Volunteer Policy

Our Volunteers

Volunteers are an essential part of the Faith Reins community. From horse handling to event support, our volunteers help make it possible to serve more children and families. We are grateful for every hour given in service to our mission.

Who Can Volunteer

Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. Volunteers under 18 require written parental or guardian consent. All volunteers who work directly with clients or horses must complete our onboarding process before their first shift, which includes an orientation, safety training, and a background check.

Background Checks

Because we serve children, all volunteers in direct contact with clients are required to pass a background check before beginning service. This includes criminal history and sex offender registry screening. Background checks are conducted through a vetted third-party provider at no cost to the volunteer. Results are kept confidential and reviewed only by authorized Faith Reins staff.

Faith Reins reserves the right to decline or end a volunteer relationship based on background check results or other conduct concerns, at our sole discretion.

Orientation & Training

New volunteers complete a Faith Reins orientation covering our mission, program overview, client confidentiality expectations, and facility safety rules. Volunteers assigned to equine activities receive additional horse-handling training from a qualified staff member before working with animals independently. No volunteer may work with a horse unsupervised until cleared by program staff.

Confidentiality

Volunteers may observe or interact with clients during sessions and activities. All client information—including names, diagnoses, and family details—is strictly confidential. Volunteers must not discuss, photograph, or share information about specific clients, families, or sessions with anyone outside of Faith Reins staff, including on social media. Volunteers sign a confidentiality agreement as part of onboarding.

Photography & Social Media

Volunteers may not photograph, video, or record clients or their families without explicit written consent from the family and approval from a Faith Reins staff member. Approved photos shared publicly must not identify a client by name. When in doubt, ask a staff member before posting anything related to your volunteer experience.

Code of Conduct

Volunteers are expected to treat every child, family, staff member, and animal with dignity and respect. We ask that volunteers:

• Arrive on time and notify us as early as possible when unable to make a scheduled shift.
• Follow the direction of Faith Reins staff at all times.
• Refrain from one-on-one, unsupervised contact with clients.
• Dress appropriately for the activity (closed-toe shoes are required around horses).
• Refrain from alcohol, tobacco, or drug use on Faith Reins property.
• Report any safety concern, injury, or inappropriate behavior to a staff member immediately.

Faith Reins may suspend or end a volunteer relationship for violations of this code of conduct.

Safety

The safety of our clients, horses, and volunteers is our highest priority. Helmets are required for all riders during equine activities and are provided by Faith Reins. Volunteers must follow all posted safety guidelines and staff instructions around horses. Any injury on site—however minor—must be reported to a staff member and documented before leaving the property.

How to Volunteer

Interested volunteers should begin by visiting our Join Our Team page to learn about current opportunities and submit an inquiry. Our team will follow up with next steps, including scheduling an orientation.