Paws for Reflection Ranch is a working ranch focused on providing a therapeutic environment for clinical counseling and social activities for individuals with physical, social, and emotional needs. Volunteers are the driving force behind all we do and allow us to provide affordable care to those we serve. We are grateful for your interest and dedication to our cause.
Currently, Paws for Reflection Ranch offers 8 Volunteer Categories to best match volunteers’ skills and interest. To complete the Volunteer Intake Form please read the description(s) of the position(s) you are interested in. These will provide basic information about the commitment of time, tasks commonly assigned, working environment, and animals/human interactions you may encounter. The descriptions are not all encompassing and may be adjusted as the program(s) changes. The Volunteer Intake Form will be reviewed, and candidates will be contacted by a staff member to schedule an orientation and training session.
Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older. Children younger than 15 can be Junior Volunteer Partners alongside a parent volunteer. Junior Volunteers between 13-15 years old may gain the privilege of volunteering independently if appropriate and with approval of Ranch Staff in volunteer area.
Therapeutic Animal Care: Animal care duties include handling, exercising, feeding, cleaning of cages and/or toys in the Critter Cabin, Barn, and Office areas. The Ranch currently has reptiles, rabbits, chinchillas, ferrets, cats, pigs, goats, and horses. Volunteers can choose to care for particular species based on comfort level or learning goals. Small critter volunteers will be in doors most of the time and large critter volunteers will be both inside and outdoors.
Educational Programs: Educational program volunteers would assist with preparing materials, handling animals, and teacher aid activities during group activities on-site. The program provides inside and outdoor activities for youth, seniors, and visitors with special needs.
Activities include fun crafts, animal care, personal/social skills, educational and environmental lessons. Most volunteer time slots will require 3 (+) hours and are ideal for weekly or bi-weekly volunteers with morning, afternoon, or evening availability.
Large Group Volunteers (15 + participants): Groups from organizations can volunteer with construction, special projects, gardening, building maintenance, and more. Time and length of commitment can vary based on the group’s availability and goals. Please provide more information about your group’s goals, special needs, and skills in the comment section. Please note most of group volunteering is exposed to the outdoors.
Events: Volunteers can contribute during any stage of event(s) and in many different capacities: outreach, set up and take down, assisting with activities, photography, or other needed areas pertaining to the event. Our annual events include community events and fundraisers. This position commitment can range from one-time to on-going with a minimum of 3 hour or more per site visit. Based on activity volunteers may be inside or outdoors.
Office and Administrative: Volunteers provide support with administrative and clerical tasks such as paperwork/mailouts, edit/proofing, and social media. Current office hours for volunteers will be Monday to Thursday between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tasks will be assigned based on the length of your volunteer time and skill level. In comment section please list any particular skills and/or experience you may have with computers and software you would be willing to utilize during your volunteer time.
Therapeutic Riding: Horse volunteers assist with horse care and therapeutic riding programs. Volunteers should have confident knowledge of tack, grooming, and basic horse behavior. At a minimum, volunteers will be asked to commit to a minimum 2 1/2-hour weekly schedule and adhere by Ranch's horse handling policies while grooming, tacking up, schooling, side walking, and leading. It is helpful for volunteers to have an understanding of special needs populations and comfortable working with all age groups (4 years to senior citizens). Current work environments would consist of barn, arena (inside/outside), and on-site paths.
Ranch Hand: Individuals assist with chores, construction, barnyard maintenance, gardening, or other miscellaneous projects. The work environment may be inside or outdoors. Time and length of commitment can vary based on your availability and goals.
Fundraising: Volunteers may become committee members or assist with particular areas of fundraising such as: sale percentage programs, large events (with raffles and auctions), and solicitation of funds. Most activities are held indoors. Time and length of commitment can vary based on your availability and goals.