SPECIAL STRIDES
Cause Area
- Animals
- Children & Youth
- Environment
- Health & Medicine
- People with Disabilities
Location
118 FEDERAL RDMONROE, NJ 08831 United StatesWebsite:
https://specialstrides.com/
Organization Information
Mission Statement
Special Strides is a non-profit organization devoted to improving the lives of individuals with special needs. With a unique combination of therapy, horses, and the natural environment, individuals achieve goals appropriate for therapy, recreation, and education. Special Strides provides all individuals an opportunity to "Improve their lives... one stride at a time" regardless of financial status.
Description
The year 2023 marks the 25th Anniversary of Special Strides which was founded as a
not-for-profit 501c.3 in 1998 by the owners of Congress Hill Farm, Laurie and Sam Landy.
Laurie Landy, an accomplished Occupational Therapist (OT), wanted to create a therapy
environment that was integrated with nature, combining the enriching attributes of a farm and
the partnership of a horse. Laurie became convinced of the benefits of utilizing the power of a
horse during her time as a school-based OT when she brought a group of students to the farm.
A child who was unable to communicate began uttering words for the first time as she sang a
song after a mounted activity; a boy who used a walker to ambulate no longer needed it after
three mounted experiences. Empowered, Laurie knew she had to bring this technique to more
people living with challenges.
As a lifespan practice, we provide equine assisted services (EAS) to 110 clients each week ranging in age
from 12 months to 77 years. In 2022, with our equine herd of 17 horses we provided 2,914
unique sessions of Equine Assisted Services (EAS) including Physical Therapy, Occupational
Therapy, Speech Therapy, Adaptive Riding, and Equine Facilitated Learning. We are a leader in
the industry, known for our excellence in quality of care, equine welfare, and disability
education.
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