WilCo-Jail To Jobs Pilot Program Helps Youth, Shelter Dogs

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter recently launched a pilot program to help youth caught up in the justice system to create a path to employment.

In partnership with Jail To Jobs and fueled by a grant from the Petco Foundation, the project involves training youth to train dogs — which, in turn, helps better prepare canines for adoption, officials explained. Together, human youth and canines both learn valuable life skills that help each secure brighter futures.

“The Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter (WCRAS) strives to do all we can to place dogs and cats on a path to a new life," shelter Director Misty Valenta said in a prepared statement. "It only makes sense to partner with a program that extends that mission to humans with the same ultimate need. A special thank you to the Petco Foundation for providing the funds to begin this partnership. This partnership will transform countless lives."

Added Williamson County Director for Jail To Jobs Eddie Franz: “The partnership with the WCRAS is miraculous. I’ve seen hardened 22-year-olds become kids again, playing and training the dogs. I’ve seen dogs who were scared and nervous become puppies again, full of play and security. We are bringing together two populations that have been discarded by society. Two populations that have been hurt by people they trusted. Together, they heal each other in profound ways. The animals and the youth become open to learning and are able to begin to put the past behind them. It is something I believe should be happening in every city across America.”

Williamson County Commissioner Valerie Covey has been a member of the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter board since its inception in 2007. Most recently, she worked with both district and county court at law judges on a new pretrial department where she was introduced to Jail To Jobs. “Upon seeing what Jail To Jobs had to offer our pretrial department, I quickly realized that they could also partner with our animal shelter,” Covey said.

“I believe this is a great opportunity for both the WCRAS and the employees that will be provided by Jail To Jobs," the commissioner continued. "This mutually beneficial endeavor seeks to provide much needed services to our regional animal shelter while providing meaningful employment to youthful offenders and reducing the recidivism rates.”

The pilot program between the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter and Jail To Jobs is set to run for twelve weeks, officials said, with its extension contingent on success. Community donations and the generosity of the Petco Foundation will fund the program for the duration of this fiscal year, officials added.