My Nonprofit Reviews
ashleymarie
Review for Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding Inc, Johns Island, SC, USA
I have only been working with this organization for a little over a year, but I can certainly vouch for the fact that this program has a significant impact in people’s lives. I found CATR on volunteermatch.com & became intrigued after viewing their website. The volunteer coordinator, Dee, is an extremely sweet lady who helped me through the qualification process. My first day volunteering was with Dee & another woman who works at CATR. Both were friendly, knowledgeable, & overall very helpful in making me feel comfortable & letting me know exactly how things work at their facility, what lessons entail, etc.
I have worked with several children in my short time with this organization. Although they had different life experiences (several were Autistic, one had Cerebral Palsy, etc.), I can tell that their time spent with CATR is not only enjoyable for them, but beneficial as well. It brings me great joy to watch them ride around the area, practice trotting, etc. They get the biggest smiles on their faces!! :) I find it nothing short of amazing how much this program can advance children with disabilities. It is very interesting to me that riding lessons can assist with so many different factors in a person’s life- social interaction, emotional behavior, independence, etc. One child I have worked with used to be extremely timid & scared to even touch a horse- now he rides with a smile on his face! I am proud to be a volunteer at CATR & can’t wait to see what the future holds for this organization.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have witnessed the many benefits & progress of children that receive lessons from CATR. I have also seen first-hand the joy that it brings them & their families. There are always many smiles around the barn!
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Honestly, I would not change a thing about the way they run the organization. They have such a friendly, patient, & caring staff. I suppose if I had to choose something to change, I would increase their budget so they were able to help more people in the community.
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
Sometimes my work schedule interferes with the volunteer times, but I would still like to help as much as possible. But I'm not sure that there is anything they can do about this!
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
Certainly. I have met amazing people, got to interact with children in the Charleston area, see how this program is beneficial to them... I really enjoy volunteering for CATR & will definitely continue to do so in the future.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
Refreshed, helpful, happy... part of something significant.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review Ashley. We are so thankful for dedicated people like you who make all that we do possible!
