Prospective Volunteers

Step One

Learn about Volunteering at High Hopes

High Hopes volunteers participate in all of High Hopes’ activities. 96% of our workforce are volunteers. They volunteer as individuals, as members of work groups, families, and participants in community service programs. They give their time, talents, and energy to help support High Hopes and the people we serve. We could not run High Hopes without them.

Due to the on-going COVID-19 situation and the impact of State of Connecticut guidelines on our programming, we are now offering training opportunities (with a limited capacity of trainees for in-person trainings) for new volunteers. If you would like to sign up for our next General Orientation and Side Walker Training, please email our Volunteer Manager, Emily at ebelliveau@highhopestr.org

Step 1: Learn About Volunteering

Our volunteers need to be 14 yrs or older. We encourage anyone who is interested in volunteering to read on to learn about what it means to be a volunteer. Be sure to take a look at our volunteer stories too.

Step 2: Complete the Registration & Release Form

We will need you to complete a Registration and Release. This will also help us to understand what brought you to High Hopes and what your volunteer interests are.

Complete the form

Step 3 - Register for an Orientation

New volunteers must attend a general orientation session. After that you will select the role(s) you would like to perform and you may need some extra training specific to that role(s).

What it Takes to Run Our Programs

652

Volunteers

28000

Hours of Time

97%

of our Workforce are Volunteers

What does it take to be a High Hopes volunteer?

Volunteers must be able to work independently with minimal staff supervision. The required age for volunteers is 14.

Volunteering in the program, barn and/or facility involves moderate physical activity. Please be sure you are comfortable with the physical aspects of the role you select.

Individuals should be available the same day and time each week to volunteer. Volunteer assignments and schedules are based on interest, experience and availability.

Volunteers should demonstrate a commitment to education, teamwork, serving the community, leadership and innovation.

Are you ready for an orientation?

What are the benefits of volunteering?

Need to know more?

Helping others through volunteering builds connections with the participants and the horses. Volunteering is a great way to connect with the community and volunteers support all aspects at High Hopes including horse care, assisting participants, and event planning.

Our therapeutic riding program operates year-round, six days a week from morning until evening. Our staff and volunteers work together, forming a vital team that is essential to our participants’ success. Individual reasons for volunteering may differ, but there is one thing that everyone has in common – the feeling that they are receiving back more than they give. Our volunteer needs are many. Whether your experience with horses is life-long or minimal, your willingness to give of yourself and your time is what we need.

Volunteer Stories

What can I expect for my first day?

All volunteers must attend a General Orientation prior to volunteering. Training sessions are offered year round. The General Orientation begins in the classroom with an overview of High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, who we serve, our horses, and our policies and procedures. It also includes a tour of the facility.

At the General Orientation, volunteers will choose a role(s) they are interested in, and will be scheduled for an additional training specific to that role. Roles may include sidewalker, horse leader (experience required), feeder, office volunteer, etc.

Training sessions are conducted rain or shine. Please wear sturdy footwear and barn appropriate clothing.

Sign the waiver and let us know your volunteer interests

Is there additional training offered?

Sidewalker training includes more in-depth information about providing service to the High Hopes participants and an opportunity to practice hands-on sidewalking techniques that will prepare new volunteers to begin working with riders. For those with horse experience interested in becoming horse leaders, additional training opportunities will be available to learn and practice our leading techniques. We have several General Orientation Sessions and Advanced Training Classes planned. The Advanced Training Classes are on both sidewalking and horse-handling. We hope you join our team!

Inquire About Advanced Trainings