The Donkeys of the Heart is a life-changing and uplifting non-profit organization seeking qualified board members. Based in Cave Creek, Arizona, with outreach throughout Maricopa County, our mission is to help children, adults, Veterans, and at-risk populations. Donkeys provide both therapeutic and educational opportunities for children and adults with cognitive, mental and behavior challenges.
Although still uncommon in the USA, donkeys are fantastic facilitator animals. In Europe, donkeys have been considered premier therapy animals for over three decades.
Why are donkeys so valuable helping people affected by mental health, behavioral and educational challenges?
- Donkeys are intelligent and possess a high level of cognitive ability.
- Donkeys are very empathetic.
- Donkeys are protective.
- Donkeys seek strong social interactions.
- Donkeys are fearless
- Donkeys can be calm and gentle.
- Often they are smaller, and less intimidating, than horses.
Our Vision:
A world where everyone feels heard and supported.
Our Mission:
We provide affordable equine therapy to individuals seeking emotional, cognitive or behavioral support through our trained and compassionate staff, volunteer network and therapeutic donkeys.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Donkeys of the Heart maintains the highest industry standards set by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH), providing professional development to its participants, therapists, staff and volunteers, ensuring the growth and diversity of the organization.
Our Pillars of Excellence program defines, recognizes and rewards excellence at all levels of our organization. The five pillars provide the foundation for all we do and aligns our attitudes, goals and actions:
People
We commit to seek and retain qualified individuals, offering opportunities for personal growth and education. Together, we serve each other and our community with honesty, respect, and strength.
Service
With compassion and integrity, we strive to exceed expectations, enhance the recovery experience and change lives.
Quality
We are committed to exceeding individual personal goals for healing and wellness, setting high standards for alternative therapy results and ensuring access to donkey therapy for all in need.
Stewardship
We strive to operate efficiently, be fiscally responsible and focus our resources on those we serve.
Community
It is our responsibility to create and strengthen diverse connections within the community to raise awareness and influence positive change.
The Opportunity
The primary responsibility of the board of directors is to ensure the values and mission of the Donkeys of the Heart are fulfilled. The board acts as the governing body of the organization, providing fiscal and general oversight, including legal aspects and ethical integrity of the organization, while providing adequate resources for growth and success.
Members of the Donkeys of the Heart Board will:
- Support the Donkeys of the Heart’s commitment to create partnerships, inspire hope, and change lives.
- Develop our foundation of excellence to ensure the Donkeys of the Heart is the best place to work and provide services.
- Provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance
- Ensure that programming adheres to and achieves the Donkeys of the Heart’s mission
- Oversee financials, including adoption and management of annual operating budget
- Identify and recruit strong board members and contribute to their leadership development
- Serve on committees, accept special assignments and actively support special activities of the board
- Promote the Donkeys of the Heart to the public
- Serve a two- or three-year term
- Attend board meetings at least quarterly including special sessions
- Contribute an annual cash gift
Qualifications
Donkeys of the Heart seeks to broaden the range of experience of the board by adding volunteer members with expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- Finance
- Community: Outreach and knowledge of
- Fundraising
- Legal Issues
- Cultural Diversity
- Education
- Mental Health
- Government
- Public Relations
All Board members must have personal qualities of integrity, credibility, accountability, and transparency, and exhibit compassion and a passion for improving the lives of the members of the Donkeys of the Heart.
For more information
To learn more about the Donkeys of the Heart, please visit www.thedonkeysoftheheart.org
To learn more about this leadership opportunity, please contact:
Sophie Rainer, President, and Chief Executive Officer
(310) 486-4494, sophie@thedonkeysoftheheart.org
Donkeys of the Heart, Inc is federally registered 501 (c) 3. EIN 84-3626-799.
For More Information, Visit: www.thedonkeysoftheheart.org |
