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STAT Inc. (Southern Tier Alternative Therapies)

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Ambulatory & Primary Health Care, Children & Youth, Health, Mental Health, Mental Health & Crisis Intervention, Rehabilitative Care, Youth Development - Agricultural

Mission: Facilitating alternative & animal assisted therapies to promote and enhance the health and quality of life for individuals with special needs and other vulnerable populations The Ligonier Therapeutic Center opened in August 2016. We offer mental health services and outpatient occupational, physical, and speech therapy. We can also individualized therapeutic and outcome-based programming for children and adults with special needs or emotional challenges. We can offer services to: >at risk youth (trauma, addiction, adjudicated, out of home placement, residential treatment, foster, PTSD, and numerous emotional and behavioral challenges) >disabled children, children with autism, cerebral palsy, neuro deficits, paralysis, spina bifida, down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, and many more. >veterans suffering with physical or emotional trauma >people in addiction recovery, residential or PAP We utilize horses as our therapy tool, a unique and innovative approach that proves rapid results. Many of our programs are measured using tools/instruments via self test questionnaires

Community Stories

34 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

1

briannereed, Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

08/07/2021

STAT has provided the most AMAZING opportunity to my son and the benefits are countless. Each week, we drive 45 minutes one way to STAT for Equine Therapy with a Physical Therapist. Cat, Lisa, and all of the volunteers have been absolutely wonderful with my son. They make PT, which can be really hard for him, into a fun activity and a bonding experience. His core strength has improved, he is able to use his left side more easily, and his balance and coordination have also improved. He gets far more out of each session than just PT though. The sensory input he receives from riding is calming and helps him regulate his body. The deep connection with the horse builds his confidence. It is so heartwarming to see him kiss and snuggle the horse, and thank him for the ride! The interaction with the staff is great social skills practice, and he has built relationships that he talks about long after his session ends. He has even built skills such as advocating for his needs, when he asks for help, says the belt needs adjusted, or that the saddle is off center. These are all a BIG deal with a child who could not do anything close to this a few years ago. My son loves to teach the staff about science and tell them facts while he rides. The attention he gets from the staff is irreplaceable. After 10 years of 5-7 weekly therapies in Hershey, Raleigh, and Pittsburgh- I can tell you beyond a doubt that STAT is providing the most comprehensive therapy with the most benefits. It is the most amazing nonprofit we’ve ever encountered, and is worthy of all of the praise! They have been a lifesaver as a single mom with an autistic child with many special, physical, and medical needs. As a former Autism Support teacher, I have seen the impact STAT has on autistic individuals and the countless benefits. I would encourage anyone with an autistic loved one to contact STAT. We are so thankful for Cat and her phenomenal vision!

AmandaAdams Client Served

Rating: 5

05/11/2025

We first found STAT when our then 2 year old son was diagnosed with cerebral palsy on top of a long list of birth defects and comorbidities. His team recommended horse riding to support muscle tone and control.
We had no idea how helpful this would be across so many areas of his life during the course of 3 years. We made the 164 mile round trip drive weekly for 30 minutes at the stables and when we were there he would have the opportunity to ride, brush, and play with the horses. He was building a connection among the incredible group of volunteers as well and being able to share his weekly stories of schools and therapies back home and they became like a family to us.
My son would always be so excited to go tell his friends what he had been doing week to week in school and we noticed that his speech began improving, his concentration and his patience as well.
He seemed so much more regulated being near the horses and listening as he rode.

He became so confident as well and would happily tell everyone that would listen how much he loved Rocky, Cooper, Scarlet and Pepper.

We are so lucky to have had STAT in our lives!

NC38 Client Served

Rating: 5

09/03/2023

My daughter just recently started services at STAT Inc. She is 7 years old and is diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, and high Anxiety. In this very short time frame I have already seen a change in her ability to stay center and balanced, not just on a horse, but while walking as well. She is gaining fine motor and large motor skills, something she has really struggled with. Most of all, she is overall happier and more confident in herself. She loves seeing the horses and the staff who work with her! She adores how gentle and caring "her horse" is. Everyone is so caring and compassionate towards their clients. This is the first "activity" my daughter actually enjoys and counts down the days each week until she gets to go back. To her this is not therapy, it is her Happy Place, where she gets to do amazing things with amazing people, and amazing animals. I am very thankful to have STAT Inc. services, staff members, and their amazing animals in our family's lives.

