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- A group opportunity. Invite your friends.
-
DONATE TO THIS
ORGANIZATION -
8 people are interested
Sidewalkers Needed!
ORGANIZATION: SPECIAL STRIDES
This opportunity is provided by VolunteerMatch's partner.
Please visit the new page to apply.
Please visit the new page to apply.
- A group opportunity. Invite your friends.
-
DONATE TO THIS
ORGANIZATION -
8 people are interested
A side walker is required to assist with a client session by standing, walking and running next
to the horse, and supporting the client as per the therapist's directions. A side walker’s
primary role is to support the client as needed. We will provide thorough training prior to a new volunteer becoming an active sidewalker so that they feel competent and comfortable in their role.
3 Shifts
-
morning /
08:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Our client sessions are 45 minutes so we usually ask volunteers to come for a period of 2-3 hours at a time.
-
afternoon /
12:00 PM to 04:00 PM
Volunteers would work 2-3 hours within this time frame depending on the scheduled client sessions.
- evening / 05:00 PM to 07:00 PM
- NONE OF THESE TIMES WORK FOR ME, BUT I CAN STILL HELP
More Shifts
More opportunities with SPECIAL STRIDES
No additional volunteer opportunities at this time.
About SPECIAL STRIDES
Location:
118 FEDERAL RD, MONROE, NJ 08831, US
Mission Statement
Special Strides is a non-profit organization devoted to improving the lives of individuals with special needs. With a unique combination of therapy, horses, and the natural environment, individuals achieve goals appropriate for therapy, recreation, and education. Special Strides provides all individuals an opportunity to "Improve their lives... one stride at a time" regardless of financial status.
Description
The year 2023 marks the 25th Anniversary of Special Strides which was founded as a
not-for-profit 501c.3 in 1998 by the owners of Congress Hill Farm, Laurie and Sam Landy.
Laurie Landy, an accomplished Occupational Therapist (OT), wanted to create a therapy
environment that was integrated with nature, combining the enriching attributes of a farm and
the partnership of a horse. Laurie became convinced of the benefits of utilizing the power of a
horse during her time as a school-based OT when she brought a group of students to the farm.
A child who was unable to communicate began uttering words for the first time as she sang a
song after a mounted activity; a boy who used a walker to ambulate no longer needed it after
three mounted experiences. Empowered, Laurie knew she had to bring this technique to more
people living with challenges.
As a lifespan practice, we provide equine assisted services (EAS) to 110 clients each week ranging in age
from 12 months to 77 years. In 2022, with our equine herd of 17 horses we provided 2,914
unique sessions of Equine Assisted Services (EAS) including Physical Therapy, Occupational
Therapy, Speech Therapy, Adaptive Riding, and Equine Facilitated Learning. We are a leader in
the industry, known for our excellence in quality of care, equine welfare, and disability
education.
CAUSE AREAS
Animals,
Health & Medicine,
People with Disabilities
WHEN
We'll work with your schedule.
This opportunity has 3 shifts
WHERE
118 Federal RoadMonroe Township, NJ 08831
(40.29489 ,-74.40826 )
DATE POSTED
March 6, 2023
SKILLS
- Office Management
- Administrative Support
- Animal Care / Handling
- Event Planning / Management
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
GOOD FOR
- Teens
- People 55+
- Group
REQUIREMENTS
- Must be at least 14
- Orientation or Training
- Special Strides asks volunteers to commit to 2 hours per week. Once active sidewalkers, our volunteers are critical to our program schedule's success!
- Sidewalking is a very active volunteer role. Volunteers spend a lot of their time outdoors, walking on trails, walking in the indoor arena and assisting clients and therapists.