The Hand2paw Foundation

Hand2Paw provides paid internships working with rescue animals as a way to strengthen connection, compassion, and community for young adults from marginalized communities, including those experiencing housing insecurity or foster care involvement. Hand2Paw was started as a program in 2009 by a 19-year-old Penn student who was shocked to learn of the shared plight facing homeless youth and shelter animals in Philadelphia. Rachel came up with the idea to take an activity teens seemed to love—caring for animals—and develop a program to support young adults experiencing homelessness or foster care. This program would create an environment that would allow youth to develop their potential while experiencing compassion for all beings. Thus, Hand2Paw was born. Hand2Paw has supported hundreds of marginalized youth in Philadelphia through our programming. Our paid internships range from 3-6 months and feature a curriculum that incorporates career readiness and socio-emotional learning skills and humane education. yYouth learn their own value while increasing compassion and connection to animals, people and the community. During our internships, we help interns craft a resume and search for a job that suits their skills. Many of our youth move on to jobs in the animal care industry. Others use their increased sense of confidence and purpose to continue their education or work in another field. While making this difference in the lives of marginalized youth, Hand2Paw also helps to provide additional care, training, socialization, and grooming to hundreds of shelter animals in Philadelphia. The Hand2Paw Foundation is registered with the IRS as a 501c3 tax-exempt charitable organization.