As we dive into another busy spring here at Mane Stream, we are absolutely bubbling over with gratitude for the impact our volunteers make on our participants and our community. Just like the perfect lather, our volunteers provide the support that makes our programs shine.
All week long, we’re celebrating with a refreshing spread of drinks and snacks to enjoy during their shifts. To make sure the week is extra "scent-imental," we have special bars of handmade soap for volunteers to take home, crafted by a wonderful local mother-daughter duo from Mt. Lebanon Soap Company.
Not scheduled this week? Don't let our thank-you wash away! Swing by the barn anytime. We’d love to see your smiling face and give you your gift in person.
Thank you for being such SUD-sational volunteers and for helping us keep things "Bubbling" along!
Meet our 2026 SUD-Sational Spotlights
This year, we’re shining a light on three specific volunteers who truly embody the Mane Stream spirit.
More joy than i could have imagined
MEET ALISON CROWLEY
Ten years ago, recently retired Alison Crowley was on the hunt for a volunteer opportunity that she felt passionate about. She frequently drove past Mane Stream, but never inquired due to her lack of horse experience. After trying a few opportunities locally, Alison never felt that spark that she was searching for. Finally, she reached out to Mane Stream and was shocked to discover that she could volunteer without any horse experience. The rest is history!
655 volunteer hours later, Alison has made her mark on our community. Volunteer Coordinator, Emily De Jong, speaks highly of Alison, stating, “She's been such a fixture of the Therapy Services program since I started working at Mane Stream. Her passion for the program and care for the participants is truly heartwarming to see, regardless of the population she helps. It's been a pleasure getting to know Alison and seeing all that she does for our participants!”
Throughout her time with Mane Stream, Alison has volunteered with a variety of programs, but says that volunteering with Therapy is always her first choice. She also speaks fondly of her time volunteering with the Pillar School, and remarks on the impact of seeing therapy using the horse's movement (hippotherapy) at work with such a wide variety of children. She has spent time volunteering with visiting Senior programs, and saw therapeutic benefits from brushing the horses, and of course, from snuggling with them too!
Not only has Alison impacted Mane Stream, but she says that Mane Stream has left a huge impact on her. “The connection and the rewards of working with the clients have brought me more joy than I could’ve imagined. Seeing their hard work combined with so much fun has had such an impact on me. To help contribute to making that happen has been incredible over the years. To witness their progress in real time has been amazing.”
Friends, family, and acquaintances always say that Alison lights up when talking about Mane Stream. “Between the clients, the staff, the volunteers, and the horses, I’m in heaven. It’s my therapy for sure.”
Mane Stream has been lucky enough to have Alison as a member of the community for ten amazing years. We hope to see her for many more years to come.
Leaving Sunshine in her Path
MEET AMY MAHONEY
As a new resident of Tewksbury, Amy Mahoney was searching for a worthwhile organization to dedicate her time to and become a part of the community. As is the case for many of our volunteers, Mane Stream caught Amy’s eye one day while driving by the farm.
A retired mental health counselor, Amy was thrilled to discover Mane Stream and experience a different perspective on therapy. Over her three years as a sidewalker, she has witnessed the power of equines at work in Therapy Services offered at Mane Stream. Along with therapy sessions, Amy has volunteered with Horses for Healing and Adaptive Riding lessons and has become a familiar face in the Tuesday morning group occupational therapy sessions with the Pillar School.
Amy particularly enjoys volunteering with the students from the Pillar School. “Experiencing the evolution from a first-time client, where the child often appears uncertain, to the lightness and confidence that gradually builds, is nothing short of miraculous!” Amy shared.
Throughout her 80+ hours spent volunteering with Mane Stream, Amy has always been willing to jump in and help wherever she can, and has also become reliable as a substitute volunteer. “Amy has been a wonderful volunteer in our programs and really shown a talent in adapting to the needs of whatever population she works with. Whether they need physical support or a friendly ear to listen, she's always ready to jump in and help! She's been a huge asset to our volunteer team, and truly embodies what we're trying to do in our programs!” says Volunteer Coordinator, Emily De Jong.
Riding and Horses for Healing Instructor Kelly Champion shared, “She's such a sweet and kind person, who really excels at interacting with the participants. Her happy attitude always brings a smile to my face and the faces of the people she works with!”
Amy describes her time serving as a Mane Stream volunteer as “a gift and a privilege.” She also remarked on her time spent alongside other volunteers and staff, writing, “Working alongside other dedicated volunteers and Mane Stream staff is a heartwarming experience, week after week, reminding me that there is so much good in our world”.
Amy is an invaluable member of the Mane Stream team. Her passion and enthusiasm for her volunteer work is infectious to everyone who crosses her path!
The Power of Showing Up
MEET Karen Ruffner
When Karen Ruffner first searched Google for a way to combine her love for horses with a desire to help people, Mane Stream was the perfect match. She joined the team in the spring of 2022, eager to dive into the barn and the arena.
While Karen’s heart has always been with the herd, her journey over the last four years hasn't been a straight line. Due to some minor health challenges, Karen had to take an extended sabbatical from the barn for over a year. After an initial attempt to return, she found she needed a bit more time away to heal before stepping back into her boots for good in January 2025.
Since her return, Karen has been a model of reliability. While she keeps her weekly shifts to a focused 1.25 hours, she makes every minute count. To date, Karen has contributed nearly 80 volunteer hours to the mission!
"I can't thank Karen enough for her flexibility and adaptability. Whether it's Adaptive Riding, Therapy Services, or a field trip, Karen is always willing to help if she can!" said Volunteer Coordinator, Emily De Jong. "From the moment she joined the team, she has understood our mission. Watching her connect to the participants has been a pleasure, and we're so glad to have her as a volunteer!"
In the arena, Karen has formed a special bond with one of Mane Stream’s Adaptive riders, Penelope. Karen has loved watching Penelope's skills and confidence grow, noting that she feels inspired by watching her work hard and progress.
Of course, the horses provide their own kind of therapy. Karen describes the herd as patient and gentle, especially her favorite horse, Buzz. “One of my favorite memories at the farm is when Buzz nuzzled me while I was currying him,” she recalls, citing his curiosity and friendly personality as the reasons she loves working with him.
When asked about her favorite part of volunteering, Karen’s enthusiasm is as bright as ever: “It’s hard to choose because I love it all, being in the barn getting the horses ready, walking beside the rider, and working alongside the other volunteers are all rewarding!”
Karen’s dedication and her commitment to returning to Mane Stream after her time away is truly admirable. We are so lucky to have her back in the barn!
