Volunteer Spotlight
Our Volunteers help keep this place running smoothly. Without their help we could not do what we do with such joy. Here we want to honor some of our dedicated volunteers with a spotlight on one special person each month.
October 2024: Lois Green
What inspired you to work at the ranch?
My husband works at the ranch and he loved all the people, loved all the horses, loved all the clients, and I have recently retired and recently moved to Colorado so he said I should come and try it out, so here I am.
How has your volunteer time impacted your life?
Volunteering has given me something with a little more purpose, a little more meaningful and it just gives me joy coming to work with these clients and people and and the horses. I'm getting to know the horses, but that's a scary part for me.
Who is your favorite animal at the Ranch?
I would have to say my favorite animal right now is pumpkin the cute little skinny orange kitty because I like cats .
What do you enjoy doing when you are not at the Ranch?
I enjoy playing tennis and Pickleball and going for walks and exploring Colorado since we are new to the area .
September 2024: Judy Snoich
What inspired you to work at the ranch?
Once I retired, I knew I wanted to find a way to give back to the community. My lifelong love of horses and desire to help others brought me to Affinity.
How has your volunteer time impacted your life?
It brings me joy every time I volunteer. Everyone at the ranch is so welcoming and helpful. I love seeing smiles on the clients faces, hearing their laughter when they trot, and helping them feel safe during their ride. I'm fulfilling a lifelong desire to learn horsemanship from a wonderfully knowledgeable staff and volunteers, and I've made some amazing new friends.
Who is your favorite animal at the Ranch?
I'd have to say my favorite is Friday. This is a horse who has been through so much, but is the gentlest and sweetest horse I work with. Friday takes great care of the clients and is always sweet to the horse leaders.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not at the Ranch?
I love to bake and cook for my family and I enjoy gardening.
August 2024: Phil Auteri
What inspired you to work at the ranch?
Phil started volunteering at Praying Hands Ranch in September of 1998. He wanted to work with the horses and kids. He wanted to feel appreciated in what he was doing.
How has your volunteer time impacted your life?
He feels good about what he does. And has always wanted to help people and finds it satisfying.
Who is your favorite animal at the Ranch?
Friday the horse.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not at the Ranch?
Watching football, relaxing, making, collecting and repairing clocks, counted cross stitch.