Islandia, NY — Pal-O-Mine Equestrian is pleased to announce that it received a $20,000 grant from the Lisa Beth Gerstman Foundation to support the Islandia-based nonprofit’s inclusive summer programming for children and teens.
Each summer, Pal-O-Mine welcomes youngsters to Barnyard Buddies, ages 2 to 5, which gives little ones the opportunity to spend time in nature in a safe, engaging environment as they interact with Pal-O-Mine’s horses, miniature horses and other small farm animals. With Young Farmers and Work Study, ages 6 to 17, children and teens learn teamwork and responsibility through animal care, woodworking, gardening and other activities, all while having the time of their lives in a technology-free space.
“We are deeply grateful to the Lisa Beth Gerstman Foundation for enabling us to offer programs to all children, regardless of their different abilities,” said Lisa Gatti, Founder and CEO of Pal-O-Mine. “Summer on Pal-O-Mine’s 13-acre farm is about so much more than keeping kids engaged; here, they get to experience the natural world, free of all the gadgets and devices, so they can discover their strengths, build confidence, develop meaningful relationships and create memories that last a lifetime.”
The Lisa Beth Gerstman Foundation is dedicated to expanding access to inclusive summer experiences that help children with special needs develop confidence, social connections and a sense of belonging.
“We are once again delighted to contribute to Pal-O-Mine to help make a huge difference in the lives of the children they serve with summer camp opportunities,” said Dan Gerstman, one of the Foundation’s co-founders. “The leadership and staff care deeply about the children, making it a summer filled with excitement, and where better than at Pal-O-Mine.”
To learn more about Pal-O-Mine’s equine-assisted therapeutic programs for both children and adults, visit www.pal-o-mine.org or call 631-348-1389.
