At Paws for Youth (formerly Gabriel’s Angels), we’re always striving to be “Best in Show.” Not for recognition, but for the young people we serve. It means showing up with excellence, leading with heart, and delivering programs that create real, measurable impact.
In recognition of our work in the community, we’re excited to share that Cox Charities awarded a $100,000 grant to Paws for Youth.
This generous investment represents more than just the funding itself. It’s a powerful vote of confidence in the life-changing work happening every day through our pet therapy programs. It supports us as we work to expand our reach, deepen our impact and continue raising the bar for what youth mental health support can look like.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Cox Charities, a milestone that reflects decades of commitment from Cox employees to the communities where they live and work. Since 1996, Cox Arizona employees have raised and distributed nearly $12 million to local nonprofits, helping organizations like ours grow and thrive alongside the communities we serve.
On March 13, we were invited to attend the Cox 30th Anniversary Celebration for what we thought would be a special event and were surprised with the announcement that Paws for Youth had been selected as a grant recipient.
What makes this grant additionally meaningful is how it’s made possible. Cox Charities Community Grants are funded by employee donations, with applications reviewed by a diverse advisory council of Cox employees. This thoughtful, community-driven approach fuels partnerships throughout Arizona and truly creates a lasting local impact.
For Paws for Youth, this grant award means bringing healing, connection, and unconditional love to youth who have experienced trauma. Through our pet therapy programs, young people build trust, develop coping skills, and experience moments of joy that can be truly transformative.
This funding will help us continue delivering high-quality, evidence-informed programs that meet youth where they are, whether that’s in Title I schools, transitional housing, treatment settings or other community spaces. It allows us to invest in our volunteers, strengthen our partnerships and ensure that every interaction between a young person and a therapy pet is safe, meaningful and impactful.
In short, it helps us be our best for the young people who need us most.
To the entire Cox Communications team: thank you for believing in our mission and for investing in a future where every young person has the opportunity to heal, grow and feel seen.
Together, we’re raising the standard. And we’re just getting started.