VEWS VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH SPOTLIGHT
APRIL

Please join us in celebrating Jessica Schroeder, VEWS Volunteer of the Month for April!

Jessica has been a VEWS volunteer since January 2024 and currently serves on our Saturday evening shift. Jessica's co-leads shared the following comments about her: "Jess is a steady Eddie on our shift. She is always on time, communicates effectively, and is great with the horses. I've really started to rely on her more and more when we have antsy or challenging horses as they seem to respond really well to her demeanor. She approaches everything she does at VEWS in a positive way and is great with showing new volunteers the ropes.  Jess would never brag on herself, but she has really come into her own at VEWS and is an absolute rockstar on our team!"
"Jess constantly takes initiative on her own to do whatever is needed during the shift with never a complaint. Her quiet nature is a calming presence for the horses and for our shift and we are so much better for having Jess on our shift!!"

Thank you, Jessica, for all you do for VEWS and VEWS horses!

In Jessica's words: “Like many other volunteers at VEWS, I grew up loving horses but rarely got the chance to ride them as I got older. When I moved to Richmond a few years ago, I didn’t know anyone else in the city. My VEWS shift quickly became a steady part of my weekly routine, with some of the kindest people I have ever met. Working with these horses has taught me so much about my own mental health and values, and now I can’t imagine my life without it. It truly feels more like a privilege and an honor than a donation of my time. I hope to continue working with VEWS for many years to come, and I’m so excited to see what’s next for this organization and these special animals at our new barn this summer.”