scottieg Client Served

Rating: 5

11/23/2021

This place is amazing! They made my son an myself feel welcome an comfortable with there services an this kind of therapy. I had questions an concerns, an they addressed them all to make me feel comfortable with making the decision to move forward. There staff is grade A. Thank you Lisa,Bob an Cat. I am so relaxed an supportive with this because you guy. The horse that John is riding is named rocky, she is so gentle, an good with John that I have been able to see a connection that was made from the very first meeting. My son for the first time has now become so excited to ride that he is showing off skills in only a few visits that we have struggled to accomplish in other therapy’s for years. Stat has been able to give me hope of light in a way that others have failed. I would recommend stat to anyone! If you are thinking about doing horse back therapy for your kid. Stop thinking about it an call this amazing place already!!!

1

MJ-F STAT Inc Facilitator Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

09/18/2021

STAT Inc. is a place to heal, be heard, and be encouraged by the herd of therapy horses and dedicated staff. STAT’s EQuine Affect program provides empowerment through learning about emotional intelligence in recovery and personal growth alongside horses. I think what makes STAT Inc a very special place is the mission of care led by Catherine Markosky, the founder and Executive Director of STAT Inc., along with her being a champion for children with special needs and adults in need of healing from horsepower.

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kurwa2 Client Served

Rating: 5

07/23/2020

fantastic ohuennaya tema ja ohuel ot temi da blyad dadada

1

Alyssia A. Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/30/2018

STAT has wholeheartedly provided a platform for practioners, like myself, to make our dreams of utilizing horses to heal a reality. Through STAT I have met amazing families, dedicated volunteers, and other practioners who are consumed with providing a positive change in people's lives. STAT is the real deal and their desire to provide help, change, and healing is contagious. STAT's story is just begining and I am so blessed to be a part of it ❤

2

Deanna DeLeon H. General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/30/2018

Amazing people with an unbelievable story! I met Kat about 8 years ago and her strength just amazed me. She empowered me in so many ways and she didn’t even know she did.

2

JackStamp21 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/30/2018

I have been apart of this amazing origination for a long time and have attended a few events as a volunteer. I love being apart of the STAT family as there is no better feeling than working with the beautiful kids they help and seeing the smiles on their faces

2

Sr1968 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/30/2018

I had the amazing opportunity to work the summerfest, I was in awe and truly touched by what this organization stands for. The whole day was filled with love and hope!

1

Kathleen Rupp L. Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/30/2018

STAT is an amazing facility that provides incredible therapy opportunities to so many children and adults in our community. Surrounded in endless natural beauty, it provides the perfect setting for healing, growing, learning and discovery to take place.... and the horses there are super cute too! Quite simply, STAT is love. ♥️

1

Tracey Knight S. General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/29/2018

I have no words that explain the magic that happens at STAT. They have made me want to be a better person. I have never seen so much unconditional love and support from a person in all my life. Cat is truly an inspiration to everyone.

1

Carrie B.3 Board Member

Rating: 5

10/29/2018

STAT Inc. is an amazing nonprofit that is built from the ground in heart. We are dedicated to the well-being of all of our clients on various levels of healing. We are professional in all areas, and have more compassion than any other organization that I have come across! It is why I am on-board! I am very pleased with our mission and our ability to stay determined with clear vision and purpose as we are achieving goals for others!

1

david.w.a.alexander Client Served

Rating: 5

10/16/2018

Cat and the gang are great hosts and top-tier trainers. It's not easy to find such a combination of knowledge, commitment, and warmth in one spot. Highly recommended!

1

RShingler Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/02/2018

Adelphoi Village developed a relationship with STAT Inc. during the Spring and Summer months of 2018. The program offered equine therapy to a group of six females, aged 12-18, over the summer months. Catherine and her staff members were excellent to work with. She provided tours of the facility and an experiential learning day for administrators of Adelphoi Village, which allowed us to make an informed decision to utilize the services. All of the females that participated in the program brought with them traumatic past events which impacted their present condition. By participating in the program, they were able to deal effectively with this trauma by receiving a non traditional therapeutic intervention. Above all, Catherine's passion to help the girls in the program was the greatest selling point of all. From the first time we met as an agency with her, it was evident that she believed in what she was doing and that she was certain she could make an impact with the girls. It was an easy decision to allow the girls from our programs to participate in this service. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who is considering an implementation of equine therapy.

