We are a non-profit therapy center for children with special needs.
is to enrich the lives of individuals with special needs and their families through support and customized programs.
Where children can play, learn and interact with each other.
Providing a unique environment for children to overcome their most difficult challenges.
“The Heart of Leg Up Farm”
Engaging children in activities that support achieving their therapeutic and educational goals.
Leg up Farm is a non-profit therapy center in York County, Pennsylvania for children with special needs.
We believe every child is special and deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. To achieve this goal, we know that therapy takes a lot of time and work.
Our individually tailored treatment plans, breadth of services, and child-friendly environment in a convenient, centralized location are the keys to success that will improve outcomes for children and families.
“Life’s not about waiting for the storms to pass… it’s about learning to dance in the rain” ~ Vivian Greene
This institution is an equal opportunity employer and provider.
Louie’s Story – The Courage To Dream!“Energy and persistence conquer all things.” – Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
In February of 1997, Louie Castriota and his wife, Laurie, had a vision that merged their love of children and animals with their desire to give back to their community through the creation of a therapeutic riding center for children with special needs. Ironically, six months after their vision was born, their daughter Brooke was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease. The disease is a metabolic disorder that causes both cognitive and motor function delays.
Louie’s Story – The MissionOn a mission to find the best treatment for Brooke, Louie and Laurie found the state of Pennsylvania offered an excellent early intervention program, but it only served children up to three years of age. After age three, children are then dependent on school systems or private providers for therapeutic programs. Their research identified huge gaps in availability and affordability of services for children with special needs. Brooke’s diagnosis moved Louie and Laurie to significantly widen the scope of their vision for Leg Up Farm to a facility that would be unique across the country in its comprehensive service offerings, customization, and coordination of therapy for children with a wide variety of needs.
Louie’s Story – Becoming RealityIn pursuit of this dream over years, and with the help of many like the Lehr and Potter families, Louie raised millions of dollars in funding through a combination of private contributions, public fundraising events, and state, federal, and foundation grants. Capital funding was critical to Leg Up Farm’s success, and in 2006 Louie turned his attention to securing a loan in advance of conducting a Capital Campaign. In November 2008, Leg Up Farm finally received a $5.6 million loan from USDA Rural Development and York Traditions Bank.
After many years of hard work and dedication, Leg Up Farm opened in April 2010. Since that time, Leg Up Farm has expanded to increase capacity and has served more than 1,500 special needs children and their families, providing life-changing services to those in need.
The need for funding continues and donations of all sizes are generously welcomed to continue realizing the dream of Leg Up Farm’s full potential. Every dollar makes a difference!
The collective efforts of the combined community make a huge impact and will be needed to complete the dream of Leg Up Farm.
Learn more about Louie’s story and the dream of Leg Up Farm by picking up his book- Leg Up, The Courage to Dream at Amazon or by visiting Leg Up Farm.
Leg Up Farm is designed for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults up to the age of 21 with special needs.
Leg Up Farm combines a state-of-art medical setting with a child-friendly environment that caters to both children and their families.
Leg Up Farm provides comprehensive therapies all under one roof by bringing therapists of different specialties together to create a customized program with a team approach.
Broad medical conditions that may be treated at Leg Up Farm include, but are not limited to:
| • Autism Spectrum Disorders | • Learning Disabilities |
| • ADD / ADHD | • Behavioral Needs |
| • Cerebral Palsy | • Genetic Disorders |
| • Speech – Language Delays | • Traumatic Brain Injuries |
| • Gross Motor & Fine Motor Delays | • Developmental Delays |
| • Feeding & Swallowing Difficulties | • Torticollis |
| • Mental Health Needs | • Sensory Processing Disorder |
Leg Up Farm will also address the acute therapeutic needs of children following an injury or surgery.
Leg Up Farm now provides customized day programming experiences for special needs adults, ages 18-59 through Able-Services. If you would like to apply for this program, click here or call 717-384-6130.
THANK YOU FOR AN INCREDIBLE 2016!
Our staff and volunteers are what makes Leg Up Farm such an amazing place. In 2016, we provided almost 21,000 therapy appointments to children and their families. We are thankful to our fantastic and caring staff for everything they do. In addition, our volunteers work hard behind the scenes to ensure your family has a great experience inside of our facility. In 2016, more than 200 people contributed almost 14,000 hours of their time to make sure our families had the best care.
We believe our staff is the best and that is what sets us apart. Thank you to everyone who makes a difference here each day.
