More than 1,000 Arizona kids between the ages of 6-18, who have experienced significant trauma, are currently waiting for support from Gabriel’s Angels, a nonprofit dedicated to helping children learn, heal and grow through pet therapy. 

At the same time, conservative estimates show more than 42,000 youth in Maricopa County and another 10,000 in Pima County could benefit from the organization’s services.

In response to this growing need, Gabriel’s Angels changed its name to Paws for Youth on Thursday, April 2. The shift is designed to better reflect the full scope of who the organization serves and how it serves them, as it works to expand its reach in Arizona.

The organization currently serves more than 9,800 young people annually, dispatching teams of volunteers with their registered therapy dogs to 109 locations in Maricopa and Pima counties at no cost. Teams visit schools, shelters, behavioral health centers and community organizations to provide emotional support and create positive, trusting relationships.

Time for a change

Known as Gabriel’s Angels for its first 25 years of existence, the organization will continue its mission to nurture young people and support their well-being by connecting them with the healing power of pets and compassionate adults.

“Our board, staff, volunteers and their amazing therapy dogs are committed to reaching more young people across Arizona in the years ahead,” said Melissa Steimer, chief executive officer of Paws for Youth. “This new name provides the flexibility we need to grow our programs, deepen our partnerships and raise awareness to support our expansion,” she added.

A unique model

Serving young people throughout Arizona who have experienced trauma, neglect, instability or hardship, the Paws for Youth approach focuses on long-term, consistent relationships rather than one-time visits. Across programs, children build trust, confidence and resilience through ongoing interactions with therapy pets. In some settings, younger children also spend time reading aloud to therapy dogs — a simple activity that helps build confidence and connection.

“Pet therapy is a proven and powerful tool that helps children and teens build resilience and other core strengths they need to be successful in relationships, school and life,” Steimer said. “Kids in our programs learn teamwork, friendship, kindness and respect.”

But sometimes the children and teens who look forward to weekly visits with the therapy dogs say it best:

• “I feel good after being with Scout.”
• “He’s very kind. He’s sweet. And he listens.”
• “Carmel makes me feel happy.”
• “Lacey helps me calm down.”
• “She makes me feel calm and happy.”
• “Sometimes reading can be hard for me, and Lacey helps me with that.”
• “I hope other kids can get reading time with Hank.”

Statistics confirm the need

The most recent findings in a report issued by the National Survey of Children’s Health, in collaboration with the National Center for Health Statistics show more than 44% of Arizona children between the ages of 12-17 have experienced at least two Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs, compared to 30.5% nationwide. ACEs can include abuse, neglect or household dysfunction – and this toxic dysfunction can have lasting and detrimental impacts on a young person’s development.

It is estimated that nearly 70,000 children in Arizona have more than five ACEs, which significantly increases their likelihood of smoking, abusing drugs or alcohol, developing heart disease and attempting suicide.

“These are the young people who can really benefit from our programs,” Steimer said.

For more information, visit pawsforyouth.org.

# # #

About Paws for Youth

Paws for Youth is an Arizona nonprofit that supports children and teens ages 6-18 who have experienced trauma by connecting them with trained therapy pets and caring volunteers. Through ongoing relationship-based programs, kids build confidence, develop healthy coping skills and discover the joy of reading. Programs are provided at no cost through partnerships with Title I schools, group homes, community organizations and behavioral health centers, where therapy pets provide unconditional acceptance and comfort. For more information, visit pawsforyouth.org.