New Leash on Life USA

I have worked with New Leash on Life USA as a volunteer and as a communications consultant. Not only is their mission so valuable and the impact is measurably big -- the people who work for New Leash on Life are so dedicated to changing the lives of people and dogs. They are the real deal. I have interviewed some of the people who have gone through the program, and every single one tells a story of transformation. Their lives have been forever changed -- for the good. There is long-term impact because people leave this program and get jobs. That is not easy for people just re-entering their community after serving time incarcerated.

The dogs? They are not only rescued, trained and loved by their trainer, but they are also then adopted by families who will give them a good life long-term. The stories about the dogs and the families who adopt them are also incredible. There are few programs i have worked with that have more impact than New Leash on Life.

My name is Gary Romanski I was incarcerated for a probation violation probably around my 6th or 7th. I was sentenced to 11 and a half to 23 months. I was sitting in jail ready to do my time when one day a man came around with a list for the new Leash On Life program. At first I signed up because it could get me out of jail early but when I was accepted I started going to the classes and realized that this was something that could be very beneficial to me. It made me look at the things I can do instead of dwelling on all of the doors that were closed to me. It opened my mind to broader possibilities not only is this program great for the dogs whose lives have been saved but it is greatly beneficial to people incarcerated who don't have much of a plan upon release me being one of those people. I learned a lot about myself I learned a lot about dogs and people in general. This program made me realize how great my potential Can be with positive people having your back. The selflessness that the people who run this program display is amazing I owe a lot to these people including Rob, Kim, Tamar, Laura, and mr. Jerome Peterson. Any group of people or program that takes time out to help people that are in maybe the most difficult time of their lives is something special that cannot be described with words but I figured I would try I owe them that much for really giving me a new leash on life. No pun intended. Thank you. Gary Romanski

I am proud to donate to this notable organization whose dual mission appeals to the dog-lover and social justice advocate in me. Their stories are compelling (successful rehabilitation of undervalued shelter dogs and inmates) and are effectively communicated to supporters. I would love to see NLOL find a broader social media platform with which to toot its horn!

I met the Founder of New Leash on Life three years ago. At the time I was not aware of the number of dogs euthanized each year and also had very little experience with exoffenders or those still incarcerated. New Leash not only raised my awareness but commitment to give my skills, talents, time, as a fundraiser to improving the conditions and morale for incarcerated men and women, and enhancing the adoptability of the dogs pulled from local high-kill shelters.

Keep an eye on this organization! They have become the gold standard for providing inmates with successful reentry back into their communities where they settle and thrive. Couple this with saving dogs from incarceration in shelters - otherwise, euthanasia a likely outcome. Best practices for others to follow.

New Leash on Life USA transforms both the lives of the dogs that they rescue as well as the inmates that they serve, and I couldn't be prouder to support the organization on a personal and professional level. Marian and her team truly make a difference in the Philadelphia community through rescuing the lives of unwanted shelter dogs and empowering inmates through empathy, skill, and character building. NLOL's commitment to inmates before, during, and after they leave prison is the critical link to the success of the program. The impact that the NLOL program has on the inmates and the community-at-large cannot be quantified by just a statistic as the organization does so much more than lower recidivism rates or save shelter dogs, it changes lives. I proudly support New Leash on Life USA and will continue to do my part in helping to further their mission!

Sincerely,

Jared Kerr
Co-Founder
Philly Pet Hotel

It is truly an honor and a privilege to serve on New Leash on Life-USA's Board of Directors. This is an exceptionally well run non-profit organization that continues to successfully accomplish outcomes of reducing recidivism through creating employment opportunities for inmates upon parole and saving the lives of at-risk shelter dogs. Marian Marchese and her terrific team, along with our Board Members and many volunteers have positioned New Leash on Life-USA to continue making a significant positive impact to the community for many years to come. John Melcher

I have been working w New Leash on Life USA for a year now as both a communications advisor and volunteer. Since I have helped them tell their amazing story in many different ways, I know well now that this program works - it changes and transforms individuals and animals lives. Former inmates deserve a chance to get a job after serving their time in prison - New Leash helps make that happen. And hard-to-adopt shelter dogs deserve a chance to be adopted into a forever home. This program makes that happen too. The staff is amazing. Volunteers are incredible. I want to adopt a dog and give a former inmate a job -- hopefully, I will be able to do that someday. For now, I donate time and money :) and have the privilege of working with them.

