Hospital for Special Care Receives Autism Community Impact Grant from the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism
Manes & Motions participant, Ben, poses with his horse, Freckles.
NEW BRITAIN, CT, February 13, 2025 – Hospital for Special Care (HFSC) is pleased to announce that Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center in Middletown is a recipient of the Autism Community Impact Grant of $7,500 from the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism. These funds will help Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center provide opportunities for individuals with autism to participate in equine assistive activities. The Autism Community Impact Grant is awarded through an application process and historically supports traditionally under-served, under-funded, culturally diverse communities reflected in the Flutie Foundation's areas of impact.
The grant enhances Manes & Motions ability to offer more sessions, reach a greater number of individuals with autism, and ensure that participants receive the personalized, high-quality care they deserve, regardless of their financial situation. It allows the HFSC community to create a more inclusive, supportive community for individuals with autism
“We are deeply grateful to the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism for their generous support,” said Sarah Castellani, Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center program director. “This funding provides more than just an opportunity to ride — it opens doors to personal growth, empowerment, and new possibilities. Participants discover their inner strength, gain confidence, and experience the joy of connection through the bond between rider and horse.”
Equine-assisted activities offer individuals with autism a unique and powerful opportunity for growth. The rhythmic motion of horseback riding helps improve sensory processing, balance, and coordination, while the bond formed with the horse promotes emotional regulation and self-confidence.
"The Flutie Foundation Autism Community Impact Grant helps our partner agencies address a variety of significant needs in the autism community," said Nick Savarese, Executive Director of The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. "Programs like these help people on the autism spectrum live life to the fullest and we are proud to support their efforts."
About Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center
Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center was founded in 1999 and is a PATH International Premier Accredited Center. Indoor and outdoor equine assistive activities are conducted by certified therapeutic riding instructors and supported by over 150 trained volunteers.
Located in Middletown, CT, Manes & Motions is a part of the Hospital for Special Care community, and operates on a not-for-profit basis. For information please call 860-685-0008 or visit on line at: https://hfsc.org/sports-and-fitness/manes-and-motions/.
About Hospital for Special Care
Hospital for Special Care (HFSC) is the fourth largest, free-standing long-term acute care hospital in the U.S. and one of only two in the nation serving adults and children. HFSC is recognized for advanced care and rehabilitation in pulmonary care, acquired brain injury, medically-complex pediatrics, neuromuscular disorders including ALS research, spinal cord injury, comprehensive heart failure and comprehensive inpatient and outpatient treatment for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder.
Located in New Britain and Hartford, CT, HFSC operates inpatient and outpatient facilities serving Southern New England and the Tri-State area on a not-for-profit basis. For the latest news and information, please visit www.hfsc.org, and follow us on Facebook @HospitalforSpecialCare and Twitter @HospSpecialCare.
About the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism
Former NFL Quarterback, Doug Flutie, and his wife Laurie started the Doug Flutie, Jr. Flutie Foundation for Autism in 1998 after their son, Dougie, was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. Their experience of raising a son with autism inspired them to help others on the challenging journey. Over its history, the Flutie Foundation has distributed over $20 million to schools and organizations who provide clinical therapies, recreational programs, social skills training, and more for people with autism. The Flutie Foundation also provides education technology tools, adaptive camp scholarships, safety equipment, and direct family support through its partnerships and special initiatives.