Volunteer & Staff Orientation Manual 2014 Staff Executive Director -Jerry Hynes Program Director - Sandy Jones Volunteer Coordinator/AmeriCorps - Haley Dixon Instructors Lisa Johnson Lead Instructor Cyndi Caniglia Andrea Scalici-Staton Katie Smith Jocelyn Stott Board of Directors Carol Granly Ulrike Berzau Greg Johnson Patty Wright Britt Kissock Chris Carney Molly Coulter Mary Rush Greg Thomas Located at Westar Ranch 8118 South Ramona Spokane, WA Contact Us: PO Box 30893 Spokane, WA 99223 - Phone: 509-979-1468 Email: volunteer@freereinspokane.org Website: freereinspokane.org - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandy.jones.5811877
Welcome to Free Rein Therapeutic Riding Mission: Equipping riders for life through adaptive equine activities focusing on building strength, independence and freedom. Vision: To serve as the regions premier therapeutic riding center with dedication to providing education and improving professionalism in the field of equine assisted activities. Founded in the summer of 2008, Free Rein provides recreational and sport riding to individuals with physical, mental and emotional challenges. Free Rein began serving 18 riders with 5 horses at the Dix Farm in South Spokane. In September of 2008, we moved to our current home here on Westar Ranch. 2
Free Rein Staff Jerry Hynes is the Executive Director of Free Rein and joined the organization in 2013. His professional background includes 20 years working in senior accounting and finance roles in the corporate world. The last 10 years of his career have been spent working in Chief Operating Officer roles in non profit organizations, most recently the Boys and Girls Clubs of King County. He has volunteer experience with Little Bit Therapeutic Riding in Woodinville Washington. Jerry has a bachelors degree in business administration and accounting from Washington State University and a Masters in Public Administration and Non Profit Management from Seattle University. Sandy Jones, Founder and Program Director of Free Rein. Sandy began her horse career teaching kids to ride at a small horse camp and cattle ranch near Yakima Washington. She started volunteering at Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center in Woodinville Washington in 1991. After working with the physical therapists for several years she earned her Physical therapy assistant degree in 1998, her Hippotherapy certification in 1999, and her Therapeutic Riding Instructors certification in 2002. Sandy worked at Little Bit until 2002 when she and her family moved to Spokane. Lisa Johnson is a life-long horsewoman and Free Rein s full-time head instructor. Lisa previously worked for the Central Valley School District as a behavioral specialist working frequently with special education students. She has also been a professional riding instructor since 2006. Lisa first got involved with Free Rein when her gelding, Spats, volunteered for two years. During the summer, Lisa often visited on Friday mornings to check on Spats. Free Rein was having difficulty finding volunteers for Friday mornings, so Lisa got recruited. Soon after, Sandy approached Lisa about becoming a certified instructor since she had a background in special education and riding instruction. Haley Dixon is the Free Rein Volunteer Coordinator serving through AmeriCorps. As a former volunteer coordinator for various non-profit organizations in Colorado, Haley brings field experience to the Free Rein position. Originally from Illinois, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Illinois University, and recently a Master of Educational Technology degree from Boise State University. In her free time, Haley enjoys the great Spokane outdoors with her husband and dogs, loves spending time with the horses, and is currently renovating the family home in the Nettleton s Addition Historic District. Haley is excited to be part of a team providing a much needed therapy service to the Spokane community. 3
Free Rein Staff Andrea Scalici-Staton has been in the horse industry for over 20 years. Andrea's horse experience ranges from 4H to open and APHA/AQHA competitions prior to becoming a registered therapeutic instructor with PATH. In addition to competition, Andrea has been in the tack industry for over 10 years. With a Master's degree in special education, Andrea is also a life skills and resource math teacher at Mt. Spokane High School. She also has over 10 years experience in self contained programs from kindergarten through age 21. Andrea is an adjunct faculty member for Eastern Washington University in the Education Department and enjoys hunting and Crossfit in her free time. Cyndi Caniglia has been an instructor for Free Rein since we began in 2008. She spent her childhood and high school years in 4-H and traveled the Junior and High School Rodeo circuit competing in barrel racing and pole bending. In 1988 she came to Spokane for college and graduated from Gonzaga University with a Bachelor and Masters degree in Special Education. Cyndi was a Special Education Teacher and Education Specialist in the East Valley School District until 1996 and has since been an Education Consultant both locally and nationally in regular, remedial, and special education. She is excited to bring her two passions together, children and horses, as a PATH registered therapeutic riding instructor. Katie Smith started volunteering at Free Rein the Spring of 2010 and became a PATH Intl Certified Instructor September 2013. Katie wears many hats at Free Rein; her two main duties are being active on the schooling team and volunteering as a sidewalker. Katie was very involved in the Spokane County 4-H, has rode many miles on the trails, and she has also done several horse shows in her lifetime but her passion is here at Free Rein working with both the riders and horses. Jocelyn Stott grew up on a horse farm in Southwestern Michigan, showing and training Arabian horses in 4-H. By the time she was ten, she began an endurance racing passion that has spanned over 30 years. She has ridden in endurance contests throughout the Northwestern United States and Canada. Jocelyn has been involved in therapeutic riding for nearly ten years as a volunteer, board member and, in the last two years as a certified instructor. Jocelyn also has a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Public Relations from Michigan State University. 4
