Welcome to BINA Farm Center!
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at BINA Farm Center (BINA)! BINA’s volunteers provide tremendous support to our programs, events and facilities. The time and energy you contribute will always be greatly appreciated and valued.
The majority of BINA’s volunteer opportunities are available at our Lexington barn. While we may have project-based needs in other areas in the future, BINA’s volunteers primarily assist with lessons, sessions, barn chores, general property and facility maintenance, and office support. We have numerous needs this Winter for volunteers who want to help with fundraising, outreach and helping us connect with companies who may be interested in getting involved with our Mission.
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:
The minimum age for volunteers is 14 and all volunteers must have the ability to volunteer independently with minimal staff supervision.
Some areas of volunteering require moderate physical exertion, so please be sure you are comfortable with the physical aspects of the volunteer role you select. Prior horse experience is not needed because we will teach you what you need to know to be an effective volunteer via trainings and continuing education.
Weekly volunteer shift commitments for at least two (2) hours a day are preferred.
If you have any questions, please be sure to email us at volunteer@binafarm.org! For any changes less than 24 hours from the volunteer shift, please call us at (781) 862-5020.
Sidewalkers are vital to many of our lessons. They assist the Leader and instructor in keeping the participant safe and engaged throughout their lesson. Sidewalkers must be able to walk/jog and raise their arms (to stabilize a rider) for up to 30 minutes at a time.
Do you have horse handling skills? Our lesson program can use competent horse people of all types, but our Leaders are usually our most skilled horse handlers.
You will be in charge of leading your equine team member during programming.
You will need to complete AT LEAST ONE mandatory Leader Training at BINA Farm in order to be a horse leader.
At BINA Farm Center we have a range of therapies that are equine assisted, such as Physical and Occupational Therapy utilizing hippotherapy and Equine Assisted Learning--group setting classes where instructor/therapist will use the farm and herd to teach the participants.
Do you love working outside around horses, rain or shine? Are you physically fit enough that you can carry 30 pounds?
Our barn volunteers handle essential tasks like mucking paddocks, tidying around the barn and community spaces, cleaning tack, and other miscellaneous barn chores.
You do not need horse experience for this position, although you will have to participate in our volunteer training.
See you at the barn!
If you are an all-around handyman or woman, we have task for you!
Fixing doors, faucets and farm equipment. Come lend a hand!
BINA Farm Center’s inclusive mission brings together individuals of all ages with and without physical, developmental, cognitive, and mental health challenges by offering a variety of Equine-Assisted Therapeutic, Clinical, Recreational, Educational and Complementary programs. BINA provides an environment that supports individuals to thrive personally and within their communities.
BINA Farm Center is committed to the following goals:
Provide a nurturing environment that focuses on the unique challenges of every individual.
Create a therapeutic and clinical approach that transcends the traditional model.
Provide both short- and long-term support by offering comprehensive programs.
Treat all individuals, their families, friends, staff, volunteers and animals with respect, dignity, kindness, and compassion.