Jim’s Journey with Turning Point Therapeutic Riding and Red River Community Corps

A Flexible Role with Purpose

Jim’s journey with Red River Community Corps (RRCC) and Turning Point Therapeutic Riding began when he and his wife moved back to Oklahoma to be closer to family. Seeking a flexible way to give back, Jim discovered Turning Point, a therapeutic horse-riding program serving individuals with special needs. He started as a volunteer and, after two years, became the Facility Coordinator—a role made possible through RRCC.

“As a volunteer, I loved the chance to make a difference,” Jim says. “It’s a flexible way to give back while still being there for family and I’ve found it incredibly rewarding.”

Jim now manages Turning Point’s 22-acre property, ensuring the facilities are safe and well-maintained for the riders. He also coordinates about 175 volunteers per semester, who help with everything from manual labor to assisting with the horses.

A Fulfilling, Yet Challenging Role

With a small team—just one full-time and four part-time employees—Jim and his colleagues rely heavily on volunteers to meet the demand for services. The work is physically demanding and time-consuming, making volunteer support essential.

“There’s a lot to do, and without volunteers, we couldn’t serve as many people as we do,” Jim explains.

Despite the challenges, Jim finds great satisfaction in his role. He’s particularly passionate about mentoring younger volunteers—12 to 14-year-olds who assist with manual tasks around the barn. His goal is to inspire these young people to develop a passion for serving and continue to give back in the future.

Lessons Learned from Serving Others

Through his time with RRCC, Jim has learned the value of patience and listening, particularly when working with special needs individuals. “Everyone needs something different,” he says. “I’ve learned to slow down, listen more and adapt, which has made me a better person.”

Why Jim Encourages Others to Join RRCC

For college students, Jim highlights the opportunity to work with diverse groups of people and help those facing challenges outside of their usual experience. For retirees, he emphasizes the value of giving back and the personal growth that comes from serving others.

“Serving with RRCC makes you a better person,” Jim says. “It opens your heart and gives you a chance to make a real difference. You’ll connect with people and contribute to something truly meaningful.”

Jim’s story is a testament to the powerful impact service can have—not only on the lives of those being served, but also on the volunteers who give their time and energy to support their communities.

Interested in becoming an RRCC member? Head to our website to learn more, https://www.rrccok.org/become-a-member