Meet Julie: December 2022 Volunteer of the Month

Dec 13, 2022

Congratulations to our Volunteer of the Month, Julie Kelleher! Since 2008, Julie has dedicated her Saturdays to volunteering at the farm. After retiring this year, she was eager to spend more time giving back during weekdays…and we were just as eager to have more Julie in our programs! We love Julie for her kindhearted and giving spirit. She is always willing to lend a helping hand with whatever is needed during her shift. No matter what kind of day a client is having, Julie meets them right where they are and helps them feel right at home. We are so lucky to have such a rockstar on our volunteer team!

GET TO KNOW JULIE

How did you discover Ironstone Farm?

It was so long ago that I don’t remember specifics, but I was at a horse show, and I saw the booth for Ironstone Farm. Then I went home and did a little research on the Internet, and I decided this was is something that I wanted to do.

What is your fondest memory you have from volunteering?

I have so many wonderful memories from my time at Ironstone Farm. I’d loved it when (the donkeys) Bradley, Toby, and Spud would run around like crazy in the crisp fall weather.

I also loved working with clients over the course of weeks and even months and watch their progress. I remember one called client, D, who started out by coming in using a walker; one day I saw her, and she was walking without the walker. Such a wonderful memory!

What does Ironstone Farm mean to you?

I joke about Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone Farm getting me out of the big stinkin’ city and out in the fresh air. Lol! But in all seriousness, it’s as much therapy for the volunteers as it is for the clients.

Thank you, Julie, for exemplifying our mission and values in all you do!

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