Key Contacts
Key ContactsLouis J. Castriota, Jr. — President & CEO
Jody Bentz — Controller
Beth McDonald — Human Resources Manager
Tom O’Connor — Executive Director
Jennifer Hitz — Development Director
Jessica Warns – Equine Director
Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Career Opportunities
Career OpportunitiesThe Leg Up Farm/Able-Services Employment Application is located here
Leg Up Farm is currently seeking a Part-Time Licensed Behavioral Health Therapist. If interested, please e-mail your cover letter and resume to Human Resources.
Leg Up Farm is currently seeking a full time Licensed Occupational Therapist. If interested, please e-mail your cover letter and resume to Human Resources.
If you are interested in applying for an internship in our Therapy department, please e-mail your cover letter and resume to Cindy McMahon.
If you are interested in an internship in another department, please e-mail your cover letter and resume to our office .
All internships are unpaid.
As many parents can attest, the journey with special needs children is lonesome. Each child’s needs are different; there are no manuals or customized resources carved out specifically to help you. And yet as parents we are expected, and are driven, to find the best for our children on this unpiloted and uncharted course.
Finding Leg Up Farm was like receiving a gift for our entire family. Our children received speech, occupational therapy, feeding and equine therapy. The opportunity to customize the schedule, sessions, goals and measures, with guiding hands of experts, led to transformative results for both children within two years.
Living in Central Pennsylvania, we are so very blessed to have access to Leg Up Farm and all they offer. Upon walking in the door for the first time, you know you are somewhere special, a place that will leave a positive mark on your special kids.
Caroline was diagnosed at three months of age with Aicardi Syndrome, which causes epilepsy, brain abnormalities, peripheral blindness and severe developmental delays.
In 2014, at the age of three, this adorable little girl began her journey at Leg Up Farm. She had central weakness, no words and was only starting to scoot. Within 6 months, Caroline began to walk. Within 1 year, she began using sign language. Today, she speaks several words, signs, runs, and loves riding her therapy horse, Corduroy.
There will never be a way for us to repay the incredible staff at Leg Up Farm for the incredible gift of life that they have given to our little girl. Her quality of life has significantly improved since starting there and for that we will be forever grateful. Corduroy has taught Caroline more than just how to ride. He has taught her how to be gentle with animals and has strengthened her core muscles. She talks to him with her eyes and touch. Leg Up Farm is a gift. It is not lost on us how far our daughter has come and how much love the staff have shown her.
Our son Kai (5 yrs old) has been receiving speech and occupational therapy at Leg Up for over two years. Not only does Leg Up provide quality therapy, but it does so in a uniquely kid-friendly environment. Kai has received therapy on the Leg Up playground, in the vegetable garden, and while wading in the koi pond. Thanks to Tracy’s assistance (OT), Kai can now dress himself, put his shoes on, and zip his coat. He can write his name and safely use scissors and even ride a bike (this is Kai’s favorite accomplishment!)
With the help of Amanda and Cindy (ST), Kai has dramatically improved his ability to communicate and comprehend information. Now he is working on conversing with his peers- something we weren’t sure he would ever be able to do. We can’t wait to see all the progress Kai will make in the future at Leg Up. Thanks to everyone there for all you do!
Matthew Allen Potter was only seven years old when he was fatally injured on a roller coaster ride at the York Fair on September 10, 2001. Jack Lehr, close family friend and neighbor of the Potter’s, was overcome with grief and a deep sense of loss. Jack’s response was to organize a golf tournament in Matthew’s memory and donate the proceeds to a local children’s organization. The Matthew Allen Potter Memorial Golf Tournament was started in September 2002 and held for five consecutive years. During the course of the tournament’s history a staggering total of more than $160,000 in net proceeds was donated to Leg Up Farm.
At the 2006 tournament, Board Chairman Louie Castriota Jr. gratefully acknowledged the generous contributions and unwavering support of Jack and the extended Potter family over the years. Before an enthusiastic crowd of more than 225 attendees, Castriota proclaimed that the HEART of Leg Up Farm would now and forever be known as Matthew’s Town. Matthew Allen Potter’s legacy and spirit will live on through the children utilizing Leg Up Farm as they foster socialization skills, engage peers, and develop new skills to improve their lives.
Today Matthew’s Town is highly functional play space used to engage children in activities that support achieving their therapeutic and educational goals.
