ESD Grant Expands Equine-Assisted Therapy and Job Training for Underserved Populations
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the completion of Pal-O-Mine Equestrian’s $3 million facility expansion in Islandia, Suffolk County on Long Island. Pal-O-Mine is a non-profit organization that utilizes therapeutic equine programs to promote growth, learning, and healing for children and adults with disabilities. Supported by a $600,000 capital grant from Empire State Development, recommended by the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council, the expansion will boost its capacity for job training, workforce preparedness, and internship programs. These services will provide crucial skills and support that empowers these individuals to overcome employment barriers and achieve greater independence and success in their lives.
Empire State Development President CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Pal-O-Mine's expansion is more than just an infrastructure upgrade; it's a catalyst for change that empowers our most vulnerable citizens to lead fulfilling lives and contribute to a more inclusive economy. By investing in innovative programs that deliver essential vocational training and support services, we are unlocking the potential of these individuals and fortifying the social and economic fabric of our society."
Pal-O-Mine Equestrian Founder & CEO Lisa Gatti said, “We are immensely grateful to Empire State Development and the Long Island Economic Development Council for supporting our work. The ESD grant allows Pal-O-Mine the space to continue to empower, educate and enrich the most underserved communities and most importantly provide experiences to those individuals who desire to learn viable job skills. Working with our horses instills a newfound sense of confidence and self-worth, which serves as a foundation for their personal and professional growth journey."
Since its inception in 1995, Pal-O-Mine has been at the forefront of using horses to facilitate growth, learning, and healing, serving over 400 individuals weekly. The programs offer personalized support and training to high-risk youth and adults with disabilities, aiming to increase participants' independence, community integration, and economic security. The expansion has transformed the facility, creating nearly 5,000 square feet of enhanced space to better serve its participants. The project involved the renovation of two existing structures to ensure ADA compliance, accessibility, and safety for all individuals. Additionally, a new 2,000-square-foot prefabricated building has been constructed, providing much-needed space for expanded programming and services.
The acquisition of new equipment has enhanced the center's capacity to deliver equine-assisted therapy services, workforce training, and internship programs. By combining classroom learning with hands-on experience on the farm, participants develop a broad range of vocational and life skills. Through partnerships with local businesses and organizations, the Farm facilitates internships, apprenticeships, and job placement opportunities for program participants. The expansion and enhancement of these initiatives helps equip students with the tools and support necessary to overcome obstacles and achieve success in the workforce and beyond.
Senator Dean Murray said, "As the ranking minority member for the "Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development" committee, I am thrilled that we've made this investment through a $600k capital investment grant from Empire State Development. Pal-O-Mine Equestrian does incredible work and as a result of this expansion, they will now be able to provide services to even more high-risk youths and adults with disabilities"
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said, “Pal-O-Mine provides essential and therapeutic equine services to our residents who are in need, including our veterans. With Suffolk County being home to the largest veterans’ population in the state, we are grateful for the various initiatives the organization provides to our hometown heroes who are experiencing emotional or physical trauma. I applaud our partners for coming together to complete this expansion project, which will further empower our residents.”
Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter said, “We are grateful to Empire State Development, and the Governor, for investing in the important work that Pal-O-Mine Equestrian does to benefit those with special needs, veterans, and others throughout our Islip community. Equine therapy offers tremendous mental health benefits, and we are so happy they will be able to expand this important program.”
LIREDC Co-Chairs Linda Armyn, President & CEO at Bethpage Federal Credit Union and Dr. John Nader, President of Farmingdale State College said, "This expansion not only enhances Pal-O-Mine’s ability to serve the community but also showcases the power of strategic investments in driving positive change. By providing high-risk youth and adults with disabilities access to comprehensive support services and vocational training, this equine-therapy center is creating pathways to employment and independence. The LIREDC commends Pal-O-Mine for their dedication to empowering individuals and strengthening our communities, and we look forward to seeing the lasting impact of this expansion in the years to come."
Pal-O-Mine addresses a crucial need by providing comprehensive support services and vocational training to high-risk youth and adults with disabilities, two populations that often face significant barriers to employment and independence. Through strategic investments, ESD support helps bridge the gap between these underserved populations and meaningful employment opportunities, fostering greater inclusion and economic security. By collaborating with innovative, community-driven initiatives, such partnership’s exemplifies the power of targeted investments in driving meaningful change and providing individuals with the resources and support they need to thrive.
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency. The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing the Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of "I LOVE NY," the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visitregionalcouncils.ny.gov andesd.ny.gov.
About Pal-O-Mine
Founded in 1995 by Lisa Gatti, Pal-O-Mine is a private, not for profit organization providing a comprehensive therapeutic equine program using horses to facilitate growth, learning and healing for children and adults with disabilities, as well as those who have been abused or neglected, veterans and the economically compromised. Pal-O-Mine offers a broad range of programs, many of which involve the organization’s herd of therapy horses and livestock. Pal-O-Mine relies on grants and contributions from private citizens, foundations and businesses to help raise funds. For more information on Pal-O-Mine, visitwww.pal-o-mine.org.
Contact:Emily Mijatovic |[emailprotected] | (212) 803-3692
