Delaware County Celebrates Inaugural New Leash on Life Graduation at George W. Hill Correctional Facility
Released: April 25, 2025
Delaware County Celebrates Inaugural New Leash on Life Graduation at George W. Hill Correctional Facility
Delaware County, PA — George W. Hill Correctional Facility Warden Laura Williams and Reentry and Program Administrator Kelly Shaw were proud to welcome Delaware County Council Members Elaine Paul Schaefer and Kevin Madden, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, New Leash on Life USA Founder and CEO Marian Marchese, and numerous GWH staff members, members of the Jail Oversight Board, and representatives of County agencies on Tuesday, April 22, to celebrate the first graduation ceremony of the New Leash on Life Prison Reentry Program at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility.
The milestone event marks the launch of one of the County’s most impactful reentry 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 Congresswoman Scanlon for Prison-to-Community Workforce Development initiatives, is operated in partnership with the nonprofit New Leash on Life USA.
“This is a transformative program—both for the participants and for our correctional system,” said Warden Laura Williams. “It reflects a powerful investment in rehabilitation, healing, and a belief in human potential. I especially want to thank Kelly Shaw, our Reentry and Program Administrator, whose tireless coordination, dedication, and passion for this work made this program a reality.”
“Watching the changes in the program participants over the past few months has been extraordinary,” said Kelly Shaw, Reentry and Program Administrator. “We saw each grow in confidence, build trust, and take pride in their work in such a short time. It’s been a privilege to witness the journeys of our graduates—Elizabeth, Natale, Mary, and Jasmin—and to see firsthand what’s possible when we pursue innovative, compassionate approaches to rehabilitation.”
New Leash on Life 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 reentry services and paid internships, supporting participants as they transition into their communities.
The program has a proven track record. Since 2011, it has served over 488 individuals, with an 87.8% graduation rate and a one-year recidivism rate of just 10.5%. Additionally, the program has rescued over 260 dogs, many of whom have been adopted into loving homes.
Graduates receive ongoing support with job placement, transit access, housing, and health care resources, complementing the facility’s broader reentry offerings, including the award-winning PREP program and recently expanded mental health services supported by a $769,825 federal grant.
"At New Leash on Life USA, we believe in fresh starts—for people and for dogs,” said Marian Marchese, Founder and CEO of New Leash on Life USA. “This graduation is more than a milestone—it’s a reminder that change is possible when individuals are given the tools, trust, and support they deserve.”
"This program is a wonderful example of what’s possible when we bring the right partners together with a shared commitment to rehabilitation and opportunity," said Delaware County Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer. "It’s inspiring to see how lives—and futures—can be changed through collaboration and new thinking."
“This graduation represents months—really years—of collaboration and belief,” added Warden Williams. “I want to personally thank Danielle Hibbard, Director of Adult Probation; Alexandra Whittle, Chief of the Diversion and Reentry Unit at the Public Defender’s Office; Marian; and Robert Rosa, Senior VP of Programs at New Leash on Life. Their shared commitment and vision brought this program to life and are helping us reshape reentry and rehabilitation in Delaware County.”
Tuesday’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 launching 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