New Leash on Life is a GREAT organization that truly cares for every life that is involved with their program. I love the work that they are involved with! I adopted my dog from NLOL and he is the greatest; I couldn't be happier.

You are awesome! Your work has been praised by many and it has inspired me SO much that I would like to get more acquainted with your program and emulate your magnificent work overseas! I think that "New Leash on Life USA' is a fantastic initiative. Please contact me at your earliest convenience. Would love to visit you in person and learn first-hand about your best practices. May God bless all of you. Thanks! Wanda Barquin (wbarquin@hotmail.com)

New Leash on Life is my favorite cause to support through Smile Amazon and through their amazing fundraisers. They help people to help themselves and it benefits not only the inmates in the program but they also rescue and save the lives of dogs, how can that be anything but a winner. As a group, they are always upbeat, innovative, informative (tips from Tamar) and fun. I think I get more than I give! Thanks to New Leash on Life, I'm glad to be part of the "team". From a Grateful Supporter!

A friend introduced me to this organization and I can't say enough about it. They have changed the lives of many inmates and taught them a life skill to use when they are released. It's very important work that gives them hope for a life that will keep them out of prison. They also rescue the animals that would otherwise be euthanized. These animals are well trained by the inmates and adopted by families after they go through the program. If you love animals and want to do something good for your community, support this organization.

We can't say enough about this organization--it's well-organized and professional, but also personal. The staff are extremely dedicated and the results speak for themselves. It's rare to find such a win-win situation, but this is one of them!

This organization is wonderful what it does for the dogs and the prisoners!! I hired Jennifer Green to help our dogs and she is wonderful!!

My Ex (still a BFF) has been a Parole/Probation Officer in Philadelphia for 30 years. When I brought NLOL to his attention 3 years ago, his interest was piqued (we rescue) and he began to monitor the program's progress. He is a well-seasoned cynic and was blown away by the true, lasting effect this program has on everyone involved. Me? I've known for years that to help to integrate Men/Women into society there must be a touchstone. Dogs are the key to opening a person's eyes and heart. I am staying in Brielle, NJ this Summer...was wearing my NLOL tee at the local ShopRite and was stopped by an Employee who asked about the "DOC" imprint. We ended up talking for 30 minutes. He is running for a local Board. Guess who is hosting a fund-raiser?

These guys saved one of my favorite dogs at ACCT philly last summer - MACHO! They do amazing work saving dogs, transforming lives and I could not be more impressed by their program.

We adopted our lovable Sallie from NLOL. Even our Lola loves her and she doesn't usually like other dogs. This is a remarkable organization. To rehab a person cannot be easy and to rehab a dog is not easy either. NLOL does both with terrific success. People make mistakes. Their lives should not be over. NLOL makes it possible for people to have a 2nd chance, to feel worthy of a 2nd chance. Feeling loved is so important to being a success. These dogs just love, unconditionally. It's a win win. thank you NLOL

I have been following this charity for some time now, from the UK, and I must say I find it truly inspiring. I, particularly, feel that it benefits the whole of society. Rehabilitation of prisoners is essential to reduce re-offending, and this project transforms the inmates lives, be their sentences long term or life. It treats them as humans and makes them humane, it gives them social skills they might otherwise never achieve. As another bonus it saves lives of animals who also have been outcast. It is fantastic.

A truly honorable and dedicated group of people and organization who are working to better the lives of all those prisoners and dogs who truly deserve and second chance.

New Leash on Life is an amazing organization. It is such a simple premise - shelter dogs brought to a prison where inmates train and socialize them and the inmates learn skills that can be used when they are released. Dogs are even take the first steps to be service dogs through this program. It saves lives both canine and human. This should be a part of every community

Because of my job I have ended up working with a lot of non-for-profits, either in a professional sense, or as a volunteer. New Leash on Life is honestly one of the best I have ever seen. They are professional and well run, more importantly they do great work and everybody in their organizations cares about the animals and the trainers helping everybody.

Absolutely love this program, I only wish more prisons were participants, it's a win win situation all the way around.

As a current volunteer (and a mom to one of the pups who went through the program) I can truly say this group is amazing. I've met some of the men who have graduated from the program and wow - second chances are invaluable. The other volunteers and full time staff are great, so down to earth and fun to be with! I feel that I've lucked out in finding this group to work with. It's been an honor.

An amazing charity with a strong & powerful cause. So proud of the dogs and the inmates who train them. I wish all of them the absolute best.

I am a former volunteer with ACCT and I think this is an awesome project. A win win situation for both the dogs and people.

