Islandia, NY — Pal-O-Mine Equestrian (www.pal-o-mine.org), a not-for-profit organization providing a comprehensive therapeutic equine program using horses to facilitate growth, learning and healing for children and adults with disabilities, people on the autism spectrum and others, announced that it received a $30,000 donation from the Frederic R. Coudert Foundation of Oyster Bay, NY.
The generous gift will be used to support J-STEP (Job Security Through Equine Partnership), Pal-O-Mine’s vocational training program for young adults with disabilities who have aged out of high school and have taken part in the nonprofit’s other programs
According to Pal-O-Mine Founder and CEO Lisa A. Gatti, J-STEP provides paid internships that build real-world skills like professionalism, time management, teamwork and problem-solving in a supportive, inclusive environment. Interns gain hands-on experience in editorial work, maintenance, nutrition, horticulture and entrepreneurship, and they also grow and sell flowers through Pal-O-Mine’s seasonal CSA and market handmade products sold to local shops.
“Our mission is to empower young adults to discover their strengths and enter the workforce with pride and confidence,” said Gatti. “We are grateful to the Coudert Foundation and Sandra Coudert Graham for their longtime support of this life-changing program.”
About Pal-O-Mine Equestrian:
Now celebrating its 30th year, Pal-O-Mine Equestrian began in 1995 as a
therapeutic horseback riding program for individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable populations. Our mission is to provide a comprehensive therapeutic equine program to facilitate growth, learning and healing for children and adults with disabilities, survivors of trauma, veterans, first responders, individuals on the autism spectrum and many others. Each week, more than 400 students attend one of the many programs offered at the 13-acre Islandia, NY, campus, which is home to 25 specially trained horses and a therapeutic horticulture program that serves as a vocational internship site for people with disabilities. To learn more, visit www.Pal-O-Mine.org.
