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What brought you both to NCEFT, and what has kept you volunteering for more than four years?
Teresa: After we both retired, we wanted to find something we could do together. COVID was just winding down, and we were looking for an outdoor opportunity. George had always wanted to work with horses, and we found NCEFT through VolunteerMatch. I’m a family physician, and I was drawn to the combination of people, horses, therapy, and the beautiful setting. I primarily volunteer as a side-walker and especially enjoy seeing clients progress and be challenged by the therapists and the horses.
What has kept me coming back is the people. The clients, therapists, volunteers, and horses truly feel like a family. You quickly realize how important volunteers are to making this type of therapy possible.
George: My background is in psychology/family therapy in medical settings working with communities similar to those who come to NCEFT. I was drawn to meaningful work in a completely different environment—outside, with horses, and as part of an incredible team.
As a side-walker, you become part of a team that includes the horse, horse handler, therapists, client, family, and other volunteers. In this mutual relationship, everyone communicates with the shared purpose of creating a safe environment and supporting the client's growth.
What keeps me coming back is NCEFT’s emphasis on dignity, respect, safety, creativity, kindness, humility, and never giving up on a client. You learn to slow down, listen, include everyone, be playful, search for solutions amidst challenges, and appreciate the progress. There is no expectation that something specific has to happen during a session, yet something wonderful always seems to happen.
What is most meaningful to you about being part of the NCEFT community, and what would you say to someone considering volunteering?
Teresa: I love being part of this community and seeing the relationships that develop between clients, therapists, volunteers, and horses. NCEFT is a peaceful and beautiful place, and I often leave feeling grounded and grateful. I would absolutely recommend volunteering to anyone who enjoys helping others and wants to be part of this wonderful group.
George: I would definitely encourage everyone to consider volunteering at NCEFT. The outstanding leadership, therapists, staff, horse handlers, and horses offer the highest quality medical care, mental health treatment, and education to communities who have few options. At NCEFT, we work “with” and not “on” those who come for care. I can't think of a better place to serve others and grow yourself.
One of the most meaningful lessons for me has been to let clients try things for themselves. Our instinct can be to help or fix, but NCEFT creates an environment where clients are respected for what they bring and encouraged to discover their own strengths. Everyone works together to create the most loving and supportive situation possible.
There is something special about seeing clients experience horses and therapy outside the four walls of a traditional clinic. You can watch trust develop quickly, hear the excitement when a client experiences something new, and see hope turn into healing.
For me, NCEFT is love in action.
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