Healing Happens in Union Vale, NY

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PonyUp4Kids Foundation is a privately run 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving Dutchess County and surrounding regions of New York State. Our mission is to transform lives through the powerful connection between humans and horses while promoting animal welfare, education, and community well-being.

We provide essential services and life-enriching opportunities for children, teens, adults, families, veterans, survivors of abuse, violence, and trauma, individuals in recovery, and people with autism and other developmental disabilities. Through inclusive, community-based programs, PonyUp4Kids fosters confidence, responsibility, independence, and meaningful personal growth. 

Our mission is carried out through the following charitable and educational initiatives:

• 1) Animal Welfare and Rescue: Providing care, rescue, and rehabilitation for horses in need, promoting their well-being and preventing cruelty. (charitable)
• 2) Youth Development: Offering programs that promote the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of children through interactions with horses, fostering leadership skills, responsibility, and teamwork. (charitable)
• 3) Therapeutic Riding: Conducting equine-assisted therapy programs for individuals with physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges, improving their quality of life. (charitable)
• 4) Community Outreach: Engaging with the community through educational initiatives, workshops, and events that promote responsible horse ownership and understanding. (charitable)
• 5) Equine Education Programs: Conducting educational programs that teach children about horse care, equestrian skills, and responsible horsemanship. (educational)
• 6) School Programs: Collaborating with schools to integrate equine-related education into curricula, enhancing students' understanding of animals and the environment. (educational)
• 7) Professional Development: Offering training and educational opportunities for individuals interested in careers related to horses, such as veterinary science, equine management, or farrier services. (educational)

PonyUp4Kids empowers youth through a transformative journey, fostering leadership, communication, and a deep connection with horses. Our mission includes hands-on youth empowerment, emphasizing essential life skills and leadership qualities. We recognize horses' unique ability to teach vital life lessons, promoting emotional intelligence. Committed to community engagement, equine welfare, and career exploration, we rescue and rehabilitate horses while exposing children to diverse industry careers. Through our holistic approach, we shape confident, articulate, and empathetic leaders, preparing them for success from the barn to the boardroom. 

Our Commitment to Integrity:

At PonyUp4Kids Foundation, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct, integrity, and compliance with all legal, regulatory, and ethical standards. We are committed to delivering person-centered care with integrity, transparency, and accountability, especially in serving youths, adults, veterans, individuals in recovery, survivors of abuse, violence and traumas, families and individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. 

What is Our Compliance Code?  

Our Compliance Code is a structured approach to prevent, detect, and correct any potential issues, problems and/or violations. It supports our mission of providing high-quality care while maintaining the public’s trust and meeting regulatory requirements. 

Compliance Code Key Components:

Compliance Officer: A designated Compliance Officer oversees and reports to the leadership team and Board of Directors. The Compliance Officer provides additional support and guidance. 

 • Written Policies & Procedures: Clear and accessible guidelines covering billing practices, donations, documentation, conflict of interest, fraud prevention and personnel conduct.  

• Training & Education: Ongoing training to ensure everyone understand their role and responsibilities and how to identify and report compliance concerns.  

• Monitoring & Auditing: Regular internal reviews and audits to monitor potential risks or violations.  

• Reporting Mechanisms: Confidential and non-retaliatory ways to report suspected fraud, waste, or abuse, including an anonymous hotline.  

• Response & Prevention: Prompt investigation of issues and implementation of corrective actions to prevent future occurrences. 

 • Enforcement & Discipline: Fair and consistent disciplinary measures for violations of policies or regulations. 

Standards of Conduct:  

This policy applies to all Board Members, personnel, volunteers and service partners of PonyUp4Kids Foundation. It is the policy of PonyUp4Kids Foundation that all Board Members, personnel, volunteers and service partners avoid conflicts of interest so that they may represent PonyUp4Kids Foundation in a positive and ethical manner.  

Compliance Officer and Mandatory Reporting:  

The Compliance Officer and NYS Mandated Reporter is Leah Struzzieri. This position has a direct line of communication with leadership and the Board of Directors.  The Compliance officer is responsible for investigating or delegating the investigation of any concerns or issues reported pertaining to inappropriate practices, in violation of statutes, regulations and/or PonyUp4Kids Foundation policies. The Compliance officer is also responsible for ensuring all “affected individuals” receive training and information on how concerns may be reported.  

We encourage personnel, individuals we serve, families, and stakeholders to report concerns. You can report anonymously and without fear of retaliation. 

The Compliance Officer may be contacted at:  

PU4K Hotline: (845) 724-7128

PU4K Email: info@PonyUp4Kids.com

Why Compliance Matters  

• Protects our clients, donors, volunteers, partners, personnel, sponsors and the public. 

 • Ensures funding is used appropriately and ethically.  

• Helps us deliver the highest quality services. 

 • Strengthens trust with regulatory partners, clients, donors, volunteers, personnel, sponsors and the public.