Lackawanna County Board of Commissioners

Buyer seeks a qualified provider for the STABLE Program through the Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Youth and Family Services. The program requires management of horses and other livestock, riding instruction, curriculum development, and animal care education for at-risk youth. Services focus on fostering prosocial interactions and supporting youth with histories of abuse, neglect, behavioral health issues, and other challenges. The contract period covers fiscal year July 2025 to June 2026.

• 4/25/2025 - RFQ Issued
• 5/9/2025 - Questions Due
• 5/27/2025 - Proposal Due Date

• Experience and reputation in the field
• Experience working with governmental entities
• Nationally recognized certification for horse riding instruction or 10+ years experience
• Experience working with at-risk children with various needs
• Knowledge of psychological trauma as it pertains to abused children
• Knowledge of animal behavior, especially horses

• Manage and care for horses and livestock used in instructional setting
• Provide horse riding and horsemanship instruction to at-risk youth
• Develop curriculum fostering prosocial interactions with OYFS personnel
• Instruct at-risk youth on animal care practices
• Provide care during weekends, holidays, and evenings as needed
• Apply knowledge of psychological trauma in abused/neglected children
• Monitor animal behavior and health to request appropriate interventions
• Maintain detailed program records and reporting requirements
• Participate in required departmental meetings
• Collect data for research and analysis of program outcomes