BraveHearts

BraveHearts vision is to bring hope, joy and unlimited possibilites through the healing power of the horse.

BraveHearts accomplishes this by providing equine-assisted activities and therapies with teams of expert staff, dedicated volunteers and therapy horses at multiple safe and caring facilities. In addition to serving children and adults, BraveHearts provides innovative services to meet the needs of our military veterans and their families. By utilizing a faculty of national experts, BraveHearts is a center of excellence within the therapeutic industry through its unique efforts in programming, education and research.

Become a Volunteer

One of the important mainstays our programs is our volunteers. Volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks from light stable duties to horse handling. Volunteers involved in horse handling are responsible for grooming and saddling horses prior to lessons, and also function as leaders and/or sidewalkers during the lessons. BraveHearts also has many opportunities for volunteers who are not at ease around horses, such as administrative assistance, gardening, painting, fundraising and cleaning. We greatly appreciate your interest and can utilize your assistance.

Who can volunteer?

• Anyone over the age of 14
• Anyone with a desire to learn how to work with horses and people with disabilities
• No horse experience necessary

When:

• 6:00-8:00 pm last Wednesday of every month for sidewalker training

Alternating Locations: April (H), May (PG), June (H), July (PG), August (H), Sept (PG), Oct (H), Nov (PG), December (H)

Where:

BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding & Educational Center 7319 Maxon Road Harvard, IL 60033

BraveHearts at the Bergmann Centre 4950 Route 173 Poplar Grove, IL 61063

How:

• Step 1: Attend a sidewalker Training
• Step 2: Begin sidewalking in lessons

Contact - braveheartsvolunteers@hotmail.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

or

Volunteer Coordinator-Jeanna Sorgani

847.648.0504

What:

Volunteer training description:

Side Walkers (6-8:00pm)

• Introduction to BraveHearts and the programs and services we offer
• Information on volunteer opportunities within BraveHearts
• Volunteer duties and program policies
• Safety around horses
• Grooming
• Tack and other equine equipment
• Horse handling procedures
• Side Walkers’ role (Hands-on practice!)
• Emergency procedures and policies (Hands on)

What’s next?

• Send us an e-mail or call us to sign up for the next volunteer orientation
• Complete volunteer paperwork packet (including background check with $16 check made out to Illinois State Police)
• Attend Volunteer Training
• Sign up for a time slot and start earning hours for a free riding lesson