Upon entering Matthew’s Town, the children are magically transported into a safe, realistic, sensory-enriched environment… complete with a tree house, York Traditions Bank, Rutter’s gas station & convenience store, a Capital Blue Cross wellness store, a Martin’s Potato Chip delivery truck, and familiar businesses found throughout our community. This area is used for individual and small therapy sessions and serves as a place for children and families to gather as they explore their imaginations ad the word around them.
Interested businesses can apply below:
Matthew’s Town & Leg Up Farm are recognized as an Educational Improvement Organization under the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program (EITC) of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Through EITC, eligible Pennsylvania companies can receive tax credits equal to 75 percent of their contribution (up to $750,000 per taxable year), or up to 90 percent for two-year charitable commitments. Companies can claim credits against the following:
Matthew’s Town contains interactive “stores” and “storefronts” that businesses and organizations can sponsor. In addition to increased brand awareness and recognition, sponsorships are an excellent way for companies to demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility and community involvement.
If you are interested in exploring creative, win-win opportunities with Leg Up Farm as your partner, please contact Maura Musselman directly at 717-266-9294 or email mmusselman@legupfarm.org
At Leg Up Farm our strategy for success includes a mix of highly effective programs and services delivered in fun, safe, child-friendly environments – both indoors and out. Caregivers, including parents and siblings, are considered important members of the therapy team and will included in the ongoing development and implementation of each child’s program.
physical therapy
physical therapy
Our physical therapists analyze the neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and pulmonary systems of our clients within a developmental framework. Therapy will focus on gross motor skill acquisition, joint range of motion, and muscle strength in a fun environment that includes both land and water activities! Assistive devices and mobility will also be assessed as part of the child’s ability to engage their physical environment.
We can provide you with more information by clicking on become a client
occupational therapy
occupational therapy
The chief occupation of the child is PLAY! We utilize this philosophy to provide child-directed treatment to address a wide range of developmental needs to include sensory processing, fine motor function and handwriting skills, visual-perceptual function, self help and feeding skills, and cognitive development. Occupational therapy will also assess a client’s needs for adaptive technology to fully integrate into their community setting.
We can provide you with more info by clicking on become a client
speech-language therapy
speech-language therapy
Communication is key! Our speech-language pathologists offer a unique approach to speech and language development. Our focus is not only production of speech and language, but more importantly, pre-linguistic skills such as affect gesturing, reciprocity and engagement, and communication that serve as the foundation for human interaction. The speech and language program is designed to provide our clients with endless opportunities for communication, language, and speech production through play. Our therapists can also address phonological/articulation deficits, auditory processing deficits and assistive technology needs for communication.
In addition to communication needs, Leg Up Farm’s Speech Therapy Department leads the inter-disciplinary Feeding Program. Enjoying mealtime as part of the family activity is the focus of this program. Clients will learn to chew, swallow, and tolerate foods that are currently difficult for them due to texture, taste, and smell. The goal is promoting healthy eating and good nutrition.
We can provide you with more information by clicking on become a client
therapeutic horsemanship
therapeutic horsemanship
Therapeutic Horsemanship at Leg Up Farm is a recreational program taught by certified riding instructors.
Our instructors customize lessons to each rider’s needs. All riders must wear an ASTM/SEI approved equestrian helmet. Riders may bring their own or use one that Leg Up Farm provides.
We can provide you with more info by clicking on become a client
Nutritional Services
Nutritional Services
For nearly 20 years, Julie Stefanski MEd, RDN, CSSD, LDN, CDE has worked to help others understand the impact that good nutrition can have on one’s health. Julie is able to tailor nutrition recommendations at any age, activity level, gastrointestinal issue or medical condition. Julie has extensive experience working with children with special needs including failure to grow, obesity, use of a feeding tube, autism, and seizures.
For more details and information about our Nutrition program, please click here
Anyone can see an RDN and many insurance companies cover medical nutrition therapy depending on the reason for counseling. We can provide you with more information by clicking on become a client
Leg Up Farm can also be part of your Corporate Wellness program. Julie can tailor a nutrition message to any organization, sports team or group. Some examples include:
If you are interested in learning more or to book a presentation, please contact Julie at jstefanski@legupfarm.org
behavioral health
behavioral health
Leg Up Farm offers outpatient counseling/psychotherapy by Masters level clinicians. Behavioral Health therapists work with children and their families to address the challenges that they face at home, school, and in the community. Behavioral Health services are individually tailored to meet the needs of the child and their family members through individual, family, and group sessions. Play is often used in sessions to encourage communication and self-expression while reinforcing vital social and emotional skills and developing self-esteem.
