PATH INTERNATIONAL
We couldn't do what we do without the tens of thousands of people who volunteer their time and talents to our centers. PATH Intl. would like to take this space to honor a special volunteer at your center. If your center has a volunteer you would like to thank, submit a short write-up about them and a picture to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Mickey Winters: She Gets as Good as She Gives – and She Gives a Lot!
Mention “Mickey” and “Orlando” in the same breath and most people think of that beloved cartoon character – you know, the one with the big ears and the long tail. But at Freedom Ride in Orlando, we think of our own beloved character: Mickey Winters. Her ears are not as big, but she does have quite the tale! And, like her cartoon counterpart, she brings smiles to all she meets and has touched the lives of many through her volunteer work at Freedom Ride.
During the final months of her mother’s life, Mickey had dedicated herself to her mother’s care. When her mother passed away in February 2002, Mickey found herself with time on her hands and a void in her life. Looking for ways to keep busy, meet new people, and give back to the community, her passion for horses and children led her to volunteer at Freedom Ride. Ten years and over 2,000 volunteer hours later, Mickey is not only still volunteering, but as of August 2008 she is also a PATH Intl-certified instructor teaching classes regularly. As she puts it, “When I got my own shift, I was in love. It has been a childhood dream to be a teacher and now I’m living that dream.”
From horse care to barn work, Mickey is always ready to pitch in. She generously shares her knowledge with new volunteers, students, and parents. If there’s a community event to raise awareness and/or funds for Freedom Ride, you’ll find Mickey manning the table and working the crowd. Her faithful service to the organization over the years is an inspiration to others and a tremendous asset to Freedom Ride. “Ten years of volunteering at Freedom Ride... it seems like just yesterday; and also like I've been doing it forever. It has meant the world to me to help others, and seeing the smiles on my student's faces, and seeing them advance has made it all so special to me…not to mention the friendships I have made along the way.” As it turns out, the hours spent at the therapeutic riding facility have been almost as beneficial for Mickey as they have been for the students. Horsepower for the spirit, indeed.