Islandia, NY — Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, which provides a comprehensive therapeutic equine program using horses to facilitate growth, learning and healing for children and adults with disabilities, is pleased to announce that The Flagstar Foundation has awarded a $50,000 grant to support the nonprofit’s vocational and life skills program, J-STEP.
With J-STEP, for Job Security Through Equine Partnership, Pal-O-Mine provides meaningful vocational education and employment training opportunities for adults with intellectual and physical disabilities who have had difficulty succeeding in more traditional indoor classroom settings
Pal-O-Mine’s 13-acre farm, with 25 horses, a large garden and other nature- based activities, provides a unique and engaging environment for young adults to learn skills such as professionalism, teamwork, time management and problem solving, according to Lisa A. Gatti, Founder and CEO of Pal-O-Mine. “Many of our J-STEP participants find employment and independence through this program, and they also develop close relationships, social skills and a deep sense of self-worth,” she said. “We are so grateful to The Flagstar Foundation for their continued dedication to our mission.”
The Flagstar Foundation and New York Community Foundation have been longtime supporters of Pal-O-Mine. “The Flagstar Foundation values deep, meaningful partnerships where we can enhance community outcomes. Our partnership with Pal-O-Mine over the years exemplifies this as we have partnered through financial giving and employee volunteerism,” said Katherine Morgan, Flagstar Foundation President. “We admire how Pal-O-Mine consistently evolves to meet the needs of their participants, allowing for the greatest impact which empowers communities and individuals to achieve lasting prosperity and progress.”
About Pal-O-Mine Equestrian Inc.:
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.
About The Flagstar Foundation:
The Flagstar Foundation is committed to empowering individuals and communities to achieve lasting prosperity and meaningful progress. Our vision is to foster resilient, thriving communities that benefit all Flagstar Bank stakeholders and community members alike. We believe that when our communities succeed, we succeed together. The Flagstar Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations that have measurable outcomes and align with our corporate philanthropic priorities, including workforce readiness, arts and culture and financial capability. For more information about the Flagstar Foundation go to www.flagstar.com.
