The High Hopes
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Inside this issue: Board Chairman & Executive Director Message Spotlight On Success In Search of a Challenge
The Spirit of Giving Equine Care Fund
Ways to Give Fashionably Supportive, Wish List, Holiday Giving, Expressions Art Show & Sale
From the Horse's Mouth New Horses-How They Get Here
High Hopes Happenings New Board Member, Horse Show Days, SITM 2008
In accorda nce with the Americans with Disabilities Act, The High Hopes Rider is available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact Wendy Knight at Ext. 19.
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Therapeutic Riding , Inc.
Phone: 860.434.1974 Fax: 860.434.3723 www.highhopestr
.org
Spring 2008
Volunteer Evolution Magic moments.
We are fortunate to experience these daily at High Hopes in the accomplishments of our participants, the kind eyes of our horses, and the extraordinary efforts of our volunteers. But beyond the wonderful things that can be said about High Hopes' volunteers, it has been noticed that they not only encourage change in High Hopes but changes happen in them. We call it Volunteer Evolution. Volunteer Evolution? A Darwinian theory? Not quite. Actually, more intriguing. What makes an individual come through our doors initially expressing an interest in giving an hour a week to help someone, and wind up spending so many hours and days participating in various aspects of our program? These dedicated volunteers have evolved over the course of time into an incredibly diverse and versatile team, capable of contributing to the organization in numerous and invaluable ways. In an effort to understand the "High Hopes Connection", we asked some of our more "evolved" volunteers if they would share some of their personal experiences with us. Current Board member Pauline Knoll came to High Hopes as a sidewalker fifteen years ago. She then went on to become Volunteer Coordinator, a horse leader and Volunteer Committee chair. As Pauline relates it, "I met Judy Lightfoot while volunteering at the Lyme Public Library and Judy would come in frequently with a particular glow. This, I learned, was the High Hopes aura gained by being part of this remarkable community. Well, I wanted what she was having, so I went to investigate." The rest, as we say, is history.
Kathi Corrigan began at High Hopes three years ago as a sidewalker and has evolved into a proficient horse leader, Team Captain, Vocational Coach and mo re! Here are some words from Kathi -- "Scanning the Penny Saver one day I noticed an ad seeking volunteers for High Hopes. Something clicked! I called that day and found myself attending the Orientation & Training session that evening. Being confident in the business world, I found the High Hopes experience to be very humbling. Everything was new and I felt like a little child again. But the kindness and hands-on training that I received from the High Hopes family has guided me into the volunteer that I am today. Volunteering at High Hopes has truly been a gift to me. " Another "evolved" volunteer, Bruce Smith, moved to the area with his wife Sandy, also a volunteer, several years ago. Bruce said "High Hopes helps volunteers redefine their later years so that they can remain an important part of their community. Work and famil y are too often the sole identity of the middle aged American . When work becomes memories and children achieve independence a very large void opens. Rather than become isolated, active volunteers discover a gigantic new world filled with needs that we are uniquely qualified to fill." Volunteer Donna Royston shared a statement many other volunteers have echoed. "The best thing I learned is that once you pull into the parking lot , any problems that you have, immediately leave your mind . .. I received th e Barn Volunteer of the Year Award for which I am so appreciative. But in reality the few hours a week that I volunteer are a small price for the boost in self confidence and elimination of problems I receive." So, what do you think? Is it the type of individual High Hopes attracts, or is it the organization itself that fosters the desire to evolve? Perhaps Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best: "It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself."