Horses Make a Difference in the Lives of At Risk Youth

OLD BETHPAGE, N.Y., Oct. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE) www.familyres.org, a not-for-profit agency that supports more than 3,000 individuals with different abilities on Long Island, will join Heart Gallery NYC www.heartgallerynyc.org at an Open House and Press Conference to introduce an ongoing series of Life/Job Skills and Workforce Development Workshops for children in care and for those young adults transitioning out of foster care. The Saddle Rock Ranch Respite Program will launch on Saturday, November 3, 2012, 10:30 a.m. at Saddle Rock Ranch, 41 Coram-Swezeytown Road in Middle Island, NY.  

The collaboration, made possible through a grant from HSBC Bank to Heart Gallery, will present an ongoing series of workshops for youth to help prepare them for a successful transition into adult life.  The workshops will offer instruction in financial literacy and job readiness skills; environmental education; equestrian programs; agricultural skills; animal care training; art therapy and nutritional cooking classes.  The goals of the program will be to offer youth at risk of aging out of foster care an introduction to educational and career opportunities, while also developing their confidence, assertiveness, responsibility and relationship skills.

Saddle Rock Ranch is a 15-acre working ranch, housing horses and other farm animals.  Operated by Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. since 2004, the ranch offers opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to experience Equestrian Activities, including therapeutic riding lessons and equine care in a safe and comfortable environment. In addition, Saddle Rock's varied Day Services give adults with developmental and emotional challenges the chance to learn agricultural skills, small and large animal care and skills associated with operating a bed and breakfast.

FREE's broad spectrum of services encourages individuals to share their gifts and talents as contributing members of the community. For more information, please call 516-870-1622 or visit www.familyres.org. Heart Gallery Long Island www.heartgallerylongisland.org is a collaborative project of Heart Gallery NYC and FREE.

SOURCE Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc.