Pal-O-Mine Events!

Pal-O-Mine Equestrian is celebrating 30 years of service! Since 1995, they’ve provided a comprehensive therapeutic equine program, using horses to facilitate growth, learning and healing among children and adults with disabilities, survivors of trauma and abuse, the military and the impoverished. Their J-STEP program goes further, using the more agricultural aspects of the farm setting to serve young adults with disabilities by teaching job-readiness skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship, as well as independent living skills including organization, hygiene, finance, and nutrition.

They invite you to Save the Date for a number of upcoming events that offer opportunities to connect with and support their work. First up is an Open House happening September 7th, 11am-3pm. Open to the public, this a great way to learn about Pal-O-Mine and how they may help. For those who already understand the deep value, please consider supporting Pal-O-Mine’s 30th Anniversary Celebration, which is occurring Saturday September 20th at 4:30pm.  Additional fundraisers specifically to support work with Veterans and NYPD folk will occur October 19th at 10am. A truly lovely holiday event, Their Winter Wonderland will be happening December 5-7.

Visit the Pal-O-Mine Equestrian website to learn more!    

J-STEP Hopes Folks Will Help Build a Kitchen

J-STEP Interns welcome you!

Pal-O-Mine Equestrian is hoping folks will help build an accessible kitchen for its J-STEP (Job Security Through Equine Partnership) Vocational Internship program.

The Program

We’ve written about Pal-O-Mine before. Having served Long Island since 1995, some say their job is working miracles. Really, though, with the support of generous friends and foundation grants, what Pal-O-Mine does is provide a comprehensive therapeutic equine program, using horses to facilitate growth, learning and healing among children and adults with disabilities, survivors of trauma and abuse, the military and the impoverished.

Their J-STEP program goes further, serving young adults with disabilities by teaching job-readiness skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship, as well as independent living skills including organization, hygiene, finance, and nutrition.  J-STEP Interns plant and maintain their own flower and vegetable gardens, create and sell their own self-care line as well as run a successful CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program. They also create and sell artisan crafts.

Why a Kitchen?

Gardening and farming directly relate to cooking as they provide the ingredients. Gardening, on a smaller scale, and farming, on a larger scale, involve growing plants, including vegetables, fruits, and herbs, which are then used in cooking to create meals. This connection extends beyond providing ingredients, fostering a deeper understanding of where food comes from and promoting healthier eating habits.

One essential independent living skill is the ability to cook and make nutritious meals. Being able to cook can generally improve overall health. It brings people together, relieves stress, can help people to save money, and is a source of great joy and personal confidence. Furthermore, learning to cook develops other key skills, such as time management, following instructions, and kitchen safety.

What Will it Take?

Pal-O-Mine spans across 13 acres. J-STEP is located on one of these acres. It includes a roadside farm stand, an accessible, temperature-controlled greenhouse, and their own small house where J-STEP interns do most of their work.  The house consists of a bathroom and 3 small work areas that are separated by half-walls. In consultation with a building contractor, they estimate it will cost $250,000 to add a room with plumbing, electricity, and the latest kitchen equipment.

They ask for your help by funding this project so they they can help their interns live happy and healthy lives. They also hope you’ll check out the events below, and come see what the whole farm is about! 

You may also simply donate.

Thank you for your kind consideration

Upcoming Events at Pal-O-Mine Equestrian: 9/7, 11am-3pm, Open House, Open to the public. 9/20, 5pm, 30th Anniversary Celebration 10/19, Vet Fest and NYPD Fundraiser 12/5-7, Winter Wonderland. Events will be held at the farm, 819 Old Nichols Rd, Islandia. Visit their website for details.

Pal-O-Mine Equestrian: Celebrating a Season of Miracles in a Place They Happen Every Day

Photo of stable wall with uplifting messages posted

I was so happy to be invited along with my family to Pal-O-Mine Equestrian’s  “Winter Wonderland” on the last day of the J-STEP Holiday Market (they’ve since added a few more days…see below!) The childlike delight on my teenagers’ faces made it even better.

This is a deep, yet quiet celebration. It is not a day for the horses to strut their stuff. In fact, they seem to be on holiday themselves, enjoying the beautiful weather and occasionally approaching visitors to say “Hello.”  

PalOMine Horses at Rest
Pal-O-Mine horses at rest

It is the smaller animals — fancy chickens, sheep and ponies — that have center stage. Children of all ages pet and walk the gentle creatures as they learn about the farm and its residents.

“If you really need some TLC, though,” says an instructor named Danielle, indicating an enormous Belgian Draft Horse standing by one of the fences, “Go see Boomer. He’s the best. He’ll fix you right up.”

