Each year, True Friends serves more than 5,000 people with disabilities, from developmental and cognitive to physical disabilities. We provide them with experiences they might never thought possible -- such as traversing a fully wheelchair accessible high ropes challenge course! We provide these activities year-round through camping sessions, respite care, horse therapy and travel. Our programs help build self-esteem and challenge people to get out of their comfort zone to discover just how much they are capable of doing.

“Maddie has been a poster child for riding therapy from the first day we met her,” said Shari Mangas, Director of True Strides. “She tries her very best at everything and with a smile.”

Maddie was born with a complex heart anomaly. After five open heart surgeries and almost her entire first year spent in the hospital, Maddie was very weak. Through True Strides, Maddie’s family was introduced to the benefits of hippotherapy, an occupational/physical therapy that utilizes a horse in the treatment. Maddie has improved her core strength, is less apprehensive in social situations and has increased hand/eye coordination. “The True Strides program has been such a great tool to aid in building confidence and strength. The team has been excellent to work with, and seeing the improvement in Maddie has just been priceless!” said her mother, Melissa.

True Friends is grateful to have 700+ youth, adult, group and family volunteers each year. Your work as a volunteer, whether it’s a couple hours or an entire summer, helps us fulfill our mission of providing life-changing experiences for children and adults with disabilities. We couldn’t do it with you!

Summer Camp (June-August)
- Weeklong, overnight opportunities at Camp Friendship (14+), Camp Courage (16+), and Camp Courage North (18+)
- Weekly day camp opportunities at Camp Eden Wood (18+)
- Teens earn 79 service hours for NHS, Community Service letter, etc.

Respite (year-round)
- Weekend overnight opportunities at Camp Eden Wood and Camp Friendship (18+)

True Strides (year-round)
- Rider support and/or barn help (16+)

Ventures Travel (year-round)
- Travel opportunities (18+)

Learn more www.truefriends.org/volunteer
Questions? We’re happy to help! volunteerservices@truefriends.org

Suggested Donations

• Support adventures at camp where kids & adults with disabilities discover what they CAN do versus what they can’t do. ($50.00)
• Help True Strides therapeutic horseback riders strengthen their bodies and boost their self-confidence ($100.00)
• Support families through year-round respite care that helps balance family relationships ($250.00)

Funding Needs

All dollars donated to True Friends provide camp, horse therapy, respite & travel experiences to children and adults with a variety of disabilities, along with their family and friends. Your gift to True Friends helps people with disabilities:
- Build their self-confidence
- Enhance their self-esteem
- Make life-long friends
- Develop self-advocacy skills
- Experience adventures they never imagined were possible