Hand2Paw's mission is to educate and unlock the power of youth through meaningful work caring for homeless animals." Hand2Paw was started as a program in 2009 by a 19 year old Penn student who was shocked to learn of the shared plight facing homeless youth and shelter animals in Philadelphia. She took an activity these homeless teens love – caring for animals – to reach and teach homeless youth what they need to know to function in the adult world. She called her program Hand2Paw. Thus far, The Hand2Paw Foundation has helped social service agencies and animal shelters develop programming for hundreds of homeless youth in Philadelphia. Our paid internships now last six months and feature a curriculum based on a resiliency framework, where youth learn their own value while increasing compassion and connection to animals, people and the community. At the conclusion of internships, we help them craft a resume and search for a job that suits their skills. Many of our youth move on to jobs in the animal care industry. Others use their increased sense of confidence and purpose to continue their education or work in another field. While making this difference in the lives of vulnerable youth, Hand2Paw has helped provide additional care, training, socialization, and grooming to thousands of shelter animals in Philadelphia. The Hand2Paw Foundation is registered with the IRS as a 501c3 tax-exempt charitable organization.