In 2010, Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, Inc. received funding from the New York Community Bank Foundation, Knapp Swezey Foundation, and AXA, Inc. to support the pilot run of the Job Security Through Equine Partnership (J-STEP) Program. The pilot run of the J-STEP Program was immediately successful. For the spring, summer and fall of 2011, Pal-O-Mine is aiming to continue and expand this program. Our main goal for the program is to foster growth and independence in our participants, with the objective for each of our participants to one day obtain employment in their community.
The major focus of the J-STEP Program is to provide meaningful employment opportunities to adults with disabilities and to establish a green living program and energy conservation program at Pal-O-Mine. Our J-STEP members have been successful at organic farming, implementing a recycling program, resume and job skill development, and the ability to work in a team atmosphere. For the upcoming summer, we plan on expanding the program and building on the success of the previous year.