Hohenstein, state lawmakers award $150,000 in state funding to New Leash on Life USA at adoption event
Rep. Jordan A. Harris September 28, 2026 | 2:14 PM
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 28 – On Friday evening, New Leash on Life USA held a dog adoption event at Philadelphia Brewing Company which kicked off with state Rep. Joe Hohenstein presenting a $150,000 check to New Leash.
New Leash on Life USA is a Pennsylvania-based non-profit organization that leverages the bond between humans and dogs to restore hope and healing to transform lives. The program rescues at-risk dogs and works with justice-involved individuals in both prison and community settings to create fresh starts.
“The world is a better place when people get second chances. The same is true for our canine companions,” said Hohenstein, D-Phila. “I am proud to support New Leash on Life, which gives those second chances. Their programs provide skills, connection and dignity to people involved in the criminal justice system and dogs caught in shelters with no future in sight. The results speak for themselves as prisoners and pitbulls share the pursuit of happiness and community.”
Marian Marchese, founder and CEO of New Leash on Life USA, expressed the organization’s gratitude to the legislators who fought for this funding.
“New Leash on Life USA is extremely grateful for the Commonwealth's support of our innovative Prison Reentry Program at SCI Chester that leverages the power of the human-animal bond,” Marchese said. “Our participants and rescue dogs help each other create fresh starts, and the entire staff and leadership at SCI Chester is a terrific partner in making this intensive, transformative program possible. We continue to expand the number of people and dogs served as well as enhance the skills, knowledge and opportunities offered. We believe in the power of fresh starts - and the participants and rescue dogs at SCI Chester are accomplishing extraordinary success.”
For this check presentation, Hohenstein was joined by his state representative colleagues House Appropriations Majority Chair Jordan Harris, D-Phila., and Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware.
Harris emphasized New Leash’s critical work providing second chances.
“New Leash on Life understands that meaningful second chances require more than good intentions. They require support, skills and real opportunities,” Harris said. “This $150,000 investment will help prepare people returning home from the justice system to build stable, productive futures while also giving rescue dogs the care and training they need to find loving homes. It is a powerful program that changes lives on both ends of the leash.”
O’Mara praised New Leash’s mission and stated how proud she is to have supported this funding.
“The mission of New Leash on Life truly is special,” O’Mara said. “This group improves the lives of at-risk pets and people simultaneously. They’ve found a unique way to help turn lives around, and I’m thrilled to see the state help them out with this funding.”
In addition to the legislators at this event, the funding for New Leash was also advocated for by some who were not in attendance, including state Reps. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., Gina Curry, D-Delaware, and Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery.
Waxman stated his appreciation for everything New Leash does.
"New Leash on Life gives both people and animals a second chance. I’m proud to support this funding and grateful to my colleagues for investing in a program that provides meaningful opportunities for incarcerated Pennsylvanians while helping at-risk dogs find new, loving homes."
Curry emphasized how New Leash is improving lives for people and dogs.
“The understanding, respect and commitment to success the New Leash on Life program provides incarcerated individuals is unlike any other many have encountered before,” Curry said. “I pushed so hard for this funding because programs like these think outside the box to provide real, tangible skills and to build confidence and empathy. They not only improve lives for people reentering society, but also support our communities and, in this case, the lives of dogs that also need a gentle hand.”
Daley offered praise for New Leash’s positive effect on the people and dogs involved.
“I love what the folks at New Leash on Life are doing, because it’s about giving people a chance to start over. And in the process, they’re helping dogs who need a second chance, too. There’s something very powerful about that connection,” Daley said. “I’m proud to have helped bring state support to an organization that believes in fresh starts, and helps people build the confidence to create one.”
This event took place at Philadelphia Brewing Co. Nancy Barton, co-founder of Philadelphia Brewing Co., stated their joy in working with New Leash.
“We are so happy to partner with New Leash on Life to bring our community together in support of a cause that gives both our four-legged and two-legged friends the second chances they deserve,” Barton said. “It’s incredibly meaningful to see people come together to support the life-changing work New Leash on Life does for people and pets alike.”