| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Meg Koloskie Phone: 702-379-4098
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY, March 25, 2026 CAPTAIN Community Human Services (CHS) has been awarded a $4,000 grant from the GlobalFoundries/Town of Malta Foundation to continue a meaningful partnership with Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, providing equine-assisted psychotherapy for youth served through CAPTAIN’s Runaway and Homeless Youth Shelter. This funding will support a continuation of a program launched in 2024, designed to meet the mental health needs of youth experiencing housing instability and crisis. The Youth Shelter, located in Malta, provides 24/7 care and support for children and teens ages 13 to 17 who are facing homelessness, family conflict, or unsafe living conditions. Through this partnership, youth participate in structured group sessions at Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, where licensed mental health professionals and certified equine specialists work together to create a safe and supportive environment for healing. The program focuses on building self-awareness, improving communication, developing coping skills, and encouraging healthy self-care practices. In 2025, 36 youth participated in the program, many of whom were navigating significant trauma, stress, and uncertainty. For these young people, the experience provided a sense of stability, connection, and personal growth during an otherwise challenging time. “While our shelter provides critical housing and support services, this program fills an important gap by offering therapeutic experiences that help youth process what they’ve been through,” said Scott DeMarco, CAPTAIN CHS Executive Director. “The partnership with Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga has been incredibly impactful, and we are grateful to the GlobalFoundries/Town of Malta Foundation not only for making this program possible, but for their continued support of our work and the people we serve.” Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga is a nonprofit horse sanctuary dedicated to supporting mental wellness through equine-assisted programs. By creating a calm, farm-based setting, the organization helps individuals reconnect, build confidence, and develop tools for long-term well-being. With the addition of a new indoor facility at Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, the program will now be offered year-round, expanding access and consistency for participating youth. In 2026, CAPTAIN CHS anticipates serving 30 to 40 youth through this initiative. “The connection between horse and human can be incredibly grounding, especially for individuals experiencing crisis,” said Dr. Erin Christopher-Sisk, Founder and Executive Director at Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga. “We are honored to work alongside CAPTAIN CHS to provide a space where these youth can feel safe, supported, and heard.” The GlobalFoundries/Town of Malta Foundation continues to invest in programs that strengthen the local community and support vulnerable populations. This grant ensures that youth facing some of life’s most difficult circumstances have access to therapeutic resources that can support their path toward stability and healing. |
| About Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga (THS): Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga is a 501c3 nonprofit horse sanctuary accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. THS is dedicated to providing mental wellness through horse and human connection. THS works in partnership with local certified equine therapists to offer equine-assisted therapy to individuals and families facing mental illness, social difficulties, trauma, and other challenges. About CAPTAIN Community Human Services: CAPTAIN Community Human Services (CAPTAIN CHS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering individuals and families across the Capital Region. Through a wide range of programs focused on crisis intervention, prevention, and long-term stability, CAPTAIN CHS helps people move from hardship to self-sufficiency. The CAPTAIN CHS Youth Shelter provides a safe, supportive environment for youth experiencing homelessness or crisis. Open 24/7, the shelter offers immediate care, stability, and access to essential services, helping young people navigate challenges and build a path toward a brighter, more secure future. |
