NEWS

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"So happy we were able to collaborate on this to give Buddy his best life.     

Buddy originally came to Cornell to participate in research but it became clear that he'd need a higher level of care than he could get in the research herd, so his research veterinarian sent him to the team as a possible riding horse. Buddy was a favorite of the team, but he couldn't hold up to the level of work we'd needed him to do, despite intensive veterinary and farrier work. In the spring CRC asked for a couple of horses to participate in their "Equine Encounter" and I thought of Buddy because of his great manners and friendly nature. He was a hit! He participated in three weekends of therapeutic encounters. We knew then that this was his calling. Stablework was mentioned to me by our barn manager and when I saw the program I knew it would be a perfect fit! Meeting Lisa and Bob and seeing their beautiful facility sealed the deal. It was a perfect match. We're all grateful Buddy has found a place where he can live his best life and do what he does best- be everyone's best buddy. Thank you both so much!!!" 

Joanna Novakovic, Head Coach, Cornell University Equestrian Team

" As the premiere agency in Tompkins County for providing vocational supports to disabled workers, Challenge has been excited to see Stableworks Inc. enter the local scene and we have been eager to begin work with them. We know that vocational fields such as animal care, agriculture and veterinary assistance all have strong growth projections. We also work with a large number of people who are interested in those fields, though we have often struggled to find opportunities for exploring them. So for us, a partnership like the one we have with Stableworks Inc. fills a valuable gap. In a very short period of time, our collaboration with Stableworks Inc. has already provided engaging and transformative vocational programming opportunities to our participants and we cannot wait to see how this already vibrant program evolves.”  

Briggs Seekins, Director of Employment and Vocational Services, Challenge Workforce Solutions.  

"Thank you, Lisa. With you folks, he (my son) is getting more of a sense of what he CAN do. This is a lovely change from his experience with school." 

Parent of trainee at Stablework.

"One of the trainees at Stablework came into our program a few months before we started working with Stableworks. This trainee identified socialization as one of his biggest barriers when it came to employment/continuing education. When he first started he did not eat in front of staff or peers and did not like advocating for himself. When he first started at Stableworks, he was hesitant about getting near the horses, but expressed interest. One of the first times I heard him advocate for himself was when he said that he wanted to go to Stableworks for both days of his programming. He also said he drove past the stables with his parents so he could show them the horses he was so fond of. Recently  the trainee has been “leading” the groups. He delegates tasks to his peers and tells them “good job” “can you do this next?”, all things I had not seen before Stableworks. The trainee also talks to the horses and greets them. His progress in prevocational services has shown immensely since he started working at Stableworks. The trainee  also responds very well to Lisa, the owner of Stableworks.  The trainee has also advocated that he would like to visit Stableworks some weekend, so his parents could meet the horses. "

Brendan Shaw, Manager of Prevocational Services at Challenge:

"This has been a wonderful experience.  The folks at Stablework are open, kind, and patient as they work with my 19 year old.  He needs direct supervision for some activities, and they trust him to take the lead on other tasks as he has gotten more comfortable.  The animals are a joy to work with - I hear many stories about the personalities of the goats and horses, always with a big smile on his face.   This is the type of program we need more of in this community!  What a great way to learn and grow.   Thanks Lisa and Bob!"

Parent of Access VR employee at Stablework

 "Stablework has provided individuals enrolled in our prevocational program an opportunity to grow and improve work skills in an environment that enhances and enriches their development. Lisa and her husband Bob work side by side with our individuals to assist them in learning and improving their work skills helping them to attain competitive employment in their communities. Stablework is a real functioning farm where our individuals develop and improve skills working on a variety of tasks  including building projects, landscaping, gardening and animal care. We are very fortunate to be able to participate in a program that fosters their creativity and encourages them to successfully attain goals. Lisa and Bob created this company in hopes of providing an opportunity for individuals who want to work in their community, a place to start. They are skilled at working with individuals with a variety of challenges and have created a   comprehensive curriculum that can be modified based on the specific needs of each person. "

Michelle L Brickey Senior Team Leader of Pre-Employment  Services at J. M Murray, support services organization in Cortland, NY,