I recently attended a mini-conference for nonprofits run by The Capacity Lab. The keynote speaker was Dr. James Lemoine, a motivational speaker, expert psychologist of workplace dynamics. The topic was “How to Motivate the Unmotivated.”

Listening to his statistical research and recommendations, I was most amazed by his statement that 82% of the workforce hate their jobs.

That makes motivation a bit difficult, and his speech was about, as administrators, how to make people like their jobs.

I also realized the retention of our staff is because they love their jobs, naturally, by what we do for others, and by the healing power of horses for everyone who interacts with them, including the instructors. It is hard work but worth it. That is great because if we had to make them like their jobs, we wouldn’t still be here!

How do we measure the impact we make on someone’s life? The work culture at Centaur Stride is so strong because everyone who works or volunteers feels valued for their contributions to our mission, by the progress and smiles of the riders and the gratitude of their families. We know we make a difference.

Sometimes it seems only numbers and bottom-line revenue, as well as the strategic plan and sustainability projections, are what counts toward validity for success.

But we know differently. We endeavor to provide the services to as many people as possible while still charging much less than operating costs. To do this, we need to provide more services by capacity building, or get more donations.

At present, we are looking for an instructor with experience teaching lessons, who has patience, empathy and understanding, even if no previous experience working with people with disabilities. 

We need someone per diem, primarily for some evenings, 3 to 8 p.m. but there is some flexibility in making your own schedule, and potential for growth and leadership opportunities. Send resumes to info@centaurstride.org. Opportunities for certification for qualified candidates will be offered.

Thank you to the community for their support of our fundraisers and who generously donate to our cause. Because of this support from so many people over the past 32 years, we have so many success “stories” to share.

We love to get letters from people who have been to our center. It makes our work even more rewarding. Please send us your memories and testimonials.

Below is a testimonial from Katie Carlson Mehner, originally from Brocton.

“The summer of 1993, I applied for a riding instructor position at Centaur Stride. Unfortunately, I wasn’t hired for the position (initially) so I decided why not just volunteer? My love of horses and passion for teaching was something I always wanted to pursue. After some time, I was hired on as an instructor and the experiences I had at Centaur Stride made an impact on me to become a better person, to help others and make a difference in this world. Moving forward, over 30 years, I am now working with Cleveland County Hearts & Hooves as Program Coordinator and Therapeutic Riding Instructor. My purpose is to provide our exceptional participants with an opportunity to increase their communication, social, academic, behavior and motor skills, ultimately leading to greater educational achievement and a better quality of life. Being a part of Centaur Stride has been life changing for me. I believe everyone needs to experience firsthand what horses can do for us. Please support this amazing nonprofit program and go volunteer to experience this for yourself. Life happens and my family has moved, but, if I was still in New York, you’d see me in their arena! I have learned so much about life through horses. They teach us to listen and be transformed. Their mere presence comforts us.”

Katie started as a volunteer and progressed to instructor for a couple of years, before her life took her to other places. The joy she felt at Centaur Stride resurfaced in opportunities she found in her hometown in North Carolina. Positive experiences impact life in immeasurable ways and sometimes even have ripple effects which change the lives of others. This is one of the ways we measure success!

Set aside some time to visit our center, sign up to volunteer or send a donation (Centaur Stride, Inc. PO Box 174, Westfield, NY 14787). Barn contact (716) 326-4318. Linktree site: https//linktr.ee/centaurstride

Claudia Monroe is president of Centaur Stride.