What is Equine Assisted Activities? Equine Assisted Activities (EAA) use equine oriented activities for the purpose of contributing positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well being of people with disabilities. EAA provides benefits in the areas of education, sports, recreation, leisure and Hippotherapy. EAA Classifications Education Equine activities are used to achieve psychological and educational goals for people with physical, mental and psychological impairments as well as provide the individual with skills in the sport of riding. The emphasis is to incorporate cognitive, behavioral, psychological and physical goals into the program plan while teaching adapted riding, driving or vaulting. The horse is a strong motivator for accomplishing these goals. Sport People with physical, mental and psychological impairments can participate in sports activities, adapted as needed, with the horses. These activities include riding, driving and vaulting as forms of therapeutic recreation and competition. Activities are directed toward the acquisition of skills leading to the accomplishment of specific horsemanship goals. By learning skills needed for the sport, therapeutic and recreational goals are also achieved. Recreation and Leisure People with physical, mental and psychological impairments may use equine activities, adapted as needed, as a recreation and leisure experience. The emphasis is on an enjoyable and relaxing experience that provides additional therapeutic benefits in the area of socialization, posture, mobility, and an overall improved quality of life. Individuals may participate in horse-related activities to their maximum ability in an atmosphere of support, structure and socialization for the primary purpose of the intrinsic enjoyment of the activity. Therapy Equine activities are used as a form of therapy to achieve physical, psychological, cognitive, and behavioral and communication goals. The therapy is provided by a licensed/credentialed health care professional (PT, OT, SLP, and mental health professional). The use of the horse involves a team approach among credentialed/credentialed health professionals. This form of therapy is often called Hippotherapy. Hippotherapy is a direct medical treatment and literally means treatment with the help of a horse. 5
About our program Free Rein is a non-profit organization actively serving people with disabilities since the Summer of 2008. Our journey began with 18 riders and 40 volunteers. Free Rein has grown and currently serves 67 riders with the help from 150 active volunteers. Roughly 2/3 of our operating budget comes from fundraising. Our riders ride once a week at the same time throughout the session. We strive to keep the same volunteer / rider team to ensure predictability. Typically our volunteers sign up for at least one class per week. Free Rein asks for a commitment of the duration of the session you signed up for. If your schedule does not allow you to be a full time volunteer and feel that being on the substitute list would better fit your schedule, please let the volunteer coordinator know. Our subs help us maintain flexibility in the case of vacations, occasional work conflicts or illness. Why You Are Important as a Volunteer: Class volunteers are the backbone of our therapeutic riding program. Our riders would not be able to participate without the physical and emotional support of their volunteers. Class volunteers play a key role in assisting riders in meeting their goals. Both the rider and volunteer benefit from establishing a lasting relationship with each other. We would have to raise an additional $160,000 per year to be able to staff the positions of our volunteers. How You Can Help: Class times are Tuesday mornings and afternoons, Wednesday afternoons and evenings, Thursday all day, Friday morning and afternoon and Saturday morning and early afternoon. Commitment to the duration of the riding session. Grooming, tacking, leading, side-walking, assisting in the arena. With a rider volunteer ratio of 1:3, we need approximately 120 class volunteers per week! In Class Volunteer Considerations: Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age. Volunteers must pass a background check. Leaders be present ½ hour before class time starts, sidewalkers and arena assistants be present 15 minutes before class time. 6
