50 People for 50 Years: Mary Ellen Yen, Current Volunteer
Mane Stream volunteers are the heart and soul of the organization! How many times have we said it during our 50 People for 50 Years series? But it’s true, and we wouldn’t be here without them. When we think about our current dedicated team, there are a few names that come to mind, and one of them is Mary Ellen Yen. She’s a model volunteer who is super flexible, eager to learn, and willing to fit in wherever you need her. We also appreciate that she’s committed to volunteering at least once, and often, twice a week.
About five years ago Mary Ellen heard about Mane Stream from a friend, and since her retirement was on the horizon, she looked up the website as soon as she got home. “I knew this would be my next journey after retiring from Corporate America after 40+ years. I’m an animal lover and used to ride in high school. In college, as a special education major, I volunteered for many events for people with special needs. Mane Stream’s combination of two of my passions sealed the deal, and I started volunteering in September 2021!”
Since then Mary Ellen has racked up a total of 165 hours of service, in addition to numerous hours helping with our fundraising events, and she considers volunteering at Mane Stream a truly rewarding experience. “Being around and working with horses again is so therapeutic for me. The staff and volunteers are a pleasure to work with as everyone works together as a team. Watching the instructors and therapists working with the participants, watching them learn and improve, and the smiles on their faces makes it all worthwhile.”
Mary Ellen’s first impression of the organization was very positive. Since she hadn’t been around horses for many years, she had to re-learn pulling tack, grooming and tacking a horse. She shared, “I required assistance many times, and someone was always there willing to help with a smile on their face. NOW, I’m able to assist the new volunteers and enjoy helping them. It’s very gratifying to feel such a sense of accomplishment when I leave the farm. I know I have helped make an impact on the quality of life of a participant.”
When we asked about the people who Mary Ellen has worked with during her time at Mane Stream, she quickly mentioned the two special riders that she assists as a sidewalker. “I was fortunate to be paired with volunteers Debi DeLorenzo and Laura Edelson who have been assisting these riders for many years. They helped me learn the ropes which even included a little bit of sign language. I also really enjoy watching how the instructors Kelly and Gia work with them during their lessons. And I love viewing the progress made, it’s so encouraging.” Mary Ellen realizes that something so simple for some is such a challenge for them and the riders work so hard. At the end of the lesson, she feels fulfilled in knowing that the team has made a difference in the riders’ day. “It’s the best feeling!”
Mary Ellen also volunteers in therapy sessions with speech-language pathologist, Melanie Dominko-Richards. She noted, “Observing how Melanie works with the clients and how far they come by the end of the session is incredible.”
What’s Mary Ellen’s favorite part about being part of the Mane Stream Team? All of it! “Working with the amazing staff, volunteers, clients, and of course the herd. Everyone works well together and is willing to help out as needed, all the while having fun. And of course, seeing the positive impact Mane Stream has on the participants. The joy on their faces while riding the horses says it all.”
Mary Ellen has also helped out in an area that not many adult volunteers do – that’s volunteer at summer camp. Those who do are a special group and love to see the campers blossom. This past summer, Mary Ellen assisted several campers who have a variety of special needs. She noticed at times that some of the campers struggled to stay focused and participate. But when they were riding their horse she noticed how happy and focused, they became. They enjoyed pulling the tack, grooming, tacking and of course, painting the horses too. Mary Ellen was also impressed with Camp Director, Paige Ball, who always had plenty of daily tasks to keep the campers busy and engaged. “She did an excellent job at managing the many personalities and abilities during camp.”
And though Mary Ellen thinks each day at Mane Stream is special, one particular moment stands out in her mind. “I was volunteering at the Equus Gala this past fall and when the rider, Anna and her mother spoke about how Mane Stream has improved Anna’s quality of life (LINK TO EQUUS ARTICLE?). It brought a tear to my eye. Their speeches had such an impact on me and it really enforced how Mane Stream impacts our clients' lives in such amazing ways.”
While Mary Ellen thinks Mane Stream is pretty special we think the same about her! Director of Program Services, Jen Dermody says, “She's awesome and always upbeat! The way she interacts with the participants, volunteers, and staff adds a level of fun every time she volunteers.”
Thank you for your service Mary Ellen and we look forward to a bright future with you in our ranks!
