Non-Profit Spotlight on Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone Farm
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Non-Profit Spotlight on Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone Farm
By Jennifer Hrycyszyn, TeenLife Staff Member
We have all heard of pet therapy and the wonderful influence dogs and cats can have on people, from overcoming loneliness to speeding up the healing process. You may have not realized, however, that horses are often used as a means of therapy for people with a wide range of physical, emotional, and cognitive disabilities.
One local non-profit organization, Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone Farm, uses horses' unique ability to enhance a person's movements and touch a person's heart, inspiring strength, hope, and encouragement among people with disabilities. The farm employs 35 program horses and brings together over 200 volunteers and 20 licensed instructors and therapists to serve 450 to 500 children and adults each week, year round.
For teens, age 13 and older, volunteer opportunities at Ironstone Farm offer a chance to work outside, enjoy the beauty of nature, and positively influence and impact the lives of people with disabilities.
To find out more read the following Q&A session the TeenLife team had with Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone Farm's Volunteer Coordinator Carolyn Burt.
How many volunteers are needed to help run the programs?
We require over 200 volunteers to help us work with almost 500 children and adults who come from over 90 cities and towns throughout Mass. and N.H. We are working six days a week, from as early as 9:30 a.m. until the evening, all year long! As you can see, I coordinate a significant number of volunteers!
How can teens become involved?
Teens, age 13 and above, are eligible to lead and sidewalk. Volunteers for Challenge Unlimited and Ironstone Therapy lead horses or walk alongside the clients receiving treatment on the horse. There is no prior experience required. We provide training through our volunteer workshops.
What qualities do you look for in your teen volunteers?
Teens must be responsible; as it is very important that they attend their assigned times each week, or call to cancel beforehand. In addition, they must handle the horses in a safe manner and be respectful of the clients and the environment we work.
Can you share one of your most rewarding experiences working with people with disabilities?
I started here as a volunteer and I remember well the first word a young client said was "pony” during a treatment session here. Her parents were thrilled to hear their daughter say this.
What do you want teen volunteers to take away from this experience?
To learn the joy of working with individuals with disabilities in the supportive, fun environment of a working farm.
Teens interested in volunteering should first visit http://website--www.challengeunlimited.org/ which has a wealth of information. All volunteers must attend a one-time volunteer training workshop and each volunteer is asked to commit to at least one hour each week (at the same time and day) or preferably two hours each week.
For volunteer opportunities contact Carolyn Burt directly at carolynburt@challengeunlimited.org or 978-475-4056.
Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone Farm is located at 450 Lowell Street, Andover, Mass.
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