As a volunteer for this organization, I feel that they go above and beyond to let their volunteers know just how appreciated they are!
It's amazing to see an organization doing such great work for both dogs and humans! All you have to do is listen to their graduates and all that they've received from the program to know that this one is special.
They are truly fantastic and 5 stars hardly seems like enough!

What an amazing project. As somebody else mentioned, these are two areas of our society that can truly help one another. I would like to see this organization in EVERY prison, and with more dogs added to each training program.

This organization serves two crying needs. Anyone with an interest in social justice and animal rights should be aware of their good work. I am deeply moved by their posts and by the photos. A most worthy case for support!

I found out about New Leash on Life through a friend. When I heard that were taking at-risk dogs and placing them with prison inmates I was immediately on board with their mission. Not only do these dogs have a better chance at being adopted through the training they receive in prison but the inmates lives are changed by these selfless unconditional loving creatures. New Leash on Life continues to amaze me with the work they do.

We learned about this organization through our Facebook Page newsfeed and find this organization to be such a win-win situation for both the people and the dogs - both knowing that they matter, that they are loved unconditionally, and that they make a profoud difference in each other's lives. The look in both the dog's and the inmate's eyes is such a deep look of caring, trust and two way love. This program is awesome, educational, very moving and the results benefit all involved. We feel this is an extremely important program and it is run with so much attention to every detail - the videos are very gripping and teach at the same time

New Leash takes dogs who are often considered "unadoptable" and rescues them from death row. These dogs are then paired with inmates. The inmates are taught skills that may help them get employment down the road. It teaches them responsibility and respect for animals. It's a great program for the animals, the inmates, and those who get to adopt well-trained pets from the program.

New leash on life is an awesome program. Saving animals and people. It's a win win!

Talk about a win-win situation! Both the dogs and inmates benefit from the training & relationships developed in the New Leash on Life USA program. What a wonderful organization, their model
should be replicated throughout the country.

What a wonderful program that helps the "forgotten" remember what love and compassion are. I am constantly touched by the life changing events for all parties involved that this organization creates. It restores my faith in people and helps this poor pups understand how wonderful humans really can be.

New Leash on Life is one of the best organizations around. What they do for the inmates as well as saving the lives of the dogs is amazing. The dedication of all the staff and the volunteers never ceases to amaze me.

A win-win-win program. We got a WONDERFUL dog, Chase Utley (go Phils), the handlers got a new skill set and a chance at t fresh start, and Chase's new leash on life brings joy every day, This program is the best. Please support it!

This program gives new life and purpose to both the handler/trainer and their animal. A reciprocal gift and blessing for both. It warms my heart to know this program exists. Keep up the good work!

I love this program and can't wait for the next opportunity to volunteer! This program gives dogs and humans hope that we can change things around. Dogs trained positively and placed in loving homes while helping inmates learn the true meaning of empathy is a win win for all!.

I am the Re-entry Manager at New Leash on Life-USA. My job is to support the returning citizen once released from prison-as we term post release support. I enjoy my job, although challenging at times. I see many men, returning to society from prison, who do well with employment, reintegrating with their families and helping in the community. This is a rewarding experience for the returning citizen, and the program. Did I mention that I enjoy my job?

Training a vulnerable population (inmates in the city of Philadelphia) who may have had a very aversive upbringing to use positive and motivational techniques to help another vulnerable population (shelter animals) is such a win/win! As a local dog trainer who preaches the importance of positive reinforcement training for animals on a regular basis, it does my heart good to see an organization that supports positive-based methodology for humans as well as animals! Keep up the good work New Leash on Life-USA!

New Leash on Life, the vision of Founder Marian Marchese, is about second chances, and not just for the dogs that are rescued from their impending fate of being euthanized, but for those that society might otherwise have given up on as part of the U.S. prison population.

Through bonding with these incredible animals, and a structured educational program, the prison inmates, that would otherwise re-enter society upon release from prison as many arrived, with no job skills, graduate from the New Leash on Life program with confidence and new found skills, so that they may succeed in society with “careers” in animal welfare.

Every aspect of the New Leash program has been researched and developed, providing positive results for both the prison inmates and dogs. The dogs selected for the program, are those dogs that would otherwise be forgotten by society. The incredible animals, chosen by the professional trainers and volunteers, for their temperament and probable success, have all “graduated” from the program with their Canine Good Citizen credentials. Each dog has gone on to be successfully adopted. One of the adopted canines has gained national recognition for her therapy work with ill children at the Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia.

