Hand2Paw, 17 years old, PA

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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.

Just before the recent snowstorm, our on-site refrigerator unexpectedly stopped working. We had to clear out all stored food, though we were grateful to distribute it to our interns before it spoiled. We are now without a fridge and the ability to consistently provide healthy, readily available food during program hours. Hand2Paw is a Philadelphia-based nonprofit that supports youth and young adults, many with lived experience in foster care, housing instability, or other systemic barriers, through paid internships, humane education, and exposure to animal welfare careers. Access to food while interns are with us is an important part of maintaining a safe, supportive, and trauma-informed environment. Having a fully stocked new refrigerator will allow Hand2Paw to continue providing healthy and readily available food to our interns.