Volunteers share the gift of time and Hope is volunteer driven. Your labor of love is the only way to build a better life for the horses, donkeys, and mules who arrive at Hope in need of a second chance. Ranch chores are a physically demanding job and if you are able, the work is rewarding. Administrative chores are important too so if you have skills to share in the areas of data entry, fundraising, marketing, and project planning please consider joining the team.
Please note that orientation sessions are held on the first Saturday of the month, September through April (there are no sessions in December, or through the summer months May, June, July, and August).
To volunteer, you must be at least 18 years of age and complete a two-step training program before beginning your volunteer service.
Step 1: Register for an orientation session using the registration button below. Then attend your scheduled orientation session, 10 am to noon. In this session you will learn about Hope In The Valley from the rescue’s beginnings, to our current state, and plans for the future. You will also learn what is expected of you and what you can expect as a member of the Hope Team. At that time you will receive your assigned chore shift. Volunteers are asked to work a regularly scheduled weekly shift from 10am to 1pm. Please remember ranch work is physically demanding and is performed in all kinds of weather.
Step 2: Your next training session will be divided into two sections; first you will be given the opportunity to observe an early morning care session (8am-10am) in order to better understand the overall daily routine and how your job as a ranch hand fits into that routine. Second; following the care observation session you will begin your first scheduled chore shift (10am to 1pm). During your first chore shift and for several shifts after, you will be paired up with a seasoned volunteer working the same chore shift. Your teammate will work with you providing your chore training on the job.
