South Carolina Secretary of State Angel Award recognizing charities devoting the most funding toward direct action programming & the least towards administrative costs.

Winner: Governor Dick Riley's "WhatWorksSC" 2016, for programs making the most impact in students' lives.

Orangeburg Consolidated School District 5 Making a Difference Award

The 2011 David Robinson Catalyst Award was proudly awarded by the Central Carolina Community Foundation. This prestigious recognition highlights outstanding contributions and commitment to the community, celebrating individuals who inspire positive change. We are honored to have received this award, which reflects our dedication to making a difference in the lives of others. Thank you for supporting our mission!

Healing Species' outstanding statistics published in 2 Peer Reviewed Journals:
"Sprinkle, J. Animals, Empathy, and Violence: Can Animals Convey Principles of Prosocial Behavior to Children.
The Journal of "Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice," Volume 6 Number 1 Jan 2008 &

Published results include 65% decrease in acts of aggression, 55% decrease in out of school suspensions, & 42% increase in acts of empathy among students who received the Healing Species curriculum & no other in intervention.

"Pearson, W. (2011). The Healing Species: Animal-Assisted Character Education for Improving Student behavior. Journal of Youth Development

Healing Species was 1 of only 3 instrumental partners presenting in Atlanta, GA, winning the competition naming Orangeburg County an "All America County."

Winner: Cheri Thompson Best of Philanthropy Award from Central Carolina Community Foundation in 2011

South Carolina Department of Education approved program as "Propitious New Model Program" for at-risk students.

Cheri Thompson was featured in Traditonal Home magazine, 2007, Winner: "Classic Woman Award" for women who give back to their communities.

Named: "Best of the Best" by South Carolina Department of Education, & a "Propitious Model Program," 2006.

Healing Species: featured in USA TODAY for successfully combatting bullying. 6D Thursday September 29, 2011 USA TODAY

State of South Carolina County of Orangeburg Resolution Honoring Cheri Brown Thompson; December 2023.