New York Race Track Chaplaincy

About Us

Over 3,500 people make up the community of workers who toil behind the scenes in support of the thoroughbred racing industry at Belmont Park, Aqueduct Racetrack, and Saratoga Race Course. The New York Race Track Chaplaincy, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, ministers to the heart and soul of this community of stable workers and their families with children’s enrichment, social service, recreational, and educational programs as well as non-denominational religious services. The NY Chaplaincy provides these extensive services with the intent of satisfying not only spiritual needs but also basic human necessities, and its unique population is served without regard to race, creed, religion, background, or social status.

The NY Chaplaincy provides essential support to Saratoga area children and their families. Though dedicated and hard working, many of the stable workers in the thoroughbred racing industry earn incomes that fall below the poverty line. Each July and August, these individuals travel to Saratoga for the summer racing meet and for those with families, this move involves challenging and difficult decisions. In order for parents and their children to remain together during this time, affordable, quality care for the children must be available and this is where the NY Chaplaincy steps in. Our Summer Enrichment Program allows the families of workers employed at Saratoga Race Course to remain together, thus permitting qualified, experienced, and mature workers to be employed in Saratoga, not only supporting racing but the local economy as well.