Islandia, NY — Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, which provides comprehensive equine assisted therapeutic programs for children and adults with disabilities, veterans and many others, is pleased to announce that the AHRC Foundation has awarded it a $7,500 grant to support scholarships for the organization’s vocational program called J-STEP, for Job Security Through Equine Partnership.
Through J-STEP, Pal-O-Mine offers meaningful vocational education and employment training for adults with intellectual and physical disabilities who have faced challenges succeeding in traditional indoor classroom settings.
Set on Pal-O-Mine’s 13-acre farm, home to 25 specially trained horses, a large garden and other nature-based activities, the program provides a dynamic, hands-on environment where young adults build essential workplace skills, including 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 gain employment and greater independence through this program, while also developing meaningful relationships, stronger social skills, and a deep sense of self-worth,” said Gatti. “We are deeply grateful to the AHRC Foundation for their continued dedication to our mission.”
Photo caption: AHRC Foundation Mary McNamara (left) with Pal-O-Mine Founder and
CEO Lisa A. Gatti
This story ran in Able News, January 9, 2026
