success in the ring can go paw-in-paw with profound community impact.
 

Annel’s journey into the competitive dog show circuit wasn’t an immediate leap, but a carefully groomed path. Initially, her involvement with LocherB Kennels was more casual. It wasn’t until she encountered a truly gifted groomer that her passion for presenting top-quality Scottish Terriers truly blossomed. This pivotal connection inspired Annel to delve deeper into the intricacies of the dog show world. She soon became an active participant, joining the Plum Creek Kennel Club before becoming a dedicated member of the Scottish Terrier Kennel Club of Greater Denver (https://stcgdenver.org/).
 

Through her growing involvement with the STKCGD, Annel met fellow enthusiasts who would further shape her kennel’s destiny. Notably, her connection with the Schaffers led her to acquire a foundation bitch – a significant step towards breeding the champions that would one day capture hearts both in the show ring and at R2W events. This lineage eventually brought forth special dogs like Abbie, who, as Annel proudly recalls, made her mark early on with impressive wins, including an award in the Winners Bitch class at the Chicago Specialty, followed by a Reserve Winners placement.
 

Today, the undeniable stars of LocherB Kennels, Olive and Bilbo, serve as the beloved mascots for Project: Return to Work. Their charming personalities and show-stopping presence bring an extra layer of joy and engagement to R2W’s crucial mission of helping disabled civilians, injured veterans, and their spouses find meaningful employment. Whether at a recent R2W event in Castle Rock or making headlines with their latest wins, Olive and Bilbo symbolize the resilience and spirit that R2W champions every day.
 

Annel Henderson and LocherB Kennels exemplify how passion, dedication, and a love for animals can extend far beyond personal achievement, creating a ripple effect of inspiration and support for a cause as vital as Project: Return to Work.

Annel Henderson

Annel Henderson

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Nathan Mergesa

Meet Nathan Megersa: STEM Intern Building Bridges Between Tech and Service

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Hello everyone! My name is Nathan Megersa, and I’m honored to be a STEM Intern at Project: Return2Work (R2W). I’m currently a second-year Computer Science student at the University of Colorado Boulder, driven by a deep passion for technology and a desire to make a meaningful impact in the world. 

From a young age, I’ve always been curious about how things work—especially in the digital world. That curiosity evolved into a commitment to pursue a career in tech, where I can build solutions that empower people and improve lives. My ultimate goal is to become a software engineer who not only writes code but also writes change into the world. 

R2W has been a pivotal part of that journey. It’s more than just an internship—it’s a community that believes in second chances, growth, and purpose. Through R2W, I’ve gained hands-on experience with tools like StaffCV, learning how hiring platforms operate and how to manage applications effectively. But beyond the technical skills, I’ve grown in areas that are just as important—like communication, collaboration, and leadership. 

Working alongside my fellow STEM Interns and the dedicated R2W team has taught me the power of teamwork and the value of service. Whether we’re supporting veterans re-entering the workforce or helping job seekers find their next opportunity, I’ve seen firsthand how technology and compassion can come together to change lives. 

R2W has inspired me to keep striving, keep learning, and keep giving back. I’m proud to be part of a mission that uplifts others—and I’m excited to carry these lessons with me into the future.

Nathan Mergesa

Nathan Mergesa – STEM Intern
“I love to help others and make an impact on the community. And I’m happy to be able to do that by working with R2W, helping veterans and their families.”

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Hiale Haile

Meet Hiale Haile: STEM Intern Making a Difference for Veteran Employment

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My STEM internship has been a truly rewarding and impactful experience. It’s been a privilege to work with R2W and contribute to its inspiring mission: supporting disabled National Guard and veteran members, other disabled individuals, their spouses, and caretakers in re-entering the workforce. Providing a safe place for these individuals to transition into the job market is an incredible endeavor. Our summer goal of processing 1,000 applicants has highly motivated me to contribute as much as possible to R2W’s success. 

Through this internship, I’ve gained valuable skills. I’ve learned the StaffCV system for efficient applicant processing and have developed cold calling sales techniques by directly reaching out to companies via phone and email. This has taught me how to deliver a captivating, concise pitch and maintain a calm and comfortable demeanor, ensuring I respect their time. I’ve also become proficient in posting jobs and advertisements across various platforms. This internship has significantly enhanced both my soft and technical skills, providing a well-rounded set of experiences that will undoubtedly impact my future endeavors. 

Hiale Haile

Hiale Haile – STEM Intern
“R2W’s mission allows me to impact people’s lives directly, and that has always been a dream of mine. Because of R2W, I can now help those in need.”

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The Scottish Terrier Club of Greater Denver

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The Scottish Terrier Club of Greater Denver is a warm and welcoming community for those who love and appreciate the spirited personality of the Scottish Terrier. Whether you’re a longtime Scottie owner or simply admire the breed, the club offers a fun and inclusive way to connect with others who share your passion. Founded in 2019, the club was created to celebrate the unique charm of Scotties while promoting responsible ownership, education, and rescue support.

