Volunteers play an important role in supporting the environment that makes our work possible. At Future Strides, volunteer involvement is intentionally structured to prioritize safety, consistency, and respect—for the children, horses, and staff involved in the program.

Volunteer roles are designed to support the program as a whole rather than provide direct services to children. This approach helps ensure a steady, predictable environment for the youth we serve while allowing volunteers to contribute in meaningful, appropriate ways.

Volunteer with Future Strides

Barn Volunteers (18+)

Barn Volunteers support daily operations that allow the program to run smoothly. These roles focus on horse care, facility preparation, and behind-the-scenes support.

Volunteer support may include:

  • Assisting with barn chores and daily care tasks

  • Grooming horses outside of sessions

  • Bathing horses/goats

  • Organizing the feed room

  • Cleaning and organizing tack and equipment

  • Maintaining clean/organized barn and property

  • Supporting general facility upkeep

  • Organizing horse paperwork and records

Volunteer roles are assigned based on program needs, availability, experience and fit.

Program Support Volunteers

In limited circumstances, trained adult volunteers may assist during sessions under the direct supervision of the instructor. These roles are supportive in nature and do not involve leading activities, providing instruction, or managing behavior.

Program support volunteers may assist with:

  • Preparing materials or equipment during sessions

  • Supporting transitions within the barn environment

  • Assisting with grooming or handling when directed

Participation in these roles requires additional approval, training, a clear understanding of program boundaries.

Due to the nature of the services Future Strides provides, Support volunteers are required to complete a background check.

Youth Volunteer Opportunities (Ages 14–17)

Future Strides offers select volunteer opportunities for teens ages 14–17. These opportunities are limited in scope and based on availability, maturity, and fit. Parental consent and additional guidelines are required.

Youth volunteers do not interact with children in the program and are not involved in sessions in any capacity. Roles are supervised, clearly defined, and focused on supporting the program environment rather than direct service.

Off-Property Support for Younger Children

Children younger than 14 may be able to support Future Strides as a volunteer alongside an adult. Please fill out the form below for more information!

Professional & Specialized Volunteers

Some volunteers can support Future Strides through professional skills rather than hands-on work at the ranch. These roles are behind-the-scenes support and do not involve interaction with children or participation in program sessions.

Professional and specialized volunteers may contribute skills in areas such as photography, videography, social media or communications support, bookkeeping, administrative organization, graphic design, or other services that strengthen the program as a whole.

These opportunities are typically project-based or limited in scope and are coordinated based on current needs, availability, and fit. Depending on the role, professional volunteers may be asked to follow confidentiality guidelines to protect the privacy of the program and those it serves.

If you’re interested in supporting Future Strides as a volunteer, please complete the volunteer interest form below.