Individual Volunteer Opportunities
Discover the joy of making a difference – hoof by hoof!
Join us at our equine-assisted therapy ranch and experience the transformative power of volunteering. Together, we can harness the magic of connection between humans and horses to create moments of healing, growth, and empowerment. Your time and dedication can truly change lives, one hoofprint at a time. Come be a part of something truly special.
Volunteers are needed on a regular basis and most volunteer opportunities at Mending Strides do not require special skills. We will provide the necessary training and guidance to make your experience safe and enjoyable.
Explore our volunteering opportunities:
- All
- Artists
- Board Service
- Event Planners
- Fundraising
- Gardener
- Grant Writer
- Marketing
- Photographers
- Public Relations
- Ranch Hand
- Social Media
- Stable Hand
Shifts: Flexible
Are you passionate about capturing moments that tell a story? Do you have a keen eye for detail and a talent for photography? Join our team as a volunteer photographer and help us preserve the special moments at our equine assisted therapy ranch.
Qualifications:
- Photography or videography and editing experience
- Creative eye
Are you looking for a way to give back to the community by sharing your expertise and life experience to guide the direction of Mending Strides? Are you compassionate about mental health and understand the value of partnering with animals and incorporating nature into the healing experience? Contact Maria to learn more about joining our team!
Experience needed in the following areas:
- Accounting/Bookkeeping/990 Preparation
- Fundraising/Grant writing
- Event Planning
- Strategic Planning
- Human Resources
- Marketing
- IT Support
- Connections in the community
Qualifications for Board Members:
- Team Player
- Willingness to represent the nonprofit at fundraisers and social events.
- Ability to attend monthly meetings 1-2 hrs. and serve on a committee 2-3 hrs. monthly.
- Commitment to building and supporting the board.
Shifts: Flexible
Apply your skills and creativity to help raise funds, organize events, and support our organization’s mission.
Responsibilities include:
- Planning and executing fundraising campaigns and marketing events.
Qualifications:
- Detail Oriented
- Team Player
- Prior Event Planning/Fundraising experience a plus!
Flexible Shifts: These last 1-2 hours.
Do you have a green thumb? Gardeners will contribute their time, expertise, and passion for plants to support the maintenance, beautification, and sustainability of gardens. Their role involves a diverse range of tasks aimed at nurturing and enhancing the natural environment.
Responsibilities might include:
- Planting flowers, shrubs, and trees
- Weeding and watering
- Spreading mulch
- Pruning and trimming
Shifts: Flexible
We’re looking for individuals to generously offer their time and expertise to research and secure funding through grant applications.
Qualifications:
- Grant Writing Experience
- Strong writing skills and a keen understanding of the grant application process
- Ability to craft compelling grant proposals & effectively communicate the organization’s mission and impact to funders
- Detail Oriented
Shifts: Flexible
Contribute your expertise and creativity towards a meaningful cause while gaining valuable experience in the nonprofit sector. Collaborate with our team to develop and execute marketing strategies aimed at raising awareness, engaging stakeholders, and driving support for our organization’s mission.
Qualifications:
- Marketing experience
Shifts: Flexible
Utilize your PR skills and expertise to help raise awareness, enhance Mending Strides Ranch reputation, and engage with our target audience. Work closely with our communications team to develop and implement PR strategies and campaigns that effectively communicate our mission, initiatives, and impact to the public and media.
Qualifications:
- Public Relations experience
- Contacts in the Charlotte Market
Flexible Shifts: Often Saturday mornings, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, and Thursday afternoons, 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm (during daylight savings).
The Farm Hand contributes their time and energy to assist with various tasks to keep the farm and equipment at their best. Individuals with farming or landscaping experience will feel at home in this role.
Responsibilities include:
- Mowing and/or weed-eating lawns and pastures.
- Assisting with seeding, fertilization, and liming lawns and pastures
- Spraying weeds in driveway and walkways
- Pruning hedges and cleaning up stream banks
- Repairing and maintaining equipment and fences
- Maintaining cleanliness and organization in farm buildings and storage areas
Qualifications:
- Experience with equipment such as tractors, zero-turn mowers, weed eaters, and chainsaws.
- Ability to lift 50 lbs.
- Willingness to work in hot, cold, wet, dusty, or buggy conditions.
Shifts: Flexible
Leverage your social media expertise to drive engagement, raise awareness, and support our organization’s mission.
Assist the Director and social media staff with developing and implementing social media strategies, creating compelling content, and engaging with our community across various platforms.
Qualifications:
- Social Media Management experience (FB, Instagram, TikTok)
- Experience with Meta Business Suite a plus.
Available Shifts: Monday-Saturday mornings, 8:30 am – 9:30 am OR Monday-Saturday afternoons, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Help take care of our rescued equines by maintaining the pastures and stables.
Responsibilities include:
- Filling Hay bags
- Cleaning Water Troughs
- Raking and sweeping
- Scooping poop
- Grooming when time allows
Qualification Requirements:
- 14 years old+
- Must be able to move a wheelbarrow (40 lbs.) without assistance.
- Be able to complete tasks independently (after training of course).
*Please note that we are unable to accommodate volunteers with special needs due to safety/liability concerns and limited time provided to accomplish chores before sessions. See “Capable Strides” on our Program Page for volunteering for adults/older teens with IDD.
**This position is a fantastic way to engage with the horses, however, there is no riding involved.
How to Get Involved
Step 1: Explore the Options
Inside or out, we have something for you!
Step 2: Fill Out Our Volunteer Forms
If one of our roles looks interesting, click on the link in the job description. Wait up to 72 hours for approval.
Step 3: Attend Volunteer Orientation
Once approved, we’ll send you an email to schedule your volunteer orientation.
Step 4: Sign up for Shifts/Tasks
Once you’ve completed orientation, you’ll be able to log into our volunteer website where you can sign up for shifts/tasks. Register as a volunteer today.
Step 5: Keep coming back!
We want this to be a rewarding experience for you and hope you’ll return often! We appreciate your help and support more than you can ever know.
Mending Hearts,
One Stride at a Time
Mending Strides Ranch is the premier equine-assisted psychotherapy establishment in the Charlotte Metro area, committed to creating a sanctuary for individuals facing the impacts of trauma, abuse, and emotional obstacles. Our approach involves guided experiences with equine-assisted therapies that are specifically tailored to enhance mental well-being, build confidence, and find more joy in life.
6 Benefits of Equine-Assistance Therapy
Improved Confidence
Better Communication Skills
Trust
Connection
Growth
