Sometimes it takes some practice putting on the flymask.

Centaur Stride has created a “Transitions” Volunteer Program, where people with disabilities, over the age of 13, can learn to “volunteer” at whatever level they are at. We have staff and volunteers who provide the instruction and supervision and teach the personal aides how to help the “transitioning volunteer” perform the tasks, empowering them to have a sense of pride in their accomplishments. All participants must have an aide or guardian with them.

Presently, The Westfield Fund had awarded a $1,000 grant to get this program launched and waive the fees associated with the costs to provide this program.

Reservations are required for all sessions, with a maximum of four people per session. Call the barn at (716) 326-4318 to register or be put on a waiting list for the next session or to request a preferred time for programming. We are experimenting with session times. The first scheduled training sessions are on Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 1 p.m. starting Wednesday, Aug. 27.

The organization is certain the “transitioning volunteers” will look forward to this experience.

They will continue to seek funding to continue this program once the Westfield Fund grant funding is exhausted.

Volunteering is such a valuable experience for everyone. Although there is an aspect of mentoring for a new volunteer until they grasp the role, for a person with a disability, that role of mentor takes on a much more active and supportive role. Tasks often need to be broken down into more manageable segments and with much more assistance and supervision. Although an aide may be with the person with the disability, the tasks still need to be individualized and even the aides need direction. Sometimes it seems like “it would just be easier and more timely to do it ourselves!”. However, that defeats the purpose of our mission!

Safety is paramount at Centaur Stride. Working with horses is a dream of many, but being independent in that area requires a lot of training and competence.

Our volunteer job description requires that a person be independent in good judgment (safety awareness), able to follow directions without direct supervision (including barn rules), and is trained to do specific tasks that are helpful to the operation of our center and programs.

Many people with disabilities who want to spend more time at the barn and volunteer, do not fit into that job description. They cannot be included in this life experience due to the safety component and without additional expense, time, and planning.

Thank you for the Westfield Fund for making this possible!