Southern Tier Alternative Therapies, Inc.
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Southern Tier Alternative Therapies has been such a blessing for many individuals with an assortment of disabilities in our rural Upstate NY area. Being a teacher of children with autism, I learned of STAT as many of my students regularly attend riding lessons at the nearby Fargnoli Farms. Looking for a place to volunteer and intrigued as to why so many people flock there I contacted Linda. Immediately I feel in love. The other volunteers are so welcoming and are from all walks of life, the horses are simply amazing, and of course the kids are witty and wonderful. This meaningful volunteer opportunity has allowed me to be part of a wonderful team and has helped to bridge a gap between school and therapy. The Therapeutic Riding sessions focus on meeting a variety of students’ needs including, but not limited to, additional academic practice (recognizing letters, colors, and sight words, practicing propositions, knowing right vs. left, etc), balance and motor planning, increased communication (via more eye contact, waving hello, verbally greeting others, or using the iPad or Dynavox to facilitate conversation via STRIDES), addressing sensory needs and eliminating basic fears or anxieties. Progress is forward, noticeable, and ongoing. I am incredibly grateful to STAT for paving the way for such positive opportunities. I wish you continued growth and success in all the years to come!
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
My son starting riding when he was 3 years old. He couldn't run without falling, couldn't throw a ball, couldn't climb stairs; my list could go on. He had such a hard time trying to do the things that all kids do. When he rode the horse the results were amazing. Over time it was wonderful to see the difference in him. He could run without falling, climb the stairs use the equipment on the playground. We finally got to take down the baby gates in the house. He was also unable to communicate. His language is emerging. He's signing and more verbal on the horse. It's a therapy I'm very passionate about and am lucky he gets the opportunity to ride.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
I cannot begin to explain how this wonderful organization, STAT, (southern tier Alternative therapies) has helped our daughter. Jenna is 13 and has aspergers, ocd, sensory issues, and just is not accepted anywhere. Horses, and animals are her mainstay to happiness. STAT has enabled us to be able to Have Horse therapy and watch our daughter smile, to be accepted by the horses. Her whole body changes when she is with the horses, she becomes confident, stands stronger, sits straighter. Without STAT I dont' think she'd be who she is today. I thank goodness everyday for STAT and their help.
Photos
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How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
STAT has made it possible for our son Thomas, with Prader-Willi Syndrome to keep on horseback - which he needs desperately due to excessive low tone and 83degree scoliosis - after he aged out of eligibility! :) We are SOOOOO grateful for the assistance - there's no way we would be able to afford it, yet it is tremendously beneficial for our boy. Not only does it help him hugely physically - the emotional benefits are measurable! He's soooo proud of himself - the horseman that he is, and it even increases and improves his speech!!! THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS STAT!!!!
Catt Maczko, Mom to Thomas Jersey Maczko, dob 4/28/05, PWS by upd.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Not only does it help him hugely physically - the emotional benefits are measurable! He's soooo proud of himself - the horseman that he is, and it even increases and improves his speech!!! THANK YOU
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
facilitate more funding for it!!!! :)
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
A lot
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
How did you find this group?
recommended by our Physical Therapist.
What, if any, change in your life has this group encouraged?
seeking more help to get my kid what he needs :)
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
STAT HAS OFFERED OUR COMMUNITY AN OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE THE SPECIAL NEEDS INDIVIDUALS . THEY HAVE SUPPORTED INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCE LIFE CHANGING ACTIVITIES THROUGH EQUINE INTERVENTION. WELL OVER 500 RIDING SESSIONS HAVE BEEN SPONSORED BY STAT. THEY HAVE BEEN GROWING AT A STEADY PACE SINCE THERE BEGINNING AND ARE A GREAT NEED IN BROOME AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES. STAT HAS PIONEERED THE RESEARCH FORUM ON EQUINE INTERVENTION HERE IN BROOME COUNTY. STAT IS A UNITED WAY PARTNER. STABLE MOVEMENTS IS PROUD TO BE A PARTNER FACILITY WITH SOUTHERN TIER ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES AND ALL THAT THEY STRIVE FOR. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK !!!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
STAT HAS SPONSORED WELL OVER 500 SESSIONS HERE AT STABLE MOVEMENTS
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
SUPPORT STAT AS A BENEFICIARY OF LARGER NATIONAL FUNDING AND NON FOR PROFIT DONORS.
STAT is a young growing organization that offers scholarships to children and young people who have special needs throughout a 7 County area in the Southern Tier of New York State. Among their board of directors is the President and Founder who is a professional grant writer with a proven record of obtaining funding from businesses, foundations, as well as through fundraising efforts. STAT is an organization operated and staffed by 100% volunteers. Additional programs are coming for art, music, and dance movement/yoga therapies. for more information go to their website www.statinc.org
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
how they treat families and how important the connection is between the individual handicapped rider and the horse! Kids are the focus! When a government or a school will not provide a beneficial therapy it takes organizations like STAT to do it!
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
watching the children STAT serves smile with pride; seeing them learn (from mentors, family members, and staff) communication skills, interpersonal skills, improved eye contact, improved flexility, balance, and strength...
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
kind and helpful, courtesous, gracious, and giving with a warm smile on their faces. Some are adults some are teen/peer mentors, all are volunteers and all who want to make a difference!
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
build a school with alternative therapy facilities to include an heated indoor equine facility with outdoor trails, an aqua therapy complex and additional specialty rooms within the school structure to include art, music & dance therapy and more!
Ways to make it better...
there was more funding available for an operating budget to comfortable compensate people for the time and effort they put forth to meet expectations of constituents, serve more individuals, and accomplish STAT's mission and vision.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
an operating budget
One thing I'd also say is that...
this is an organization extremely dedicated to the children they serve.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
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