Our Mission
Empowering autistic and neurodivergent individuals for employment success.
About our Non-Profit:
The unemployment crisis for neurodivergent and autistic adults is significant: only 58% have held paying jobs (A.J. Drexel Autism Institute). Too often, turning 21 means "falling off the cliff"—losing essential services and facing significant barriers to employment.
This critical need inspired the co-founders of PawsabilityDogClub.
We provide vital services for dogs and simultaneously offer neurodivergent adults vocational training and career guidance. We believe everyone deserves to be gainfully employed and an active community participant. By providing job skills in a supportive environment, we empower neurodivergent adults to build meaningful careers in the pet care industry.
Free Programs for Autistic and Neurodivergent Individuals
Vocational Training Program
Our flagship program equips autistic and neurodivergent adults with the skills needed for careers in pet care. Over 70 hours, trainees learn animal handling, customer service, and facility management, while exploring diverse career opportunities in animal welfare by visiting local pet care businesses. Graduates earn certificates, personalized reference letters, and job search support, including resume writing and interview preparation, to help them secure employment in the pet care industry.
This opportunity is for autistic and neurodiverse individuals who are enthusiastic about seeking careers in pet care. If this doesn't align with you or your loved one's interests, we encourage you to explore our Canine Connections program.
Paws & Pizza
Students from special education schools across NYC and and day habilitation programs participate in single-day sessions that introduce them to pet care careers.
Activities include interacting with small dogs, assisting with a dog bath, and learning about career opportunities in the pet care field—helping students explore possibilities before transitioning to adulthood.
Schools and organizations we have hosted: P.S. 35, P373K, P811M, Brooklyn Autism Center, The Cooke School, Manhattan Star Academy, Manhattan Children's Center, The ARC, JCC, The Summit School, Mickey Mantle School, Autistic Adults NYC, Tribeca Prep, and more!
Canine Connections
This quarterly community education program is designed for autistic and neurodivergent individuals who benefit from personalized support.
Participants gain foundational knowledge about dogs, including understanding body language, exploring breeds, and developing essential animal care skills. This program does not focus on job training and traditional academic work, like our Job Training Program.
Meet our Board of Members
Jillian Forman is the Co-Founder, Executive Director and Chair. As the Executive Director, she works full time at Pawsability overseeing operations, programming and development.
Justin Forman is the Co-founder, Treasurer and the team lead on the Finance Committee. He works at Google as a Senior Partner Manager.
Sandra Gluck is a Co-Founder, Secretary and serves on the Programs Committee. She is also the co-founder of the Gluck Family Foundation.
Valorie Levine has served on the board since 2022 and is a leading member on the Programs Committee. Valorie is a former Applied Behavior Analysis Therapist who specialized in providing support for autistic children. She works for Galileo as Director of Regional Operations.
Hal Mendel has served on the board since 2022 and is an active member on the Finance Committee. He leverages his successful entrepreneurial background to assist with the organization’s finances and operations strategy.
Questions? Fill out the form below & we’ll be in touch.