Individual sessions foster an environment for children to learn how to appropriately express their emotions and cope with their triggers. Parents are supported in parent sessions to facilitate progress within the home, and to help with setting reasonable and appropriate expectations for their child. Social Skills groups run in rotation throughout the year to focus on peer interactions, non-verbal/verbal communication, how to make and keep friends, and understanding social boundaries.
We can provide you with more information by clicking on become a client
A variety of therapeutic group programs are offered at Leg Up Farm. Led by licensed therapists, these groups offer an approach to learning practical skills through structured activities. Group sessions promote learning and engagement through goal setting sessions. In these groups children may learn:
Group participants will develop a sense of accomplishment in achieving personal goals as they development meaningful relationships with peers knowing that they are not alone.
Recreational Programs offer children many opportunities to gain confidence in group activities as they continue to grow and develop interpersonal relationships with their peers. Leg Up Farm offers fitness, leisure, and recreational programs throughout the year for our clients who have difficulties accessing and participating in these types of activities.
We know that raising a child with special needs is challenging… full of ups and downs, with frequent doubts about what the future holds. We also know that life is a balancing act for our families – balancing the demands of work, time, and financial resources among ALL members of the family, including those of other siblings.
We offer Behavioral Health services for parents, caregivers, and siblings. They are offered on an individual, couples, family, and group basis. Please contact our Intake Coordinator at info@legupfarm.org for more information.
Everyone at Leg Up Farm will support our client’s whole family from the moment they walk through the door. Our caregiver support includes such services as respite nights, a lending library, advocacy and support programs, facilitating family connections, or simply being there to listen with a sympathetic ear!
Children may be referred to Leg Up Farm for services from any number of sources, including physicians and other health care professionals: hospitals and clinics; teachers and educational systems; state, county and local agencies; or from family; friends, and relatives.
Leg Up Farm participates with most commercial insurance and all Medicaid except Gateway.
Upon referral, Leg Up Farm will prepare a detailed profile followed by a comprehensive assessment process conducted by our team of trained therapists to determine each child’s unique challenges and strengths. Once the goals and objectives of the recommended Intervention Plan have been discussed and approved by all members of the child’s circle of caregivers, individual and group therapy sessions will be scheduled.
For more Information, please contact Carmen Iosif-Clark, Intake Coordinator at 717-266-9294 or by filling out the form below.
Summer Camp at Leg Up Farm is back fro 2017. This year we will once again host Camp Journey and Camp Mighty Tykes. Children may attend one or all four weeks of Camp Journey. For more details on the camps and to download the registration form, click the boxes below.
Camp Journey
Camp JourneyCamp Journey is a weekly camp for children ages 6-21. A variety of activities will take place each day such as arts & crafts, sports, outdoor and nature games, music, and animal activities. Camp is designed to promote independence, socialization, recreational skills, and confidence.
Cost is $350 per week and children may attend any or all weeks. Snacks will be provided but children are responsible for their own lunch each day.
Download the 2017 Summer Camp Registration form here
Camp Mighty Tykes
Camp Mighty TykesBack again this year is Camp Mighty Tykes for children ages 3-5 with special needs. A variety of activities will take place daily such as arts and crafts, group games, and outdoor games. Camp is designed to promote independence, socialization, recreational skills, and confidence. The cost is $200.
Download the 2017 Summer Camp Registration form here
Soon after Leg Up Farm opened, the need for services beyond the educational setting was realized, and the idea for Able-Services was born. Located at the Able Training Center, at 3100 North George Street (the former site of Shiloh Nurseries and Brown’s Orchards & Farm Market), we are licensed as an Adult Training Facility by the PA Department of Human Services.
Continuing in the fine tradition of Leg Up Farm, Able-Services provides a culture of caring and welcoming to our program participants, our staff, and visitors. Able-Printers is located in our building, providing a team of talented adults with special needs the opportunity to work in a business setting. Our on-site commercial greenhouse program, Able-Growers, allows the skills for growing and managing plants to be incorporated into all elements of training and activities. Participants will explore activities of daily living, social skills, communication, leisure/fitness/recreation, nutrition and health, community participation, and self-advocacy.
