Frequently Asked Questions
What are the steps to join the program team?
Start by completing a volunteer application and a visit to the ranch. From there, we’ll guide you through a background check, a brief interview, and a statement of faith. Once approved, you’ll sign a volunteer commitment and attend a Volunteer:Me orientation to get started.
What’s the difference between the program team and the ranch team?
The program team works directly with kids, teens, and families during mentoring sessions, offering relational support and spiritual encouragement. The ranch team focuses on caring for the horses, facilities, and property to make each session possible. Both teams are vital—and sometimes overlap—but the program team is centered on people, while the ranch team is focused on the animals and environment.
What is the time commitment?
Time commitments vary depending on your role and schedule. Whether you can give a few hours a month or several hours a week, we’ll work with you to find the right fit.
What kinds of roles are available on the program team?
Mentors – Work one-on-one or in small groups with kids during sessions.
Listeners – Connect with parents, offering conversation and encouragement while their child is in session.
Buddies – Help occupy and care for siblings who tag along during sessions.
Session Helpers – Assist EAL Coaches during family or group sessions with setup, materials, or hospitality.
Can I volunteer if I have no horse experience?
Yes! Many program roles don’t require any horse experience. And if you’re interested in learning, we offer training and opportunities to grow your confidence around horses. Whatever your background, we’ll help you serve well.
Join a Ranch Team at Rising Hope Rescue Ranch!
Join the Team at Rising Hope Rescue Ranch!
At Rising Hope, our Program Team volunteers are the heartbeat of our ministry to kids and families. Whether walking alongside a child in a one-on-one mentoring session, encouraging a parent with a listening ear, or simply being a supportive presence, our Program Team helps make healing and hope a reality.
If you love connecting with people, have a heart for mentoring, or want to support families in a meaningful way—we have a place for you!
Program Team:
Faith-Filled Relationships, Life-Changing Moments
The Program Team is made up of caring volunteers who serve regularly during mentoring and family sessions. Each role is vital to creating a safe, Christ-centered environment where hearts can open, grow, and heal.
Opportunities to Serve
Our Program Team focuses on four key relational roles:
Mentors – Walk alongside children or teens in one-on-one or small group settings, building trust and offering encouragement through ranch-based activities.
Mentors working with kids and horses will need horse or livestock experience and a commitment to regular training.
Listeners – Engage with parents during session time, offering hospitality, conversation, and spiritual support.
Buddies – Provide care and companionship to siblings during sessions, helping them feel seen and included.
Session Helpers – Support our Equine-Assisted Learning Coaches during family sessions by assisting with setup, hospitality, materials, and simple tasks around the ranch.ently.
Requirements for Serving on the Program Team
Because our Program Team works directly with children, teens, and families—often during vulnerable and formative moments—we take great care in preparing our volunteers for this important role. We ask each team member to meet the following requirements:
- Complete a Volunteer Application
This gives us a chance to learn more about your interests, background, and availability. - Pass a Background Check
For the safety of everyone involved, especially the children we serve. - Participate in a Brief Interview
To help us get to know you and place you in the role that best fits your heart and gifts. - Submit a Statement of Faith
We ask all Program Team volunteers to affirm a statement of the Christian faith so that the guidance and encouragement offered aligns with the mission and values of Rising Hope. - Sign a Volunteer Commitment
Outlining our shared expectations, values, and ministry standards. - Attend a Volunteer:Me Orientation
A short but essential training to prepare you to serve confidently and compassionately.
Why the Statement of Faith?
At Rising Hope, we don’t just offer ranch experiences—we offer hope rooted in the Gospel. Our program is a ministry, not just a mentoring service. Because of this, we ask those who interact directly with clients to affirm their trust in Jesus Christ and their agreement with the core tenets of our faith. This allows us to serve families with consistency, integrity, and unity of purpose.
Get Involved
If you’re interested in joining a Ranch Team, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you have years of experience in landscaping, carpentry, or just a heart to serve, there’s a place for you at Rising Hope Rescue Ranch.
Ready to make a difference?
Contact us today to learn more about upcoming opportunities and how you can become a part of our Ranch Teams!
Join the Team and Make a Difference’
What to Expect?
Mentors – Walking Alongside Kids
Mentors are the heart of our one-on-one and small-group mentoring sessions. Their role isn’t to “fix” kids or act like counselors—it’s to build a trusted relationship and walk alongside them during ranch activities.
Mentors spend time with children and teens doing simple, hands-on tasks like leading a horse, grooming, completing obstacle challenges, or helping with small ranch projects. Through these shared experiences, mentors help kids build confidence, learn responsibility, and discover that they are capable of more than they realized.
Mentors primarily serve by:
- Being present and attentive – noticing what a child is experiencing and encouraging them along the way
- Asking thoughtful questions rather than giving lectures or advice
- Celebrating small successes as kids try new things or overcome challenges
- Modeling patience, respect, and healthy boundaries in their interactions
- Offering spiritual encouragement when appropriate through prayer, Scripture, or simple conversations about faith
Many powerful moments happen in the ordinary rhythm of ranch life—walking a horse together, solving a challenge, or simply talking while working side by side.
Mentors working directly with horses will receive training and should have some horse or livestock experience. Others may serve alongside an experienced mentor while learning.
Listeners – Caring for Parents
While children are engaged in mentoring activities, parents and guardians often have the opportunity to sit, relax, and talk with a caring volunteer. That’s where our Listeners come in.
Listeners provide a welcoming presence for parents who may be carrying a lot of stress, worry, or exhaustion. Their role is simple but meaningful: to offer a kind conversation, a listening ear, and encouragement.
Listeners primarily serve by:
- Offering hospitality and helping parents feel comfortable while their child is in session
- Listening without judgment or trying to solve problems
- Encouraging parents and reminding them they’re not alone
- Sharing hope and faith when welcomed
- Praying with parents if they desire it
Many parents rarely get time to pause and talk with someone who truly listens. For some, this conversation becomes one of the most meaningful parts of their visit to the ranch.
A Ministry of Presence
Both Mentors and Listeners serve through something simple but powerful: showing up with patience, kindness, and a heart to care for people.
You don’t need to have all the answers. Often the most important thing you can offer is your presence.
At Rising Hope Rescue Ranch, relationships change lives—and our Program Team volunteers help make those relationships possible.
