Our volunteers are such a large part of the Reece Center that each quarter we try to recognize one of the many that dedicate their time and efforts.

Julie Cortino: Outstanding Volunteer of the Second Quarter, 2006.

Julie's volunteer spirit bloomed in 1996 when she became a member of Hands on Atlanta. Beginning as a team with her mother, Carol, she began helping the Reece Center in 2000 and was totally hooked. The social family, spirit, courageous disabled riders, dedicated parents and staff and a love of horses were too overwhelming to abandon. Her heart melts as she witnesses the students forget about their disabilities, clear their minds of pain and become free spirits on horseback.

As our official Barn Manager now, Julie's concentration is totally on getting the horses and tack ready and organizing the volunteers for Saturday morning classes. Leave it to her to train and inform new volunteers that are so desperately needed. At times, it can get pretty hectic, but with a smile and a wink, she imparts her knowledge and brings another volunteer into the family.

Julie, one of our best supporters at the 2005 Special Olympics

Julie and mother, Carol

Upon arrival at the Center, each horse gets a hug and quiet, special attention. During the busy Saturday mornings, she even makes a point of searching out the disabled riders and greeting each with a hug and praise. Anything we ask of Julie, she is more than willing to accomplish. She makes the time because she knows how a team effort keeps things running smoothly.

Over the years Julie has dedicated hundreds of hours to the Reece Center that include feeding the horses during the week and weekends, in the heat and rain of summers and the biting cold of winters. She is also instrumental in the rescue of donated horses and has often dropped everything to come to the assistance of the Center in our times of need.

Julie is an apartment manager for Lane Company in the metro-Atlanta area, as well as taking college classes to become a veterinary technician. Julie is a big part of our Reece Center family and the glue that holds our program together.

You will always find her lifting spirits and calming the fears of others. We are humbled, grateful and blessed to have such dedication showered upon us.

Thank you, Julie, for allowing us to know, honor and love you.