Hand2Paw has been a POBS community partner since 2022. They provide paid internships working with rescue animals as a way to strengthen connection, compassion, and community for young adults from marginalized communities, including those experiencing housing insecurity or foster care involvement.
Hand2Paw brings their students (ages 17-24) to POBS in order to strengthen the connection of young adults in the group. The students are enrolled in a 6 week program with Hand2Paw, after which they become Hand2Paw alumni. Some students find employment, some finish GED, and others go in other directions. Our programming can help prepare the students for what's next as well as provide challenges and help facilitate relationship-building.
We spoke with Hand2Paw Development Director Sara Schwartz when she brought a cohort of students to climb our indoor rock wall.