'New Leash Of Life' Reentry Program Holding First Delco Graduation Tuesday

THORNTON, PA — Delaware County Tuesday is hosting its first-ever graduation ceremony for first George W. Hill Correctional Facility's New Leash on Life USA program at the prison.

The event will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the prison's chapel, 500 Cheyney Road in Thornton.

County officials are calling the inaugural ceremony "a milestone moment in the County’s commitment to innovative reentry programming."

This six-month initiative pairs incarcerated participants with shelter dogs rescued from euthanasia, combining animal-assisted therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and trauma-informed workshops in life skills, dog training, and career readiness.

The final 12 weeks focus on community-based support, including paid internships and individualized client services to help reduce recidivism and support long-term success.

The program was made possible through a $1.9 million federal investment in Prison-to-Community Workforce Development, championed by Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, and supported by partners across the criminal justice system.

At this time, scheduled graduation speakers include Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, a member of Delaware County Council, Warden Laura K. Williams of the George W. Hill Correctional Facility, Alexandra Whittle, Chief of the Diversion and Re-entry Unit in the Delaware County Office of the Public Defender, and Marian V. Marchese, Founder and CEO of New Leash on Life USA.

During the ceremony, five incarcerated women—and three dogs—will receive official certificates of completion.