Volunteers

“Volunteers .... Priceless.”

Get much more than you give. Volunteers are the life blood of Special Strides. Without our very special volunteers we would not be able to operate. Our volunteers help take care of our horses, insure the safety of our students, and provide assistance in our office. Volunteers usually come to the farm once weekly for 2-3 hour time slots. Volunteer workshops are held throughout the year to provide initial and ongoing training for all of our volunteers-new or experienced. Volunteers must be 14 years of age or older. Horse leaders must have prior experience with horse management. It is a perfect opportunity to fulfill community service requirements for schools, religious affiliations or colleges. It is also a wonderful opportunity for individuals looking to pursue careers in occupational/physical/speech therapy, education, psychology, equine industry and medicine. Our volunteers should be comfortable interacting with children, animals and nature.

Horse Management Responsibilities	Leading horse during the lesson Grooming horses Preparation of horses for lesson Cleaning tack and barn Conditioning of horses
Lesson Responsibilities	Sidewalking during lessons Assist therapist Singing songs, playing with toys, etc. Maintaining safe environment for horse/therapist
Office Assistance Responsibilities	Assistance with mailings Assistance with filing
Fundraising Responsibilities	Solicitation of donations Planning special events

Please contact our volunteer coordinator Sharyn Bagnasco sbagnasco@specialstrides.com for more information.

Junior Committee of Young Leaders

The Special Strides Junior Committee consists of teens ranging in age from 13-18 years. Our slogan is “Teens Making a Difference in the Life of a Child with Special Needs”. Joining The Special Strides Junior Committee is a great way to get together with friends and Junior volunteers meet new kids from surrounding towns that have the same interests as you. It is also an opportunity to receive community service credits for Peer Leadership, National Honor Society, Church or Synagogue projects and Student Council. Our Annual Bowl-a-thon is our largest junior committee event. It is fun and exciting and the funds raised benefit the Steven Werthan Memorial Scholarship Fund for Special Strides. This fund provides financial assistance to those families with special needs children that otherwise would not be able to receive our therapeutic riding services. Recommendation letters are written for your club, honor’s society and colleges upon request.

Volunteer Testimonial

Special Strides: two words that have completely changed my life. I came to Special Strides to try and help others, however I ended up Friendship gaining so much more than I had ever imagined. On my first day at Special Strides I was a shy nervous girl who wasn’t quite sure how I exactly ended up there. During my first lesson I receive a smile from a little girl, which would actually change my life. During the lessons I watched the children’s confidence grow, and as a result so did mine. I gained a second family at “the farm” and there I learned and discovered more about myself and about those children then I could have ever imagined. As a result of working at Special Strides I have decided to become an occupational Therapist. I have watched Special Strides help the children in many ways, and I am proud and honored to a part of such a wonderful program.

Michelle Age: 20