STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — When it comes to mental health, even the smallest amount of treatment can make a big impact.
Participants at ArchCare Senior Life experienced first-hand how their former therapists arrived in “miniature” horse form to provide much-needed comfort and emotional support. The therapy will resume on June 27th.
In February 2019, St. George Wellness Centre hosted its first miniature horse therapy session. The animals, named Aidan and Pearl, arrived and captured the hearts of more than a dozen senior citizens.
The location has long served as a place for community participants to experience social events, and with the help of unconventional visitors, the event has become a hit among the crowds.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused an extended pause in some of the regular activities, but the success of the first visit prompted the program to be resurrected.
Seniors at ArchCare Senior Life will once again be welcomed by miniature horses to shower affection on and receive love in return on Thursday, June 27. With support from the event’s sponsor, the Carl V. Bini Memorial Fund, the animals will make their rounds from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
The Carl V. Bini Memorial Fund was established in memory of Carl Vincent Bini, a New York City Firefighter with 18 years of service and assigned to Rescue 5, who lost his life on September 11, 2001. To honor Bini’s personal mission of helping others, the organization seeks to advance the Staten Island community through programs, sponsorships and other charitable efforts.
Participants and staff were thrilled to see the animals back at the center, and their presence brought an undeniable sense of relief.
Wellness Center Manager Lauren Abbate attended the first event and considers it “one of the best programs ArchCare has ever implemented.”
Although miniature horses are small in size, it is hoped that they will make a big difference to the mental health of participating seniors, just as they did before the pandemic.
“We are very excited to finally be able to host our event again without any COVID-19 restrictions and with the support of our sponsors,” Abate said.
Below are some of the first therapy events held in 2019 at ArchCare Senior Life Wellness Center.
Nonprofits sponsoring the event can be contacted at info@binifund.org.