1

Debbie S.5 Client Served

Rating: 5

08/10/2018

This is Hope's 3rd summer at Ligonier Theraputic Center. What a wonderful place! Hope is really showing improvement in her fine motor skills, not to mention her social skills. We are always greeted with a warm welcome and her therapy sessions are tailored just for her! Everyone is so friendly and focused on the kiddos!

1

Highland Field Farm Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/09/2018

As volunteers at the annual Summerfest, we have great respect for the mission of STAT Inc. and the tireless effort being made to heal with horses.

As horse lovers and riders, who's children grew up riding and working with horses, we have seen the benefits of interacting with horses. It can be a tender and enchanting and awesome experience for children and adults of all ages.

Horses are noble and have quiet strength that inspires and elevates the human spirit. STAT Inc. knows that people can grow in their confidence and all of good things that can happen when people care for horses, walk with them, ride them or just touch them.

The STAT vision requires funding for a well designed and well maintained facility. There must be a committed volunteer infrastructure, on-going staff training and tireless, unending effort to help physically, emotionally, and mentally challenged children, teens and adults, and their families.

We are glad that STAT Inc. is healing with horses.

Marcia & Ray Speicher

2

julianammills Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/02/2018

This place has given me more opportunities to grow and learn than I could have ever imagined! You are able to see immediate results and changes in the clients. It is truly an enriching and once in a life time experience as a volunteer to see how these horses can change peoples lives both mentally and physically. Catherine and Mike the owners/managers are amazing people who welcome anyone with open arms. I would recommend this place to anyone interested in their therapies. It is wonderful.

1

vewt11 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/21/2017

Trinity Presbyterian Church has recently created a mission team in the last few years called the Lignt Mission Team. Volunteering through mission work and our High School Sunday School class we have grown to know STAT in the past few years. A great organization providing therapy through horses and smiles! We cannot wait to come back again!

2

Benjamin H.1 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/18/2017

My twin girls have cerebral palsy and been with STAT for over a year now. They absolutely love the experience they have there. They are excited to ride and visit the horses, and "play" with all the great people who are part of their therapy. They both have gained a lot of core strength and confidence. STAT is full of truly caring individuals, my wife and I could not be happier.

1

Debra62 Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/24/2014

I'm a substitute volunteer, mostly filling in during the summer when I'm off work from teaching. As a teacher, I observe how much growth the children have through this program and I am amazed! As a horse lover, I am happy to see the horses having a meaningful impact on so many riders, their families and the people who work/volunteer in the program. I also donate to the program when I am able - a very worthwhile cause!! I spread the word about the wonders of STAT to everyone I know.

1

Sandy86 Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/23/2014

STAT provides wonderful opportunities for children with a range of disabilities to grow and heal while enjoying the connection and movement of horses. I have volunteered at Fargnoli Farms for 3 years and the changes and growth I have seen in our children is astounding. We have had children come who were non-verbal and are now speaking in sentences. Some who come timid of the horses and learn quickly they are safe and riding and working with horses is fun. How about one little one who had never had a conversation with Dad but after a couple of rides told him about her visit to the farm. Little ones who have difficulty sitting up but with the loving guidance of volunteers and the movement of patient horses can hold themselves upright for some of their ride. Teens who comment how much they miss their time at the farm when they can't be there. As a volunteer I am blessed to involved with such a loving, caring group of people making a difference in our lives, the children and their families. This is an amazing nonprofit with amazing results.