The statistics on the successful completion of an internship and follow on employment for those prisoners that complete the New Leash on Life and re-enter society, though not 100%, are overwhelming positive.

Due to program “capacity” limits of the prison dog training program, New Leash on Life also works to place additional dogs in “forever” homes, so that some day there will no longer be the need for animal shelters. Having recently fostered one of New Leash on Life’s dogs, I was amazed by the measures that the staff and volunteers took, as well as their professionalism, to ensure the ultimate success of placing the dog with a family.

New Leash on Life is an incredible program that should be recognized as the “model” for prison, dog training programs and be implemented in all prisons as part of the evolution in society to provide a “second chance” to for every prisoner and homeless canine.

This organization positively affects two populations in jeopardy. If you read the statistics about prisons in this country it's very discouraging and if you go to ACCT in Philadelphia your heart will break. In both institutions staff are working hard to turn the tables and a program like New Leash on Life USA gives that effort some extra hope. This program is both professional and warm-hearted. Kudos to all involved.

New Leash On Life, USA is a great organization. I personally am affected by the positive impact that prison dog programs have on people. I am connected to someone whose life was changed while participating in a prison dog program. I knew this person before they went to prison and I am currently personally involved in his life today and I acknowledge the changes he made from them until now. This program provides more support for the inmates than any other program that services inmates and because I'm an animal lover, the fact that they save the loves of dogs makes it more meaningful

I found out about this organization through a photographer who was doing a story about them. I then followed them in Facebook and then volunteered at one of their events. The program is amazing and should be in many many more prisons. Everyone wins, the dogs, the inmates and the trainers.

I have followed New Leash on Life on Facebook since it started. This is such a great program !!!!! It's a win win for all! I hope all justice systems get's involved with this awesome program!!!!

I've been following New Leash on Facebook since its inception. I'm a BIG fan of this organization. Its mission creates a win win situation for our canine babies and a positive, invaluable experience for the inmates. I would love to see this program expand to other states.

I discovered this awesome organization on Facebook and have been following them! What they are doing is beyond awesome. Helping & paying it forward is always a good thing but they do it in a very unique way. MORE states should be looking into this program!

We adopted our dog Ike from New Leash On Life. It was one of the most pleasant experiences of my life.
I didn't know what to expect because my wife and I were first time dog adopters. The staff made every step of the process a breeze. They promptly returned our phone calls and made sure all of our questions were answered. I was especially pleased with Waleed and Maggie they took the time to pick up Ike and make sure he was a perfect fit for our family.They brought the dog over to our home 3 times to socialize him with our cat Biggles!!! With the help of his wonderful trainer Jenn,who along with the inmates was responsible for the training Ike received. This is the best part. All of the Dogs from New Leash On Life go through a three month training program where they are thought various commands.such as,sit,stay,come,paw,roll over and they also go in there crate on command.So it's a win win situation for everyone involved.The inmates gain a new skill,the dogs are saved from kill shelters,and the adopters get a highly trained and beautiful dog. I would highly recommend A New Leash On Life to anyone looking for a dog.

New Leash on Life, what a great organization! Saves shelter dogs and helps inmates learn a skill and both inmate and dog have each other for love and companionship throughout the training period. How wonderful for the dogs to be fully trained prior to adoption and for the inmates to have a valuable job skill. kudos to New Leash on Life for helping man and animal kind alike!

We got our dog, Curie from New Leash on Life. She's only ten months old. She looks like a beagle/pitbull mix. She had a rough time of it. Lived on the street for a while, she was a stray, nearly starved and was about eaten alive by 100 ticks. She's done a little time in jail of course. But now she's out and loving life. She is very gentle with our kids, three rambunctious boys age 4, 7 and 9. They all give her loads of hugs and she loves to tear around the house at breakneck speed to great hilarity. My wife, a public defender helped get one of her trainers out on parole, he's working and staying straight. She got the other guy into work release where he also is coming along great. This program gives these guys something worthwhile to do during their prison sentence. They did wonders with our little Curie. NLOL is a total win/win proposition.

New Leash on Life is an excellent organization. The work they do with shelter dogs and men that are incarcerated is amazing. Both populations are often forgotten about and dismissed as dangerous or disposable. NLOL shows that neither are true and these men and dogs are able to help each other prove this time and time again. Philadelphia needs an organization like this and many of our nation's other cities could benefit from similar programs. The fact that men who were incarcerated were able to come out of jail into internships and jobs is remarkable given the typical stigma that formerly incarcerated individuals face upon release. NLOL not only saves the lives of shelter dogs at the end of the line but helps support men when they need it the most. This program is invaluable and deserves as much support as possible.

