Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, which provides comprehensive equine assisted therapeutic programs for children and adults with disabilities, veterans and others, has received a $7,500 grant from the AHRC Foundation to support scholarships for vocational training for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The funding will support the nonprofit’s vocational program called J-STEP, for Job Security Through Equine Partnership. Through J-STEP, Pal-O-Mine offers vocational education and employment training for adults who have faced challenges succeeding in traditional indoor classroom settings.
Set on Pal-O-Mine’s 13-acre Islandia farm, home to 25 specially trained horses, a large garden and other nature-based activities, the program provides a hands-on environment where young adults build essential workplace skills, including professionalism, teamwork, time management and problem-solving, Lisa A. Gatti, Founder and CEO of Pal-O-Mine, said in a statement.
“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,” she said.