LogoDays End Farm Horse Rescue, Inc.

Since 1989

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Volunteer Programs

Volunteer Program Opportunities

Barn Volunteer- Daily from 8 am to 5 pm these volunteers assist staff with the mucking, cleaning, watering, feeding, grooming and management of our horses. No skill is required. Volunteers are given responsibilities according to their level of experience and offered opportunities to grow in their abilities. Volunteers are managed by our barn staff and Volunteer Coordinator, Jill Pokorny. For more information on becoming a barn volunteer, read our "How Do I Get Started Volunteering?" page.

Office Volunteer- Experience preferred but not required in data entry, filing, mailings, etc. Office help is needed daily but must be pre-scheduled with Lea Gilbert, our Office Manager.

Farm Operations Team- The FOT is for our volunteers who have an interest or skills in handyman/maintenance-type work. Mowing, gardening/landscaping, repairs, building/construction, painting, etc. are the projects lead and accomplished by this committee. Meetings are scheduled as needed and are led by Brittney Carow, our Farm Manager and Gavin Morley, our Facilities Supervisor. If you would like more information on how to get involved with this team, please email Gavin Morely, Facilities Supervisor.

Girl Scout Program/Horse Lovers Program - Do you enjoy working with children and horses? This volunteer-run program runs on Saturdays from 1 – 3 pm, Sept. thru June. Instruction is given on general horse care, grooming and tack. The kids are given an opportunity to groom a horse, receive a demo on tacking and riding a horse and are then given a walk and trot pony ride. This program is volunteer run by Mary Pat Hedges, and Volunteers are needed for all aspects of the program. If you would like more information on how to get involved with this program, please email our Volunteer Coordinator, Jill Pokorny.

Training Team- Horses are much better able to thrive in the company of humans when they have spent quality time with people who understand them and know how to help them reach their potential. You can enjoy a wonderful feeling of satisfaction by becoming part of the DEFHR Equestrian Training Team.

This team consists of adults with advanced horse skills who assist Days End in evaluating and training the horses who have been fully rehabilitated. Volunteers are required to have worked their initial 20 hours in the barn and undergo an evaluation before being placed on the team. Volunteers on this team work directly with our Trainer, Sara Nyman.

Farm Inspectors Committee- Theses volunteers inspect potential and previous adopter’s facilities. Training is available and volunteers must be over the age of 18, able to drive, and have a digital camera. For more information, please email our Trainer, Sara Nyman.

Special Event Volunteers - These volunteers are able to help Days End Farm with four fundraising events each year. Events include a mid-winter Wine Tasting and Auction, an Open House in June, a Fall Festival in September, and a Holiday Party in December. If you would like to be placed on an email mailing list for notifications of these events, please contact Jill Pokorny, Volunteer Coordinator.

Education Committee- Volunteers within this committee assist with the Residential Internship Program by providing transportation for the interns, planning outings and activities, completing paperwork, maintaining the facilities, donating food, etc. If interested and you would like to be added to a mailing list for notifications of events and needs please contact Jill Pokorny, Volunteer Coordinator.

Development Committee- This committee is an important “behind the scenes” part of Days End. It is led by Development Director Caroline Robertson. This committee is charged with raising money, raising awareness, and placing Days End in the public eye.

Five subcommittees make up the overall development committee:

§  Fundraising Subcommittee is tasked with raising funds through the general public through a variety of appeals and solicitation programs .

§  Special Events Subcommittee is responsible for organizing and publicizing a variety of events that are social, “word spreading”, and profitable--such as “Grapes for Hooves” and Festivals.

§  Public Awareness Subcommittee helps to spread the word and message through manning expo and fair booths, outreach programs to community and school groups, etc.

§  Grants Subcommittee researches and prepares a variety of grant or foundation proposals and applications which seek thousands of dollars each for a particular project or need.

§  Recognition Subcommittee works to maintain the records of the nearly 1200 volunteers with Days End and arranges for the proper recognition of their efforts and impact on the farm and the animals.

Overall, the Development committee meets on the first Saturday of the month for roughly 2 hours (10:00am to 12:00pm). This time also includes a subcommittee meeting for which each committee confirms details and prepares their reports for the general session. Depending on the time of year and the status of projects, subcommittees may meet at other times of the month as determined by the volunteers. Each subcommittee is equally important to the development mission of the farm. If you would like to assist on this committee as well as the barn and/or office, Marci and Caroline would be happy to discuss with you the best fit for your time and interest. If you have any specific questions or would like to chat more about how to become a part of this dynamic group please email Caroline at development@defhr.org.

Emergency Response Team- This team is responsible for assisting Days End with impoundments and horse emergency calls. Training is available for qualified individuals. HORSE EXPERIENCE REQUIRED and all team members must have completed Large Animal Rescue Training. The Emergency Response Team is led by Days End Assistant Director, Brooke Vrany.

 

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