ABOUT VOLUNTEERING
Volunteering at SFES is rewarding and doen't take a huge amount of time. There are two volunteer shifts daily except on Thursdays and Fridays when we are closed.
-9am to 12pm. During this time, volunteers are asked to arrive at 9am. The feed and then barn clean up comes first. After that, we generally groom horses, train horses and/or work on projects as weather allows. If the weather is bad (too cold, too hot, too wet) we work indoors or stop early.
-4pm-6pm. This time slot is the evening feed. Again, that and barn clean up comes first and, if weather and sunlight allows, we generally do some grooming and interact with horses. During the winter, we stop a bit early due to darkness.
Volunteers do not have to commmit to a minimum number of hours and choose which schedule/day or # of times each month is convenient for them. However, volunteers who come less than monthly are not considered "active". Active volunteers have a gate code. Active volunteers should choose a schedule and sign up on the schedule board OR text before coming to ensure that we haven' t had to change the schedule for some reason. We try not to but emergencies do happen.
SUPPORTED VOLUNTEERS. Some of our volunteers need help to be able to help. Those with these needs must schedule and are assigned a "supporting volunteer".
SUPPORTING VOLUNTEERS. Supporting volunteers are assigned to help new volunteers or those who need one-on-one guidance.
COMMUNITY SERVICE VOLUNTEERS. 30% of our volunteers are completing logged hours for organizational requirements (like schools) or Court Ordered Community Service. We accept juvenilles or adults when space allows. We do not accept violent offenders or those who might present a risk for those who volunteer here. SFES is a safe place.
If you're interested, a Director will meet with you one-on-one and tour our facility and introduce you to some of our residents. We'll talk about volunteering and you can ask any questions that you like. An appointment IS required. You will be provided copies of paperwork required if you have not already accessed them from our website. Paperwork must be completed before beginning.
You are welcome and appreciated. However, it is important for each volunteer to understand farm rules and help in a manner safe for our residents and safe for all of us. If you don't have horse experience, we will teach you. If you do, we will teach you OUR protocols and provide guidance regarding each of our unique residences.
WELCOME TO SEFS!