Volunteering at Free Rein Therapeutic Riding Free Rein s a busy place with many opportunities for our volunteers to help out in different ways. Check out these job descriptions, and let s get started!! Sidewalker We will often have two sidewalkers with each rider. The sidewalkers job is to keep the rider safe and secure with a physical hold on the rider while on the horse at a walk and a trot. This position will vary with each rider and their abilities. Along with the safety of the rider the sidewalker may also assist the rider in games or in processing directions from the instructor. You do not need horse experience to be a sidewalker but this would be a great way to get more experience with horses while assisting the leader with preparing the horse for class. Horse Leader This is a very important volunteer position. The leader is very often also the leader of the team that works with an individual horse and rider. We are looking for people who are comfortable with grooming and tacking a horse, able to be relaxed and aware when leading a horse in class and able to stay calm in emergency situations. They must be able to maneuver the horse safely at the walk and trot and follow the directions of the class instructor while being aware of what the rider is doing. To become a leader you must have completed 10 classes performing duties as a sidewalker or an arena assistant, and completed the Pre-Lesson Routine and Leaders Training class. Arena Assistant This is a position that we will have the luxury of filling if we have enough volunteers to handle the horse and riders in each class. This may be a position that will become a floater and fill other positions if we are short volunteers. The idea behind an arena assistant is to have someone to help the instructor with gates, equipment changes in class, toys and props. Our arena assistants help greatly in being available to keep the class running smoothly. Photographer/Videographer It will be very important to document our riding sessions. We will use picture for promotion of the program and for soliciting support. The photos and videos will also be used to show progress with each rider. We would like to get pictures and video of each class, it would be desirable to have several people available to do this job so that we can cover all the time slots. Other Ways To Help: Newsletter Publications Fund Raising Events Special Events Office Assistance Horsemanship Program: Before participating in this program, we require you to have either completed one session volunteering with Free Rein s adaptive riding program, or participated with Free Rein s horsemanship program previously. 7
People: Proper Treatment of People & Animals All people need to be respected and treated the way you would like to be treated yourself. Other riders, parents, staff or volunteers may not discipline the riders in any way. All misbehaviors of riders should be reported to the Instructor. Abusive behavior may include, but is not limited to: Any type of physical abuse to a rider, parent, staff member, or volunteer. Hitting, pushing or any type of inappropriate touching will not be tolerated. Any type of verbal abuse to a rider, parent, staff member, or volunteer. No yelling, swearing, name-calling, or loud voices should be used. Intrusion upon a person s personal space. Causing harm to any person or their equipment on the property. Animals: All animals need to be respected and treated in a kind manner. All misbehaviors of animals must be reported as soon as possible to an Instructor so that an incident report can be completed and given to the Director. Even if the incident seems minor, it could lead to unsafe situations. Abusive behavior includes but is not limited to: Physical abuse i.e. hitting with hands, lead ropes, bridles or any other object. Verbal abuse i.e.. yelling, using loud voices or name-calling, etc. Causing harm to any equipment that may be used on the horse, or using equipment in an inappropriate manner. Volunteer trainings will equip each of our horse handlers with tools to be assertive with our horses without being abusive. We expect individuals to be in control of our horses at all times and learn how to be the one of the horse/human team that is in charge of the situation. Riders, parents or volunteers are not to hit or slap a horse with your hand or piece of equipment ever. Suspected Abuse Reporting: Many of our riders are children or vulnerable adults. In recognition of their potential vulnerability, Free Rein is obligated to report all suspected cases of abuse or neglect of these riders to proper authorities. As a volunteer, and because you work closely with the riders, you are included in this process of reporting. If you have any reason to suspect that a rider at Free Rein has experienced any form of harm or neglect, please tell a Free Rein staff member immediately. The incident does not need to have occurred while the rider was at Free Rein; nor do you need proof of harm to suspect abuse. 8
Volunteers Have The Right to: Rights and Responsibilities of Volunteers Be treated with respect and dignity. Recognition and appreciation for work that is done. Be familiar with Free Rein s policies and procedures. Participate in on the job training. Advancement to assignments of more responsibility. Receive sound guidance and direction by someone who is experienced, well informed, thoughtful and patient. Perform volunteer duties in an orderly, clean and safe environment. Make suggestions in project planning and have respect shown for an honest opinion. Volunteer Responsibilities: Maintain confidentiality of Free Rein s riders. Maintain dignity and integrity of the people with whom you work. Be sincere in offering your service and believe in the value of a job well done. Safely perform duties as assigned by staff members. Accept guidance and decisions of the staff and be accountable to staff. When offered, be willing to participate in Free Rein s training programs. Maintain a smooth working relationship with Free Rein s staff and other volunteers by staying within the bounds of your responsibilities. Volunteer Paperwork Background Check, Volunteer Application, Westar Release and all signed documents must be completed and turned into the volunteer coordinator before volunteers may begin. All volunteer information is kept confidential unless we have direct permission from the volunteer to give the information out (i.e. a rider wants to send a card to their volunteer). As required by state and PATH standards, volunteer paperwork and background checks are updated yearly. Please let us know if there is a change to your address, phone number, email as well as recent changes in your health as it would apply to your volunteer position. Parental consent and signatures are needed for those under18 years of age. Please inform our volunteer coordinator if you do not wish to have your address shared with our riders. 9
