The Robinson Outreach at RiverCross Ranch (ROARR) is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the healing power of horses to vulnerable youth and isolated seniors through free equine-assisted programs. By fostering confidence, connection, and personal growth, ROARR ensures cost is never a barrier for those in need.
We spoke with Kristein Johnson, Executive Director of ROARR, to learn more about the transformative impact of their programs, how they address social isolation and adversity, and what the community can do to support their mission.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences
ROARR is built on the belief that connections heal—whether between people and horses or across generations. We provide equine-assisted learning and meaningful experiences to at-risk youth and seniors, creating a safe, supportive environment where they can gain confidence, build relationships, and rediscover joy. Our programs, including the Youth Equine Assisted Learning program, Youth Summer Camps, Seniors Lunch program, Seniors with Heart, and Outreach with the Minis, offer participants a sense of purpose, belonging, and personal growth through hands-on horse interactions.
What problem does it aim to solve?
ROARR addresses two pressing challenges: youth navigating adversity and seniors facing isolation. Many of the young people we serve have experienced homelessness, trauma, behavioural struggles, or mental health challenges, while many seniors are searching for connection, purpose, and a sense of belonging.
Horses offer a unique and powerful way to bridge these gaps. Their intuitive nature helps participants develop trust, confidence, and emotional resilience, while our programs provide a space where youth and seniors feel valued, supported, and empowered. By fostering connections, we’re not just transforming individual lives—we’re strengthening the fabric of our community.
When did you start/join it?
I joined ROARR in early 2024, inspired by its mission to create meaningful change in the lives of vulnerable youth and seniors. I was drawn to how ROARR provides free access to equine-assisted programs, ensuring that those who need support the most are never left behind.
What made you want to get involved?
What drew me to ROARR was the unmatched dedication of its volunteers and the heart behind its mission. ROARR is a volunteer-powered organization with only a small, passionate staff team guiding the process, ensuring every program runs smoothly and every participant receives the support they need. It’s incredible to see many volunteers bringing their skills, compassion, and time together to create something significant.
Seeing firsthand how ROARR’s programs give youth the confidence to grow and seniors a place to connect and feel valued made it clear to me that this is more than just an organization; it’s a community working toward a shared goal: helping others thrive. The impact is real, and it’s driven by people who care. That’s precisely the kind of work I wanted to be part of.
What was the situation like when you started?
When I first joined ROARR, it was clear that the organization was already making a meaningful impact on the lives of both youth and seniors. However, like many non-profits, we faced ongoing challenges—securing funding, managing limited resources, and keeping up with increasing program demand. The need was there, the programs were working, and the dedication of our volunteers and small staff was unwavering. Still, we knew we could reach even more people who would benefit from our programs’ healing connections with more support.
How has it changed since?
ROARR has expanded our programs to reach even more youth and seniors, ensuring that those who need support the most have access to meaningful experiences with horses. We now host three Seniors Lunches per week, serving over 2,200 meals annually, creating a welcoming space where seniors can connect and feel valued. Our Youth Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) program has also grown to 10 weekly sessions, bringing in 120 youth each week and providing them with a safe environment to build confidence, resilience, and essential life skills. In addition, we have welcomed close to 25 new volunteers, strengthening our volunteers to over 100 and increasing our ability to provide hands-on support and enhance the experiences we offer. Our partnerships with schools, youth and senior serving organizations, and senior residential facilities have also grown, allowing us to connect with even more individuals who benefit from these programs. The demand for our programs continues to rise as more people seek our healing connections. We witness incredible transformations each year—youth gaining confidence and direction and seniors rediscovering purpose and companionship through connection.
What more needs to be done?
While we’ve made incredible strides, much more remains to do. The demand for our programs continues to grow and to meet this need, we must:
- Secure sustainable funding – Donor and other funding support is critical to expanding our reach and keeping our programs free for those who need them most. Contributions help provide meals for seniors, equine-assisted learning for youth, support for the 12 horses’ needs, and meaningful volunteer opportunities.
- Recruit more volunteers—As more individuals seek the healing power of horses, we need additional volunteers to support program delivery and operations and ensure that every participant receives the care and attention they deserve.
- Build stronger community awareness —expanding awareness will allow more people to learn about and support ROARR’s life-changing work. With the help of donors, sponsors, and community advocates, we can continue to grow and make a lasting impact.
How can our readers help?
Join Gather 25 and Make a Lasting Impact!
Your support changes lives! In 2025, we’re launching Gather 25, an initiative encouraging individuals to rally their 25 supporters to help sustain and expand ROARR’s free equine-assisted programs for vulnerable youth and isolated seniors. By bringing together friends, family, and colleagues, we can create a ripple effect of support, ensuring that more people experience the connection, confidence, and belonging our programs provide.
Donate – Every dollar counts! Your contributions help provide meals for seniors, equine-assisted learning for youth, and care for our incredible horses.
Volunteer – Our programs are volunteer-powered! Whether working with horses, serving lunch, helping in programs, or helping behind the scenes, your time and dedication help us reach more participants and build stronger connections.
Spread the Word – Awareness is everything! Follow us, share our mission, and connect us with donors, sponsors, and partners to help us keep our programs free and accessible. The more people who know about ROARR and Gather 25, the more significant the impact we can create together.
By donating, volunteering, or spreading the word, you are helping build a stronger, more connected community where no youth or senior is left behind. Let’s make 2025 a year of growth, impact, and transformation!
Do you have any events coming up?
Yes! Join us for a Pancake Breakfast at RiverCross Ranch on Sunday, June 22, 2025, from 11 AM to 2 PM. This family-friendly event will feature live fiddlers, a 50/50 draw, and exciting raffle prizes—a perfect way to experience ROARR in action while supporting our programs!
Where can we follow you?
Website | Facebook | Instagram
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
I deeply admire the work of EvenStart for Children’s Foundation in Calgary. They provide essential support to young children who have experienced trauma, helping them feel safe, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. Their dedication to giving children the foundation they need to thrive is inspiring. Community-driven organizations like EvenStart remind us of the power of working together to create real, lasting change.
