Wellington Philanthropist Jackie Ducci Funds Expansion of Palm Beach County Therapy Dog Program

WELLINGTON, FL, UNITED STATES, August 26, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Wellington-based philanthropist and Human-Animal Alliance founder Jackie Ducci is helping expand therapy dog outreach across Palm Beach County through a new $15,000 grant supporting Paws for a Better Life.

The funding will sponsor three therapy dogs serving local organizations and residents through community outreach visits focused on emotional support, enrichment, companionship, and connection.

The announcement comes as mental health experts and healthcare organizations increasingly recognize the measurable emotional and social benefits of animal-assisted therapy. Research published by the National Institutes of Health has found that therapy animals can help reduce anxiety, stress, loneliness, and social isolation, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Operated by Marti Hohmann Probst and Ben Probst, Paws for a Better Life provides trained therapy dog visits throughout Palm Beach County, including partnerships with organizations like Jewish Association for Residential Care (JARC), which serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“Our therapy dogs create moments of comfort and connection that can completely change someone’s day,” said Marti Hohmann Probst. “This support from The Human-Animal Alliance allows us to continue growing that impact throughout the community.”

In addition to therapy visits, the organization provides dog safety and training education during community interactions. After completing service in the program, dogs are ultimately placed as facility dogs with local organizations.

For Ducci, who lives in Wellington and is deeply involved in the equestrian and dog communities, supporting a Palm Beach County-based initiative carried special significance.

“One of the most powerful things animals do is help people feel seen, safe, and connected,” said Ducci. “Supporting an organization making that kind of impact right here in our local community means a tremendous amount to me.”

About The Human-Animal Alliance
The Human-Animal Alliance (H-AA) is a nonprofit organization that deeply believes in the power and value of human-animal connection. Founded in 2022 by advocate and philanthropist Jackie Ducci, H-AA funds charitable initiatives nationwide that preserve existing human-animal connections and create new ones. The organization awards grants to exceptional grassroots programs that strengthen the vital role animals play in human well-being. Jackie personally covers all overhead expenses, ensuring that every dollar donated directly supports impactful work.

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