My Nonprofit Reviews

There are probably several great non profit organizations doing good work in our communities. However, I don’t believe there are any that change it’s riders/volunteers/staff for the better, in every way.
In looking for the right place - for me - to volunteer, I decided on ROCK because I wanted to be near and work with horses. I felt this would be a good fit because I am not a ‘people’ person, always preferring the company of animals.
I learned that to work with the horses I’d have to start out as a side walker, a position required to help keep the rider safe. The purpose of ROCK is to do therapies for riders with varying disabilities, using horses to aid in that therapy. And the work they do, the healing that happens through equine therapy is nothing short of amazing!
I started side walking in three classes. I noticed a change happening within ME with the very first class! My heart was being broken open by being in the presence of these amazing kids, who against all odds, are improving and thriving. The absolutely noble, intuitive and sweet natured horses served to open my heart even further.
What I originally thought of as me filling a need for ROCK has become ROCK filling a need in me, a need I wasn’t even aware of. I cry often at the utter wonder of what is taking place daily at ROCK. I get to see the riders get stronger, become more confident and overcome challenges. But, there is more healing taking place; that of the volunteers, who might not have realized how much they needed to be in this place, and it is profound. There is no other place - anywhere in my opinion - as special as ROCK.