We adopted Vivian Peyton from this wonderful program. It !is a life changing operation for both the dogs and the inmates. It is hard to believe how far Vivian has come. I was very impressed with this program's hard work and dedication. Well Done

NLOL is an amazing organization in how it assists inmates and dogs. Both of these populations can be forgotten about by much of society, but NLOL puts them into the spotlight. Saving the lives of dogs at the same time as they improve the lives of inmates, what a wonderful accomplishment. They do a great job promoting the organization and creating awareness. I commend them for all that they do to better society.

New Leash on Life is one of the best run and most comprehensive programs of its kind. The life saving focus for inmates and for the dogs is incredible, and the graduates are top notch. It has been my honor to have adopted one of the 2nd class graduates, and she makes my life better everyday. What she learned from this program has enabled her to become a therapy dog and make the lives of many people so much better.

such a rewarding opportunity to have the pleasure of helping NLOL with the committed efforts of saving dogs lives and Uniting prisoners with anew chance at life, I couldn't ask for a better opportunity then helping NLOL, I share there same believes that EVERYONE deserves a second chance in LIFE, that is what NLOL is all about Second chance to grow and become all that you can, knowing that with a little training for dogs with inmates, That's it's a WIN WIN situation for all!! I am amazed of all the hard work that goes into making this work , when you see with your own eyes the transformation of what training can do for a dogs life, and the rewarding feeling of knowing a inmate is empowered by such a strong group of people!! I am truly honored to help LNOL!!! with out them saving lives and enhancing lives of inmates, we wouldn't be able to shared to the world of how a dog can really change your life for the Good...

I am so impressed with this program and the good it does for both dogs & inmates! I wish we had one in my town. I love reading the updates!

I am familiar with the founding members of this inspiring organization. They are passionate about their mission to rescue and impact the amazing animals in this program, and provide a life-changing experience for the inmates who are selected for participation.

I am an out-of-state donor who has learned about New Leash on Life USA through a colleague. I was impressed right away by the level of passion displayed by those working to bring the organization into existence and then into self-sufficiency. I reviewed the material available about the organization and made a donation. What has impressed me since then is the transparency of the organization: they send lots of useful information my way, and I have had learned even more about the workings of the group since I made my donation. I continue to hear great things about them, and the growth and reach of the group seems to be steady. I have recommended the group to other friends here who share the values of respect for animals and concern over the conditions and size of our prisons. I am delighted to support a group with so much devotion, little overhead, and a dedication to plowing the donated funds directly back into programs. Keep on truckin'!

My family and I are incredibly fortunate to be an adopter of one of the NLOL dogs and she is simply fantastic. She is well mannered, fantastic with our kids, and knew the command "leave it" so well that we were able to use it to teach her to leave our cat alone ;-). The trainers from NLOL have even helped with post-adoption transition questions and have been hugely supportive. Quite by accident, we ran into a graduate of the program who is now working for the SPCA and really happy with his new job, so much so that he is taking better care of himself so that he can keep going to work. Really, this program is a triple win; the inmate wins with new job skills, the dogs wins a reprieve from being euthanized at the shelter, and the adoptive family wins a dog that has been trained and temperament tested. As long as they stay true to their mission and keep delivering great results, this is an organization I will support in perpetuity.

The bark of a dog. The unexpected smile of a prisoner in his cell. Lives saved. Imagine an inmate patting the head of a shelter dog that once was on track to lose its life..... and a prisoner that had nothing to care about. Now, imagine an organization that saves both. The dog ..... is with us still. The prisoner..... now has a purpose. Society ...... is now a better place. It's a simple thing, yet, only one organization does this.... New Leash On Life.

New Leash on Life USA is dedicated to saving the lives of shelter dogs and giving inmates a sense of purpose and self-worth. It succeeds magnificently in its mission. Marian Marchese and her colleagues are selfless in their devotion to their organization's cause. Volunteering with NLoL has been a great privilege.

Helping others when they are down and need a hand is true charity. The inmates often did not get the breaks and opportunities so many of us were blessed to take for granted each day. Similarly homeless dogs do not the gentle pet, treats, toys, and soft bed that so many of our pets delight in - New Leash on Life brings these two together becasue they know what it is like. The love exchanged is something that changes lives.