Islandia, NY— Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, 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, is pleased to announce it has received a $32,000 grant from The New York Community Trust – Long Island.
The funds will support Pal-O-Mine’s vocational program J-STEP (Job Security Through Equine Partnership), which provides meaningful employment opportunities to young adults with disabilities who have transitioned out of high school. J-STEP offers paid internships that build real-world skills like professionalism, time management and teamwork in a supportive, inclusive environment as participants gain hands-on experience in nutrition, horticulture, entrepreneurship and other areas. They also grow and sell flowers through Pal-O-Mine’s seasonal CSA and market handmade products sold to local shops.
“J-STEP’s goal is to empower young adults to discover their strengths and enter the workforce with pride and confidence,” said Lisa A. Gatti, Founder and CEO of Pal-O-Mine, based in Islandia, NY. “We are immensely grateful to The New York Community Trust for supporting this life-changing program.”
“Pal-O-Mine’s J-STEP program exemplifies the kind of innovative, inclusive workforce development we’re proud to support,” said David M. Okorn, Vice President at The New York Community Trust – Long Island. “By investing in young adults with disabilities and helping them build skills and confidence through meaningful work, Pal-O-Mine is creating pathways to independence and dignity. We’re honored to help advance this transformative program.”
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.
