Members only. Registration required.

From working animals in the prison’s early years, to Pep, a dog sent to Eastern State in 1924, animals were always an important part of daily life at Eastern State Penitentiary. In Philadelphia prisons today, animals still play a vital role in the rehabilitation process. New Leash on Life USA strives to improve the lives of both at-risk shelter dogs and their incarcerated trainers, all while reducing recidivism, restoring lives, and rescuing dogs.

Director of Community Outreach, Kyrie Palan, and program participant Meghan will discuss the power dynamics of the human-animal bond, and how New Leash utilizes this relationship as an animal-assisted therapy technique to teach incarcerated people practical and social emotional skills.

Kyrie Palan, Director of Community Outreach for New Leash on Life USA, has years of administrative experience as well as event and volunteer coordinating with various nonprofit organizations, including the PSPCA. Kyrie was a longtime volunteer with New Leash prior to accepting the position. She assisted with adoptions, events and much more.

Meghan started her journey in New Leash's "Coffee Class." Meghan says, "I walked into this program broken and didn't know who I was as a person. From New Leash on Life I found who I was, and have become the person I always knew I could be."

Please note: Member Saturday events will be held online for the remainder of 2021. Registrants will receive a Zoom link via email. To ensure you receive this link, please try to register at least 24 hours prior to the start of the Member Saturday you plan to attend.

This event is free for all members. Reserve free tickets online or call 215-236-5111 x224. Space is limited. 

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Questions? Email us at [email protected]