Supporting Equine Therapy at LifeStriders
Overview:
On Saturday, March 9 from 10:00-11:30 am, Sunbeam Kids will be returning to LifeStriders. LifeStriders is a non-profit organization that provides life-enhancing, physical and psychological experiences and services to individuals and families with special needs.
What to expect:
Exact project details will be determined day of depending on what is most needed at the time. During previous projects, families worked in the barn to clean horse stalls and food dishes, organized tack boxes, as well as shadowed the therapeutic lessons taking place in the arena. We will get an opportunity to meet the horses even if we will not be working directly with them for the project.
Capacity & Age Recommendations:
Participants need to be 8 years old or older for this project at LifeStriders' request. We have space for approximately 2-3 families to sign up, dependent on the size of the SBK families attending (please use an accurate headcount in your registration for this reason).
What to wear:
Closed toe shoes or boots are required. Older clothes are preferable since we'll be working around the horses with hay, mud, etc. It's also recommended to limit jewelry (or leave at home) since it can easily catch on things while working. Finally, it's best to dress in layers for this project as the temperature can vary quite a bit between the different areas we may be working in that day.
Parking information:
Park in the main lot off of Highway 18 (the lot that borders the road). Try to leave the spots lining the building free for LifeStriders participants who often have gait abnormalities or may use mobility devices. We will meet in the patient waiting area by the offices. Enter through the main brown door that is straight ahead as you enter the parking lot from Highway 18 (not the sliding glass door to the left).
Additional information:
A waiver form will need to be completed ahead of time for all new volunteers. We will e-mail the waiver to participants in the week leading up to the project.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
This project is currently open to members* but we will be happy to open it up to guests of space allows one week prior to the project date. Please only sign up if you know you can attend. We understand illness and emergencies do come up so if you register and can no longer attend, please let us know ASAP so we can fill your spot.
A big thanks to our Advisory Council member Nicholla Raube for leading this project, and thank you for lending a little hand!
Amanda Barnhart
Board President
*While we rely on member donations to keep the good work going, we never want the $40/family/year to be a hurdle to volunteering with us. If you are in need of assistance, we do have a limited number of scholarships available that are 100% confidential, just email and ask!
