Volunteer:
“Volunteers are not paid—NOT because they are worthless, BUT because they are 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, our kids, and our office. Volunteers usually come to the farm once weekly for 2-3 hour time slots. Volunteer workshops are given 3 times yearly 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.
Our volunteers have the opportunity to earn trail rides after providing 20 hours of volunteer service.
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A testimonial from a volunteer:
I am a volunteer; and I'm sure you are familiar with the quintessential cliché associated with giving time to help others. "I get more out of this than the people I'm helping". Well quite frankly this cliché is a true statement and an accurate account of my experience at Special Strides.
I came to Special Strides at a time in my life when I really didn't know what to do with myself. My children, grown and either out of the house or away at college had always provided a meaningful purpose to my life. Now my job as nurturing, educating, caring and guiding mom was coming to a close. I was faced with the question, "What do I do with my life now". I had contemplated working but shied away from any typical business venture. This rejection was a result of not being in the business world for so many years, and fearing the journey while having a husband who was embroiled in business and feeling apprehensive of jumping into a career right now.
As a child I was fortunate enough to spend a summer at a riding camp and always loved horses. Anytime either away on vacation or at a facility that offered horseback riding, I jumped at the opportunity to ride. A long time neighbor of ours was out walking her dog one day while I was walking ours and we stopped to chat. During the conversation I was introduced to an idea that would lead the solution of what I wanted to do. I was told of a therapeutic riding school in Monroe Township and if interested I should join her and visit the farm.
From the moment I drove up and observed what was being offered to these wonderful, adorable children I knew this was for me. The ability to work with passionate, talented, skilled, caring professionals was an honor. Being involved in the care, grooming, and preparation of the horses was at first a challenge, but now a routine I so look forward to. The best gift of all is to see progress with the children; the laughter, the ability to sit on a horse unassisted when months before; this would be out of the question.
What happens at Special Strides is truly magic. The magicians are all the people, parents, professionals, volunteers and supporters involved with this amazing and wonderful organization. I am proud to be associated with Special Strides.
Beth