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Supported in part by United Way

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Our Volunteers

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at SMILES. As part of a non-profit agency, we rely heavily on volunteers to assist us; in fact we couldn't operate without them. Do you like horses, and enjoy helping others? Are you looking to incorporate more exercise in you life, while at the same time making new friends, and assisting with fun therapeutic techniques? Then SMILES has just the opportunity for you!
Why give of yourself to help others? In the words of one of our volunteers "As I drive home after a session at SMILES, I have a real feeling of joy and accomplishment for being a small part in the lives of the SMILE'S kids�and let's face it, working at SMILES is excellent exercise for all: walking the horses and various barn jobs - ha! I gain more benefit from helping out than I could possibly give in return." It is an extremely rewarding experience to take the time to help influence another's life for the better.
Volunteers help in many aspects of our program: Grooming and Tacking the Horses Before Classes Begin Leading and/or Sidewalking with the Horse and Student Cleaning Stalls and Barn Area Feeding and Unloading Hay

SMILES would like all class volunteers to commit to a minimum of one hour a week for a complete session. Volunteers must be 13 years of age and have their own transportation to and from the facility. Junior Volunteers are those under the age of 13 who are accompanied by an adult while they are volunteering. Training is provided at our volunteer orientation or on an individual basis when needed.

I SAW A CHILD

I saw a child, who couldn't walk,
Sit on a horse, laugh and talk.
Then ride it through a field of daisies
And yet he could not walk unaided.

I saw a child no legs below,
Sit on a horse, and make it go.
Through wood of green
And places he had never been
To sit and stare,
Except from a chair.

I saw a child, who could only crawl,
Mount a horse and sit up tall;
Then put it through degrees' of paces
And laugh at the wonder in our faces.

I saw a child born into strife,
Take up and hold the reins of life
And that same child was heard to say,
Thank God for showing me the way.

----John Anthony Davies

Not sure about helping in the barn? How about:

Fundraising-Special Events
Advertising
Photography
Office Help
Cleaning

Registration Forms:

We've made Volunteer registration forms available online in our File / Form Downloads area.

Don't worry if you don't have experience working with horses or individuals with disabilities, training will be provided. If you have additional questions please call
(262) 882-3470 and ask for the Volunteer Coordinator or e-mail us at volunteer@smiles.nu.

Be sure to visit our PHOTO GALLERY for more pictures!