Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, an Islandia 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.”
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,” Sharon Wyman, President & CEO of Discover Long Island, said in a statement.