Pal-O-Mine Equestrian awarded Alzheimer’s Foundation of America grant to fund its 2Gether Program
Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, an Islandia-based nonprofit therapeutic equine center, has been awarded a national grant by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) to support its 2Gether Program, which uses horse-based therapeutic and educational programs to help Long Islanders living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers.
Pal-O-Mine uses horses and equine-assisted activities to support Long Islanders with physical, cognitive, emotional, and developmental challenges. 2Gether provides a welcoming space where caregivers and their loved ones with Alzheimer’s can connect and enjoy meaningful experiences together by immersing themselves in a calming, natural environment. Held on Pal-O-Mine’s 13-acre farm, the program participants enjoy hands-on experiences such as interacting with horses, therapeutic horticulture, music and other outdoor activities.
What makes 2Gether unique is that caregivers and their loved ones participate side by side. These hands-on experiences stimulate the senses, encourage gentle physical movement and support cognitive engagement in a calm, supportive setting. The program aims to reduce feelings of anxiety and isolation, strengthen caregiver-participant connection, and provide meaningful respite.
“Thanks to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s support, we were able to create a truly unique experience where individuals living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers could reconnect through nature, the calming presence of our horses, and meaningful shared activities in our garden and around our farm,” said Lisa Gatti, Founder and CEO of Pal-O-Mine Equestrian. “Time and again, we witnessed the remarkable ability of horses to spark smiles, awaken memories and create moments of connection that reminded families that even in the face of Alzheimer’s, there is still joy, dignity and hope.”
The $6,000 AFA grant will be used to help Pal-O-Mine fund and expand this program
“Through this unique and valuable program, Pal-O-Mine Equestrian is providing cognitive stimulation, social engagement, and meaningful experiences for Long Islanders living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s president and chief executive officer. “AFA is pleased to help support this program and Pal-O-Mine Equestrian’s important work through this grant.”
Additional information about Pal-O-Mine Equestrian’s 2Gether Program is available on the organization’s website,www.pal-o-mine.org, or by calling them at 631-348-1389.
AFA can provide vital services, like this grant, through the generosity of individual contributions, sponsorships, and fundraising activities. To help support these initiatives or learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and resources available to help families affected by it, visit www.alzfdn.org.
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