Delaware County Celebrates New Leash on Life Graduation at George W. Hill Correctional Facility
Delaware County, PA — George W. Hill Correctional Facility Interim Warden David Mascellino and Re-entry and Program Administrator Kelly Shaw were proud to welcome members of Delaware County Council, GWH staff members, members of the Jail Oversight Board, and representatives of County agencies on Thursday December 18 to celebrate New Leash on Life USA’s final 2025 graduation ceremony at GWH.
The milestone event marks the third graduating class from one of the County’s newest and most impactful re-entry programs—designed to foster second chances, reduce recidivism, and save the lives of both people and dogs. The six-month program, funded through $1.9 million in federal support secured by Representative Mary Gay Scanlon for Prison-to-Community Workforce Development initiatives, is operated in partnership with the nonprofit New Leash on Life USA.
“It’s special seeing the impact this program has and the ways it gives second chances to both dogs and people,” said Interim Warden David Mascellino. “We have seen what can happen when we combine compassion, structure, and opportunity. Thank you to Re-entry and Program Administrator Kelly Shaw, whose leadership has been critical to making this program such a success in Delaware County.
“We’ve watched our participants grow in confidence, develop trust, and take real pride in their work since this class began,” said Shaw. “Seeing our human participants graduate is proof that with the right support and resources, transformation is possible. This program changes the trajectory of lives—human and canine alike.”
Delaware County Councilmember Christine Reuther underscored Council’s pride in the program, saying, “This is a day of celebration for everyone who believes incarceration can be more than just a punitive period. This is a celebration for people who believe in second chances, and that we’re all better than our worst moments or decisions.”
New Leash on Life USA pairs participants with shelter dogs rescued from euthanasia and engages them in 12 weeks of in-facility workshops focused on dog training, life skills, career readiness, and trauma-informed care. The program is grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy and animal-assisted therapy. The second 12 weeks of the program focus on individualized re-entry services and paid internships, supporting participants as they transition into their communities.
This cohort of dogs was the ‘Holiday Class’ and included the aptly named Cranberry, Turkey, Sweet Potato, Mash Potato, Pumpkin Pie, and Green Bean.
The program has a proven track record. Since its first program launch in 2011, New Leash has served 685 people, achieving an impressive 75% graduation rate and limiting one-year recidivism to just 10.5%. In the process, it has also saved over 312 dogs and prepared them to thrive in permanent homes.
Graduates receive ongoing support with job placement, transit access, housing, and health care resources, complementing the facility’s broader re-entry offerings, including the award-winning PREP program and recently expanded mental health services supported by a $769,825 federal grant.
“We’re all better off when people who are incarcerated know there is life after this period, there are people who believe in them, and that we expect big things from them when this period ends.” Reuther said.
Thursday’s ceremony was also an opportunity to recognize the numerous George W. Hill Correctional Facility staff members and representatives of County agencies who played vital roles in the recent launch of the program, including the Office of the Public Defender, Adult Probation, the Office of the District Attorney, and many dedicated staff members.
To learn more about New Leash on Life USA, including dog adoption opportunities, visit newleashonlife.org.