My Nonprofit Reviews
volunteer
Review for Special Equestrian Riding Therapy Inc, Moorpark, CA, USA
In addition to the excellent therapeutic horseback riding and other equine-assisted activities Special Equestrian Riding Therapy has offered the special needs community for the last 25 years, SERT also provides additional community support by
• Hosting foreign exchange students seeking information about SERT’s program, horse care, and volunteering
• Hosting field trips for adults with special needs’ work training programs and senior citizens’ assisted living facilities to acquaint them with the program and SERT’s horses, and provide an enriching experience
• Providing a meaningful venue for Boy Scouts who must complete required Eagle Scout projects
• Providing a specialized venue for students to complete community school projects
• Speaking about the special needs community at local clubs and organizations
• Hosting Special Education teachers fostering greater communication and joint programs
• Hosting field trips for both public and private elementary school children, as well as for the entire special needs community, offering hands-on opportunities to participate in various aspects of SERT’s programs through the Information Station Rotation program
• Working with the community as a resource for Community Colleges that offer veterinary programs
• Offering ground lessons and horse grooming lessons for individuals for whom riding is not an option
Contact SERT at www.sert.org for more information.
More Feedback
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
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
Review for Special Equestrian Riding Therapy Inc, Moorpark, CA, USA
Located in Moorpark, Special Equestrian Riding Therapy (WWW.SERT.ORG) offers therapeutic equine-assisted activities for children with special needs. SERT has been serving families in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties for 23 years. I have been a volunteer with SERT for 19 years. Why? Probably three main reasons: The children and their families benefit in ways that matter to them. I truly respect and embrace the philosophy of the program and the values practiced at SERT. All donated funds go directly into the therapeutic programs. You really should come see the program. Non-verbal children learn to speak and are able to express themselves for the first time. Weak muscles gain strength. Rigid muscles relax. Children learn cooperation and so many other skills, and all while the children are actually having fun throughout their lessons. Little “miracles” happen almost daily. Just watch the faces of the parents. Silent tears of joy stream down their faces.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
During a lesson, I watched as one rider, who was non-verbal, began to sing The Lemon Drop Song, a little tune our Program Director would sing frequently. Now he won't stop talking!
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would clone our Program Director. She is amazing. Besides all of her official duties, she teaches by example: Respect for all living creatures, respect for the Earth, and she recognizes the needs of the entire family.
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?
Provide kleenex for the tears of joy for every pivotal moment these children experience!
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
I have met many very caring people who volunteer with SERT and who donate funds to SERT. Some people offer to donate their time and skills making things that SERT needs so that SERT is able to put all of the donated funds directly into its therapeutic programs. This is such a blessing because, in these difficult economic times, grants are fewer.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
Useful.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
