Program To Support Female Inmates Training At-Risk Shelter Dogs Gets $10K Grant
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A community foundation and public charity organization has awarded a grant to a prison-dog training program dedicated to improving the life of inmates and saving the lives of dogs.
The TTN Giving Circle Fund of the Philadelphia Foundation gave a $10,000 grant to New Leash on Life. The program allows inmates to train at-risk shelter dogs to enhance their adoptability, and the prisoners get employment skills.
New Leash on Life CEO and founder Marian Marchese says the funds will allow female inmates to enroll in the program.
"This is our very first cohort of female inmates," she says. "We want to make sure that they have every possible support. This money will make a huge difference in what we can do for them."
One of the New Leash on Life pups, Sparky, was at the check ceremony giving kisses to all in attendance.
"Almost all of the dogs we take are dogs that will be euthanized they are considered unadoptable," Marchese says. "She was considered unadoptable and look what she is doing today. She is being trained to work with someone who has diabetes."
The women who complete the program will receive paid internships and help in finding long-term employment through JEVS Human Services.