I wanted to let you know about an exceptional organization based in Garden City called The Andy Foundation. The foundation was established in January of 2004 to honor the life of Andrew Patrick Palmeri. On Sept. 17, 2003, Andrew Patrick Palmeri (“Andy”) was playing tag with his friends when he was fatally hit by a passing car. In January of 2004 Andy’s family and friends established The Andy Foundation. The foundation’s motto is “By Kids — For Kids” and its mission is to give all children regardless of race, religion, or social and economic status, a chance for a healthy, safe and happy childhood, which will give them a better chance to become successful and productive adults.
The foundation recently donated $21,000 to our J-STEP Program here at Pal-O-Mine in Islandia. The program helps young adults with disabilities transition into adulthood and the workforce through a variety of tailored therapies that help increase the student’s confidence, job skills and life skills through equestrian therapy. The program offers services to help students learn financial responsibility, social engagement, household chores and responsibilities, employment and work skills. Staff and students of this program have created partnerships with local businesses around Long Island to help engage the students in their goals and families of the students get involved to support and promote the goals.
We are so grateful to the Andy Foundation for their continued support of Pal-O-Mine. Without the support of local foundations like the Andy Foundation, we would not be able to help provide therapeutic support to adults and children throughout Long Island who greatly benefit from our services. Please consider printing this to let others know how generous the Andy Foundation has been to us and how this Garden City Foundation is helping so many on Long Island!
Lisa Gatti
Executive Director
Pal-O-Mine Equestrian