Photo of Boomer & Friend
Photo of Boomer and Friend by Ellen Lear

“This is the day we give back to our volunteers and funders,” she continues, “Today, they get to come and enjoy, and we get to work.”

The way she phrases this is intriguing, “Ummm….Aren’t you usually working when you’re here?”

“Yeah,” she smiles, “But our volunteers donate so much of their time, and our donors make it all possible. Usually, I’m working with clients. Today, I get to give back to our supporters, hang out with my coworkers, relax and enjoy.”

“Isn’t that right, Lovie?” She nods to the sheep whose line she has just handed off to an older girl. That girl is now guiding other children in petting him and feeling for the lanolin deep in his wool. Danielle offers Co-Worker Lovie a snack and strokes his head.

Photo of Lovie the Sheep
Lovie the Sheep photo by Katheryn Laible

I have yet to meet a staff member here who does not exude love and deep appreciation for their job.

“I met my best friend here,” says another instructor named Eve. She’s talking about Deb who is standing next to her. With them are two miniature horses whom we’ve been strolling with. They go on about funny coincidences and sweet simple fun. We marvel at the healthy 40-year old little horse named Honey and her dear friend, Darla. We breathe in the whole atmosphere and smile.

“We’re not snorting fairy dust here,” says Deb. Quite the opposite, actually. We laugh, thinking about the stuff inevitably in the air of a farm, even one as remarkably clean and well-kept as Pal-O-Mine. There is hard work being done here every day with a broad range of clients who are generally dealing with serious issues. The energy is overwhelmingly positive, though. Those involved speak of earthly miracles.

Photo of Deb and Eve with miniature horses Honey and Darla

Miracles and peace. “Among so many blessings, this place offers the beautiful gift of being present,” Deb reflects, “Whether you work here, or are served here, or are just visiting there is nothing you can do but slow down. The animals require it. The clients with the deepest connection to them need it, too.

“We’re all about the ‘Power of the Pause’ here,” she says. “It’s magical.”

Peace, positivity, and appreciation of what’s possible. “There are so many good people and great stories here…and everywhere, really,” Deb says. “I see it every day. I think more people need to be shown.

“Yeah,” she continues, “we have to face and deal with the tough things, but people need to see the good stuff that is happening, too. Then, they know what can be done.”

I know I’m sure grateful for everyone showing me.

Thank you!!!

J-STEP Holiday Shop invitation and images of crafts

Pal-O-Mine’s added more days to their 2021 J-Step Holiday Shop!

Stop in at the front office if you would like to go to the shop

December 16-18

Thursday and Friday from 10am-4pm

and

Saturday from 10am-2pm

at

The Classroom at Pal-O-Mine

829 Old Nichols Road, Islandia, NY 11749

Cash, Card and Check Accepted!

 

Face Masks Are Required While Shopping Indoors

Last chance for the J-Step Holiday Shop! 

J-Step Holiday Shop at Pal-O-Mine Equestrian

Pal-O-Mine Logo
Flyer for JSTEP Holiday Shop
You can read all about Pal-O-Mine Equestrian in this article we wrote. Basically, it’s a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities, the abused or neglected, the impoverished and the military.
 
Its J-STEP (Job Security Through Equine Partnership) program, is a paid internship vocational program that runs 5 days per week for people with disabilities who are 18 years or older.
 
They are currently hosting a Holiday Shop of items hand crafted by these interns.
 
Where: The Classroom at Pal-O-Mine, 829 Old Nichols Road in Islandia
 
When: Thursday December 9th, 10am-2pm, Friday December 10th, 12pm-6pm, Saturday, December 11th, 9am-4pm, Sunday, December 12th, 10am-4pm
 
Please Note: Face masks are required while shopping indoors.
You can find items crafted by these folks at other locations, too, including The Firefly Artists in Northport, where we have beautiful key chains that help raise awareness and show support for folks living with a variety of different conditions.
Pal-O-Mine has also put together a Herd Wish List for those who would like to support the horses!
For More Information: Visit www.pal-o-mine.org or call 631-348-1389

Pal-O-Mine Equestrian: Save the Dates

Pal O Mine Events Flyer

You can read all about Pal-O-Mine Equestrian in this article we wrote. Basically, it’s a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities, the abused or neglected, the impoverished and the military.


June 4 — The Pal-O-Mine Stakes at Pal-O-Mine

June 28 — Par Fore the Horse at Southward Ho Country Club, Bay Shore

July 11-17 — Ride for Pal-O-Mine at Pal-O-Mine

September 12 — Fall Festival and Concert at Pal-O-Mine

For More Information: Visit www.pal-o-mine.org or call 631-348-1389