Hand2Paw is a Philadelphia-based nonprofit that provides paid, trauma-informed internships for young people ages 15–24 who are experiencing or have experienced housing instability, foster care or justice involvement, or other significant life challenges. Through hands-on work with animals, career readiness training, and individualized support, interns build essential job skills, strengthen coping abilities, and develop pathways toward long-term stability. At the heart of Hand2Paw’s mission is the belief that connection to animals, to community, and to opportunity creates healing. Interns work alongside shelter animals, participate in workforce development activities, receive mentorship, and access resources that help them pursue employment, further education, and careers in the animal welfare field and beyond. Hand2Paw’s programming combines animal-assisted learning, career development, and youth empowerment, ensuring that every young person is met with compassion, dignity, and opportunity.