Giving Back: How One Partner is Making a Difference at HORSEPOWER Therapeutic Learning Center

At Mission Wealth, we believe in the power of giving back to our communities. Our partners and employees are encouraged to engage in volunteerism and philanthropy, supported by our generous volunteer time off (VTO) policy and charitable giving match. One partner’s inspiring journey with HORSEPOWER Therapeutic Learning Center showcases the profound impact that volunteerism can have on both the volunteer and the community. Here is Susan Rizzi’s story:

The Beginning of a Beautiful Journey

Several years ago, I attended HORSEPOWER‘s “Jingle Trails” holiday event. It was a truly magical experience, with horses adorned with bells guiding attendees through a beautifully decorated wooded trail. Volunteers served goodies and hot chocolate; at the turnaround point, Santa handed out gifts to the children. The overwhelming joy and warmth of the event immediately inspired me to get involved.

Mission Wealth Southeast Advisory team with Rocky at HORSEPOWER.

My volunteer journey began with the task of cleaning stalls and feeding horses. What struck me immediately was the dedication and care shown by every volunteer. Each horse was treated with love and respect, and I quickly realized that my volunteer time felt more like a privilege than work. This sense of community and shared purpose was truly inspiring.

Making a Difference in Classes

Soon, I started volunteering as a side walker in therapeutic riding classes. The transformation I witnessed in the riders was nothing short of miraculous. The horses turned a therapeutic exercise into an engaging activity. Riders, sometimes non-verbal children, began speaking their first words. Teenagers built confidence and formed strong bonds with their horses. Parents shared stories of their children finding peace and joy during these sessions, with some saying it was the most relaxed hour of their week.

Seeing the riders accomplish their goals and share their personal stories with the team made each class a highlight of my week. After a successful session, the joy on the riders’ faces as they enjoyed a fun moment of riding backward was a special treat for all. It was a reminder of the happiness and fulfillment that comes from our volunteer work.

“I am proud to be a partner in a company that not only encourages volunteerism, community involvement, and philanthropy but rewards it. Mission Wealth offers a generous charitable giving match as well as volunteer time off for every employee. As is so often the case, it’s magic when we discover that we get so much more from sharing our time and talent with others.”

Growing an Endowment Fund

Susan leads a team bonding exercise with Mission Wealth’s Southeast Advisory team and Sunshine.

My dedication to HORSEPOWER grew, and I was honored to join the Board of Directors as Treasurer. In this role, I helped initiate an endowment fund to ensure the continuation of HORSEPOWER’s incredible work. This strategic financial planning will help secure the future of the center and its ability to provide life-changing therapeutic activities.

Community Support and Future Events

Last year, Mission Wealth proudly supported HORSEPOWER as a Blue Ribbon Sponsor for the Carolyn Sink Memorial Horse Show. This annual event is a highlight for students, allowing them to showcase their skills to friends and family. This year’s show is scheduled for Saturday, October 19th, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will be live-streamed on HORSEPOWER‘s Facebook page.

A Personal and Professional Fulfillment

My involvement with HORSEPOWER has been transformative, not only for me but also for the center. Mission Wealth’s support has allowed me to pursue my passion for volunteerism, making a meaningful impact in my community. Through the generous VTO and charitable giving match programs, our company fosters a culture of giving and community involvement, proving that we get so much more from sharing our time and talent with others.

Join us in celebrating the magic of volunteerism and the incredible work being done by organizations like HORSEPOWER Therapeutic Learning Center. Together, we can make a difference, one volunteer at a time.

About HORSEPOWER Therapeutic Learning Center

HORSEPOWER Therapeutic Learning Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that has served the North Carolina Piedmont Triad community since 1995. It is a PATH Intl. (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) Premier Accredited Center that provides therapeutic horseback riding and equine-assisted activities for individuals with different abilities.

Their mission is to promote and enhance the welfare of individuals with physical, intellectual, and/or emotional disabilities through therapeutic, educational, and recreational activities using horses. In 2025, HORSEPOWER will celebrate its 30^th anniversary. You can support their mission at www.horsepower.org.

About Susan Rizzi

Susan Rizzi is a Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor at Mission Wealth providing exceptional financial planning and advisory services to clients in Greensboro, North Carolina, and the surrounding Southeast region.

She established Green Valley Wealth Management in Greensboro to help clients make educated and informed decisions about their retirement. The Green Valley Wealth Management team merged with Mission Wealth in 2022. “It’s so exciting not only to have found that but also a group of like-minded and like-hearted professionals I am proud to call partners and friends,” said Susan.

Susan holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation and is an Investment Adviser Representative serving in a fiduciary capacity. She graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Towson University. Her professional affiliations include the Society of Financial Services Professionals, Greensboro Estate Planning Council, and the Financial Planning Association where she mentors new CFP® professionals and hosts the Business Success Knowledge Circle.

If you’re an investor in North Carolina and are interested in meeting with Susan, please contact us for a free consultation.