CHAPS Equine Assisted Services Reports Record Numbers For 2024

CHAPS Equine Assisted Services, a local non-profit connecting humans and horses is commending their volunteers.

This year has been quite the year with CHAPS shattering records left and right.

In 2024, CHAPS served 309 individuals, an organizational record.

Additionally, the organization served a record number of Veterans (175) and served new demographics this year; foster youth and women struggling with mental wellness.

CHAPS volunteers have donated a record breaking 3,369.25 hours so far, and that number is expected to be more than 3,400 by the end of the year.

Wyoming’s volunteer equivalent is $30.68 which means our volunteers have donated $103,368.59 in volunteer time to CHAPS.

“CHAPS simply would not be the incredible organization we are without the help of our dedicated volunteers. Volunteers are involved in nearly every aspect of CHAPS. I am so incredibly grateful for each and every one of them,” said Kristen Marcus, Executive Director.

For the last five years, CHAPS has enrolled our volunteers in the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA).

This is a nationally recognized program in which volunteers who donate enough time (according to their age group) receive either a bronze, silver or gold medal and a certificate signed by the President of the United States.

This year, ten individuals earned medals!

Seven of the ten have earned a bronze medal in the Adult Division: Bev Hall, Carla Heins, Damien Patton, Eilene Killoren, Nancy Marchese, Nancy Oppenheim and Teresa Garrett-Martin. L Martin earned a bronze in the Young Adult Division. Bliss Ragsdale and Aubree Helton both earned a silver medal in the Adult Division this year.

In 2019, there were three medalists: Sherry Buck, bronze medal Adult Division, Chelsea Adams, silver medal Young Adult Division, and Eddie Paylor, gold medal Adult Division.

In 2020, there were two: Cian Marcus, bronze medal, Youth Division and Aaron Weart, bronze medal, Adult Division.

In 2021, eight individuals were recognized: seven of which earned bronze medals – Myka and Alex Perry (Youth Division), Olivia Walker (Teen Division), L Martin (Young Adult Division), Teresa Garrett-Martin and Rose Ouellette (Adult Division).

The silver medalist was Nancy Marchese in the Adult Division.

In 2022, there were four: Nancy Marchese and Teresa Garrett-Martin earned bronze in the Adult Division, Andy Earp earned a silver in the Adult Division and L Martin earned a gold medal in the Young Adult Division.

Last year, CHAPS recognized ten individuals.

Eight of the ten earned bronze medals in the Adult Division: Nancy Marchese, Nancy Oppenheim, Kirstie Lawson, Shelley Born, Teresa Garrett-Martin, Andy Earp, Sherry Buck and Bliss Ragsdale. Our two silver medalists, in the Young Adult Division, were L Martin and Noah Raish.

Click here for more information about CHAPS

Donations to CHAPS may be tax-deductible.