TPEDROSO Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 4

11/22/2014

STAT HAS BEEN A VITAL SUPPORT FOR PROGRAMS IN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY. MANY SPEVIAL NEEDS INDIVIDUALS WOULD NOT BEABLE TO EXPERIENCE THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF EQUINE WITHOUT THIS TERRIFTIC GROUP OF PEOPLE . WE HAVE BEEN INVOLVED WITH THEM FROM THE BEGTINNING AND HOPE TO CONTINUE OUR RELATIONSHIP FOR MANY YEARS TO COME

Previous Stories

Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/28/2013

over the past 5 years STAT has helped many individuals experience the wonderful world of equine. without the dedication of the STAT board and community members this program would not be available to many special needs families in our community. Stat offers scholarships for individuals to participate in adaptive riding and hippotherapy as well as other programs. Stat serves many different diagnosis and offers many diverse programs to individuals. they are affiliated with other community organization that help promote the wonderful opportunities here in Broome and surrounding counties. without stat there would be no other non for profit to offer this terrific entity to our special needs community. Thanks STAT

Read more

Miss Dale Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/28/2013

I started to volunteer with the STAT Program at Fargnoli Farms in February 2012. I saw a story in a local weekly newspaper, The Tioga Courier, telling about the program and Linda Fargnoli. Linda opens her farm up to this program twice a week. The story talked about the need for volunteers for the STAT Program and what the volunteers need to do, keeping the children safe with no experience needed regarding horses. I had started taking lessons to learn to ride horses a year or so before, as in my 50's decided it was something I wanted to do. I love horses. I happen to love children. Seemed like a good mix to me. I started working with a pony names Snowy and a little boy named Evan. We had a team of 3; one to lead the pony, two people to sidewalk and make sure that little boy was safe. We also were to interact with our rider. In the beginning, Evan was reserved but seemed to be happy to be there. Dougie and Mrs. H. were the sidewalkers and Evan was very comfortable with Mrs. H. as he knew her from school. After a bit, we all became more comfortable with each other. We would be silly, sing, play different games that Linda would set up such as ring toss from the pony's back, find little plastic animals placed around outside, or throw rocks in the creek.

Mrs. H. left us but helped with finding another volunteer, Bernadette. We also started using a bigger horse. Evan seemed to get a little bored with the pony and it was felt that he may need more movement. Evan's sense of balance improved greatly. He is very happy to come every week. He interacts and is happy to see his team and his horse, Floozie. Evan loves the cats, chickens and ducks on the farm. He is particularly fond on the cats. Evan has learned to rein around barrels at a walk, turn Floozie in a circle and recently even rode at a trot. The biggest step for me in working with Evan is that he will walk with me and hold my hand or he has walked arm and arm with me. He now will air blow Floozie a kiss at the end of his ride.

I have also recruited a family friend, Dave, to help with sidewalking and recently added my husband, Ronald to our fun Saturday mornings as a volunteer, too. Linda Fargnoli will thank me for coming and it is like THANK YOU. I get so much out of this program, maybe more than Evan. Love everyone there and Linda has a big heart and caring for this program.

1

cwademan Client Served

Rating: 5

10/27/2013

My son Evan was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 5 yrs old. He is considered "high functioning". We had heard great things about "STAT" from other parents of Evan's class mates at school.
What a blessing! The changes in Evan were very suttle but quite evident as time as progressed! I had no clue what this would do, but I was willing to try anything. I have seen wonderful changes in Evan. I have also observed changes in the other children that ride when Evan ride and it is just remarkable!
STAT is just funominal for these kids and without this program I have no idea where they would be. I am certain that Evan would not be where he is today with out the help of STAT!
From one very greatful mother!

1

Np1992 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/26/2013

I have been volunteering here for over a year now and it has been one of the best experiences of my life. Watching the kids improve so much has been a real treat. They do so many good things here and it really is amazing. Anyone can benefit from this, not just the children. The parents and the volunteers alike are taught things as well. It really is an awesome program.

1

MomT Client Served

Rating: 5

10/24/2013

I was lucky enough to have Cat Markosky visit my workplace during a United Way Meeting. My son has apraxia of speech and I had heard from a few different people that riding a horse would be great therapy. I had the chance to speak with Cat after the meeting. She was so positive and told me to contact her and give it a try. That was 3years ago. My son looks forward to going to Stable Movements every week. He loves the horses, he has gained great self confidence and he looks forward every week to riding.We have met many wonderful people who volunteer and other families helping their children like us. What a great program.

lmom Board Member

Rating: 5

07/12/2012

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.

2 Mrs. H

Mrs. H Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/12/2012

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!

1

Robin41 Client Served

Rating: 5

07/10/2012

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.

Cathryn M. Client Served

Rating: 5

05/19/2011

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.

4

Catherine Board Member

Rating: 5

12/08/2009

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

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