Islandia, NY — Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, a nonprofit that provides equine-assisted therapeutic programs in the heart of Suffolk County, recently welcomed a team of 14 volunteers from Discover Long Island, the region’s only accredited destination marketing organization, for a hands-on day of service and connection as part of Pal-O-Mine’s Corporate Volunteer Engagement Program. The visit also marked the launch of a new partnership between the two organizations, with Discover Long Island joining Pal-O-Mine in promoting fully accessible, nature-based experiences on the organization’s 13-acre farm in Islandia, just minutes off Exit 58 of the Long Island Expressway.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Discover Long Island into the Pal-O-Mine family as a partner,” said Lisa A. Gatti, Founder & CEO of Pal-O-Mine, which provides programs for children and adults with disabilities, veterans, first responders, people struggling with mental health challenges, at-risk youth, cancer survivors, individuals with Alzheimer’s and many others. “Their team spent the day working alongside our clients in our therapeutic garden, in the barn and with our horses, taking with them a real understanding of what we do here every day. Partnerships like this help us extend the healing power of our farm to even more people across Long Island and beyond.”
The Discover Long Island team spent the day immersed in Pal-O-Mine’s programs, including J-STEP, the Job Security Through Equine Partnership vocational initiative. The volunteers split their time between hands-on garden work and beading repurposed horseshoes into beautiful windchimes. A visit to the farm’s flock of chickens, including a batch of baby chicks, proved to be a highlight of the day, as was a meet-and-greet with Goliath, one of Pal-O-Mine’s beloved horses.
“Creating a destination that welcomes visitors of all abilities starts with understanding the experiences, needs and opportunities within our own community,” said Sharon Wyman, President & CEO of Discover Long Island. “The visit to Pal-O-Mine was an incredibly meaningful day for our team to learn about the work they do and the many ways they create an environment where everyone can participate, connect and thrive. We are proud to welcome Pal-O-Mine on as a partner, and we look forward to not only working together but promoting an organization that exemplifies what inclusive hospitality can look like here in Suffolk County.”
“Spending the day volunteering at Pal-O-Mine gave our team the opportunity to step outside of our day-to-day work and truly experience firsthand the impact of adaptive programming through equine-assisted therapeutic programs,” added Courtney Guiry, Director of Public Relations & Communications at Discover Long Island. “From meeting the animals and observing some of the programs in action to getting our hands dirty in the garden and trying our hand at horseshoe crafts, we all left inspired with a real sense of the care and purpose woven into everything Pal-O-Mine does.”
Alongside the new partnership, Pal-O-Mine is inviting Long Island residents and visitors alike to experience its 13-acre campus through its new Wellness Program. Led by Pal-O-Mine’s specially qualified staff, including yoga instructors, equine specialists, Reiki masters and mindfulness practitioners, the program offers a day of relaxation, joy and a genuine break from technology, with plenty of bonding time with the herd of 25 horses plus other small farm animals.
To learn more about Pal-O-Mine’s custom wellness packages, contact Tessa Van Florcke, 631-348-1389, tessavf@pal-o-mine.org.
This story appeared in Long Island Business News and Able News in September 2026.
The Discover Long Island team poses with Goliath during their volunteer day at Pal-O-Mine Equestrian in Islandia.
