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Vol. 35, No. 3
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%\ /$85(1 =(8*1(5 6WDII :ULWHU LoveWay Inc, a therapeutic riding center in Middlebury, has provided services to students in the area for almost 50 years. These days, 100 volunteers help the center serve 16 schools that come during the week, along with nine home-based classes that meet in the evenings and Saturday morning. Like most volunteer organizations, LoveWay is always in need of volunteers. “Here lately it’s been more of a struggle to get daytime help,” said Arica Freshour, volunteer coordinator for LoveWay. And there are a variety of ways
people can volunteer at LoveWay. Freshour recommends those interested in volunteering in class should make an appointment to come in, meet the staff and take a tour of the facility. “That’s how I like to start off,” Freshour said. After that, potential volunteers are invited to observe a class, “That way people can see first hand what’s expected,” Freshour explained. Volunteers have to be able to walk on uneven ground, either in the indoor arena or out on LoveWay’s trails. From there a potential volunteer would receive training. If classes are in session that may mean shadowing an experienced volunteer or, if Love-
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Way is between sessions, attending a big group training session. “And there’s some paperwork involved, application, background check and the volunteer manual,” Freshour said. There is a definite benefit to having older volunteers in class. Freshour noted older volunteers tend to have a more flexible schedule. “Our kids love having that grandma/ grandpa figure,” she said. Marilyn Graber began volunteering two years ago after retiring from teaching high school students. Her sister, who is also a volunteer, suggested she give it a try. “I enjoy the kids,” she said. She explained she also enjoys being teamed up with the same child during class and
the relationship that develops. Jane Short has been a volunteer for the last seven years. She’s been volunteering for two classes a week. She said she loves working with the kids and horses and seeing the growth the kids make during classes. Melany Weaver began volunteering 16 years ago. “I have seven kids and I’ve volunteered here with each kid.” Her youngest child, Abby, is in her last year of volunteering before going off to college. Freshour noted the program needs more men to volunteer to help in class. “Some of our boys really benefit from having a male figure,” she said. There are also some older Continued on page 3
• Nearly half of all seniors will spend time in a nursing home. • Locally, nursing homes cost about $7,500 per month. • Many seniors lose their homes and life savings. • We can help preserve your assets from spend-down. • Even if you do not have long-term care insurance. • We can also help avoid will contests and probate.
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