State Rep. Mary Jo Daley helped secure $150,000 in state funding for a Penn Valley nonprofit that pairs at-risk shelter dogs with people in the criminal justice system.

New Leash on Life USA received the funding at a dog adoption event Saturday, Sept. 26, at Philadelphia Brewing Company, where state Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Philadelphia, presented the check. The money will support the organization's Prison Reentry Program at SCI Chester.

Daley, D-Montgomery, was not at the event but was among several state legislators who advocated for the funding. She represents Pennsylvania's 148th House District, which includes Whitemarsh Township and roughly 63,500 residents. Daley was first elected in 2012 and is set to retire from the legislature in January after seven terms.

Daley said she values the organization's work because it gives people a chance to start over while also helping dogs who need one. "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," she said in a statement.

Founded in 2011 by Marian Marchese, New Leash on Life USA is headquartered at 924 Bryn Mawr Ave. in Penn Valley. The nonprofit uses animal-assisted therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma-informed practices. Its reentry program at SCI Chester includes a pre-release phase where participants attend workshops and train rescue dogs around the clock, followed by a post-release phase with paid internships and individualized case management.

The program works. Since its founding, the organization has served 756 justice-impacted individuals and rescued 336 dogs, according to its Delco Gives profile.

Marchese said in a statement that the organization is "extremely grateful for the Commonwealth's support" and called the staff at SCI Chester "a terrific partner in making this intensive, transformative program possible."

House Appropriations Majority Chair Jordan Harris, D-Philadelphia, and state Rep. Jennifer O'Mara, D-Delaware, joined Hohenstein at the Saturday event. State Reps. Ben Waxman, D-Philadelphia, and Gina Curry, D-Delaware, also advocated for the funding but were not present.

Daley's retirement opens the 148th District seat. Whitemarsh Township Supervisor Megan Griffin-Shelley won the Democratic primary by 105 votes, according to Main Line Media News, and will appear on the November ballot.