Participants and their families should be in contact with their Supports Coordinator to facilitate the application process for our program. Program participants need to be receiving Consolidated or Personal/Family Directed Support Waiver funding and qualifying for Adult Day Programming services, and able to function in a 1 staff per every 6 program participant ratio. They should be interested in being active, working toward goals, and most of all, having fun!
If you would like more information about Able-Services please contact Kimberly Wood, Program Director at 717-384-6130 or by e-mail at kwood@able-services.org
You also download the application
Always NaturalLeg Up Farmers Market is a full-service, natural foods grocery store. That’s our focus — natural. We’ve selected vendors and products whose standards embrace those qualities: no artificial colors, chemicals, additives, hormones, or other artificial ingredients.
Leg Up Farmers Market has a strong focus on creating connections with local farmers and artisans. All products are natural (and organic when available), including our in-store bakery and in-store kitchen for freshly made prepared foods. Our employees are brought together with a team spirit for customer service, knowledge, and a passion for healthy food. We aren’t just located in this community; we want to be connected to it in every way possible.
Our 18,700 square-foot floor plan includes produce, meat, seafood, bakery, prepared foods, bulk items, dairy, specialty foods, dry grocery, nutritional supplements, and personal care items.
When you visit our store look for the Leg Up Local brand. This marks our commitment to bringing you food and items from as many local suppliers as we can, offering you the finest products that are grown fresh and made locally. Look for the brand on many items in our store.
Open daily, 8am – 8pm
Closed on most major holidays.
3100 N George St
York, PA 17406
717-893-5998
Conveniently located minutes from Route 30 & I-83 in York.
There are many ways to get involved with Leg Up Farm. You can donate, volunteer, attend an event, refer a family in need of services, or rally your coworkers around a common cause!
Leg Up Farm offers group volunteer projects, teambuilding activities, and more for companies that would like to support our mission. For more information on getting involved, please contact Maura Musselman at mmusselman@legupfarm.org.
Leg Up Farm, Inc. is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization as provided by Internal Revenue Service requirements. A copy of official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Leg Up Farm works collaboratively with a number of businesses, organizations, and programs throughout the area.
We partner with the Lincoln Intermediate Unit #12 to provide innovative programs in addition to on-site classrooms. In addition, we work with Pyramid Healthcare to provide innovative and dynamic educational programs for special needs students through the Soaring Heights School.
Leg Up Farm also works with YTI for their Veterinary Technician Program. This exciting partnership provides YTI students with hands-on learning experience with our horses and exposes their students to programs and services provided at Leg Up Farm.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Leg Up Farm.
Our volunteers are a vital member of the Leg Up Farm family. Volunteers donate their time and passion to support our families and our mission of enriching the lives of individuals with special needs and heir families through support and customized programs. As of July 25, 2015, the cost for a child abuse history certification and state police criminal background check will be waived. Both are required to volunteer with us. In addition, those volunteering with Leg Up Farm will be required to take the Mandated and Permissive Reporter Training online. A certificate of completion must be turned in to the Volunteer Coordinator.
Volunteer opportunities include:
Volunteers Apply Here
Volunteers Apply HereThe minimum age for any new volunteer is 14 years old.
Both youth and adult volunteers will be chosen for their maturity, personal integrity, skills, patience, dependability, sensitivity and respect for our special needs children and their families.
To volunteer your time and services, please follow this link to apply.
All volunteers will be required to submit to a PA State Police Criminal Background Check, in addition to a PA Child Abuse History Certification as a condition under the Child Protective Services Law.
Obtaining the necessary documentation and fees associated with these clearances are the responsibility of the volunteer applicant.
Results of any background checks must be acceptable to Leg Up Farm before being allowed to volunteer at the facility. If you have any questions, please contact us at 717-266-9294 or by e-mail at volunteer@legupfarm.org
Career Opportunities
Career Opportunities
Plan Your Wedding or Next Party At Leg Up FarmPlan your next meeting, conference, or birthday party at Leg Up Farm. Our picnic pavilion is perfect for your child’s birthday, baby shower, or picnic. Your outdoor event includes use of our playground, music garden, outdoor restrooms, and game garden.
If you would like to hold your wedding on the grounds of Leg Up Farm, please click the information brochure link below.
To place reservations, please click on the reservations form below and also call the front desk at 717-266-9294 to check availability.
Let Altland House help cater and plan your event. Please contact Kristie Barney at 717-848-8257 or visit AltlandHouse.com for more details.
Contact Jen Hitz at 717-266-9294 or by email.