Reasons For Volunteer or Guest Dismissal Volunteers are subject to rules and regulations to help produce a safe experience for everyone involved with activities at Free Rein, and to avoid serious injury to riders, horses, staff, or Free Rein volunteers. Reasons for Dismissal: A background check showing a history of criminal activity. Physical or emotional mistreatment or abuse of a client, horse, staff member, volunteer or visitor to Free Rein. Breaking confidentiality. If you are found to have distributed confidential information about a Free Rein client. Creating an unsafe situation through careless behavior, disregard for rules, or ignoring instruction from Free Rein staff. Arriving to Free Rein under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or abuse of medications. Inappropriate use of Free Rein facilities, mailing lists or monies. Unwelcomed contact outside of class rider or other volunteers. Less serious infractions of rules, such as failure to hand in signed releases, failure to attend mandatory volunteer training classes, dressing inappropriately, use of foul language, etc. will be dealt with first with a verbal warning, then written, and then dismissal. Any other serious violation of the Volunteer Conduct Pledge not otherwise mentioned above. Bringing a weapon firearm, knife, hunting tools, etc. to Free Rein. If you carry a sidearm for your profession (sheriff, police officer, etc.) please leave the weapon locked in your vehicle and provide written documentation to the Director detailing why your weapon must be kept on site (this information will be kept confidential). 10
Volunteer Conduct Pledge Volunteers at Free Rein are vitally important and highly valued. You will have opportunities to meet the families of the riders you work with, as well as helping in special events. We welcome you to our program and will give you the necessary training needed to assist our riders, care for our horses, and become a capable representative of the Free Rein mission. The Volunteer Conduct Pledge outlines what is expected while performing as a Free Rein volunteer. The Statement of Confidentiality is included in the Volunteer Conduct Pledge. Complete and turn in all signed documents and applications to the volunteer coordinator before working with the horses and riders. Remain committed throughout the quarter you signed up for, and contact the volunteer coordinator at least 24 hrs in advance when you are unable to make it to your class. Attend refresher courses and update records each year. Always inform the volunteer coordinator of any changes in personal information or health conditions. Inform staff immediately if you have an injury or condition that would compromise the safety of yourself, riders or others. Respect individual confidentiality, rights, safety and property of others. Not to discriminate in any practices on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, political association, sexual orientation, age, or disability. Refrain from using obscene or discriminatory language at any Free Rein activity. Handle horses as you are trained at Free Rein Immediately report suspected abuse or neglect of any Free Rein rider; child or vulnerable adult, to Free Rein staff. Report mistreatment of the horses to Free Rein staff immediately. Alcohol/drug possession, consumption or under the influence of during any Free Rein activity will be cause for immediate dismissal. Dress conservatively and appropriately at all times during Free Rein activities. Turn off your cell phone during class. Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age. Statement of Confidentiality I understand that at Free Rein Therapeutic Riding, there is certain information that is available to me but is considered confidential. It is to be used only for facilitating the goals and objectives of the individual rider, according to the direction of the instructor or therapist. In consideration of the right to privacy of the students and their families, I understand the need to use appropriate discretion in written comments and in related conversations with volunteers, staff, family, or the general public. I understand that any breach of this confidentiality will prove reason for my immediate dismissal. 11
Free Rein Therapeutic Riding Volunteer Agreement I,, commit myself to being an active volunteer/sub for the duration of Free Rein s riding session, and to follow through with my assigned duties in a way that is a positive reflection on Free Rein s Riders, Horses, Staff and other Volunteers. I understand that this commitment includes regular attendance for the position for which I am trained. If I am unable to attend scheduled classes, I will contact Free Rein s Volunteer Coordinator as far in advance as possible. I agree to seek assistance from staff should problems arise in the ability to perform my volunteer duties. I will adhere to Free Rein s policies regarding confidentiality. I,, have read and agree to the following Free Rein policies. Please initial in the box next to the document you read and agreed to. Free Rein Volunteer Conduct Pledge Volunteer and Guest Dismissal Volunteer Rights and Responsibilities Treatment of People and Animals Free Rein Volunteer Free Rein Staff Date Date Thank you for extending yourself in this effort to make a positive difference in our riders lives! 12