The club hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including seasonal meetups, dog-friendly outings, breed education sessions, and community fundraisers. These gatherings offer a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere where Scotties (and their people) can socialize, play, and build lasting friendships. In addition to social events, the club also supports Scottish Terrier rescue efforts, fosters public awareness, and shares helpful resources for grooming, training, and breed health.

Membership is open to all Scottie lovers—whether you own one, hope to in the future, or simply admire the breed’s bold personality. Joining the club is a great way to meet other local enthusiasts, get involved in fun and meaningful events, and support the well-being of Scottish Terriers throughout Colorado. To learn more or get involved, visit https://stcgdenver.org.

 

Meet Our Team

Project: Return to Work brings together a dedicated community committed to helping disabled civilians, injured veterans, and their spouses find meaningful employment. Our team members each have unique stories and passions that drive our mission forward.

Featured Team Members:

Annel Henderson (STCGD BOD) and Rob Brazell (R2W President and STCGD Member) proudly showing “Yin”, aka Bilbo McBaggins, and “Yang”, aka Olive.

  • Annel Henderson – R2W supporter and Scottish Terrier Club of Greater Denver board member whose champions Yin and Yang serve as our beloved mascots

 

Charlie Gann (STCGD’s Vice President) with her Grand Champion horse and Scotty on their Western Colorado ranch.

  • Charlie Gann – Vice President and Western Colorado rancher whose Scottie shares adventures with her Grand Champion horse

Want to learn more about Annel’s inspiring journey and how her Scottish Terriers became part of our R2W family?

Read her story →

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Meet Yin and Yang: More Than Mascots—They’re Family

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At Project: Return To Work Inc. (R2W), our mission goes beyond job placement—it’s about restoring confidence, rebuilding lives, and reconnecting families. That mission is reflected in two very special team members: Yin and Yang, our beloved mascots. 

These loyal dogs do more than pose for photos. At every R2W event, they bring warmth, comfort, and connection. Whether they’re playing with kids, offering quiet support to a veteran, or simply making someone smile, Yin and Yang help turn our gatherings into safe, welcoming spaces. 

For many military families, their presence is the first step in feeling at home again. They help us reach veterans on a personal level—opening hearts and easing the journey back into civilian life. 

Recently, Yin (Bilbo) and Yang (Olive) attended a regional dog show where Yang took home Best in Show, and Yin earned Best of Opposite Sex. But their real achievement is the impact they make in people’s lives every day. 

They represent everything R2W stands for: trust, hope, and unwavering support. In a world where healing takes many forms, Yin and Yang remind us that sometimes the most powerful connection comes on four paws. 

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STCGD Member Rob Brazell we are so proud of you!

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STCGD Member Rob Brazell we are so proud of you! Rob has, has again been awarded the prestigious Seven Seals Award.

The Seven Seals Award is the broadest and most inclusive award given by ESGR and is presented at the discretion of the State Chair or by ESGR senior leadership. The Seven Seals Award is presented in recognition of significant individual or organizational achievement, initiative, or support that promotes and supports the ESGR mission, to include the efforts of the more than 2,300 volunteers who carry out ESGR’s mission across the Nation on a daily basis. 

Rob received this award for the first time in 2011. He has also been awarded other DOD ESGR awards, like the “Above and Beyond” award. And gold medals from Presidents Obama, Trump, and Biden. Return To Work Inc. (R2W) President, Rob Brazell, was awarded the Seven Seals Award by Admiral Richard Young and General Thomas Mills at the U.S. Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve program (ESGR). The ESGR Seven Seals Award is presented at the discretion of the ESGR State Chair in recognition of significant individual or organization achievement, in addition to initiative or support that promotes and bolsters the ESGR mission. The Seven Seals Award is the only ESGR award that bridges both employer and volunteer recognition awards programs.

Return 2 Work earned the Seven Seals award for its exceptional support of the Military and Veterans Employment Expo (MVEE), held in May 2011. R2W partnered with the ESGR program to create the Military and Veterans Employment Expo in order to  

  1. address unemployment among National Guardsmen, Reservists and Veterans,
  2. provide training on job hunting skills, and
  3. hold a job fair featuring over 75 employers from various cities in Colorado. R2W played a significant role throughout the entire Military and Veterans Employment Expo, offering the following services:
  • Registration system, operators, and office support – which were donated by StaffCV, Your Office and Office Evolution;
  • Professional “How to” employment webinars for veterans sponsored by ReadyTalk;
  • A seminar – led by R2W President Rob Brazell – entitled “Career Exploration,” which aimed to help veterans prepare for networking with the various employers who attended the employment expo. Numerous volunteers helped to make the employment expo a success. Regarding the tremendous success of MVEE, R2W President Rob Brazell noted, “The military and government reached out…the community reached back. This unprecedented collaboration among several military, government and community partners made a huge difference in the lives of many Colorado veterans and their families.” R2W continues to provide quality metrics to the array of military and government agencies involved in MVEE, while also participating on the central planning committee for the next employment forum to be announced by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve program.