EmpoweRanch
Phoenix, Arizona
EmpoweRanch is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit ranch in south Phoenix, Arizona that offers outdoor therapeutic recreation and education with horses and other ranch animals. Its programs focus on urban youth and veterans, with and without disabilities, and include day camps with therapeutic riding, group field trips and an unmounted equine program for veterans.
- Horsemanship day camps with mounted riding
- VORTEX unmounted equine program for veterans
- Teen Leadership Development Track
- Day at the Ranch group field trips
- Veterans' Morning at the Ranch
- Veterans' Camp Out retreat
- Pathways vocational program
- Mujeres Empoderadas bilingual program for women
- Children and teens ages 6 to 17
- Veterans and active-duty military
- People with and without disabilities
- Families
- Spanish-speaking women
- School, scout and homeschool groups
More about this center
About the Program
EmpoweRanch says its mission is "inclusive, holistic, and accessible outdoor therapeutic recreation and education" for underserved people in metro Phoenix, especially urban youth and veterans. Founder and executive director Jessica Voss designs and leads the programs. She is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) and a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI).
Program staff are background checked, hold an Arizona DPS Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card and keep current first aid and CPR certification.
Youth Camps
Week-long day camps run 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for ages 6 to 17, and campers 13 to 17 can join a Teen Leadership Development Track at no extra cost. The first day is unmounted and covers safety, horse behavior, grooming and leading. Riding follows once campers are ready, led by a PATH Intl. certified instructor, with a 180-pound rider weight limit. Campers also care for a mule, a mini donkey, a mini pony and chickens.
Groups have no more than four campers per staff member. Camp is built for children who can take part safely in a small group, and campers who need continuous one-to-one help bring their own support person. A full camp week is $595 at the regular rate, with discounts for siblings and for military and first responder families. Limited camperships are available through grant and donor support, and families who need help with the cost can apply. EmpoweRanch accepts Arizona ESA funds through ClassWallet.
Programs for Veterans
VORTEX (Veterans Outdoor Recreational Therapy Equine Xperience) is an eight-week group program led by a certified recreational therapist. It is not a riding program; veterans work with the horses on the ground, and no horse experience is needed. VORTEX is free for veterans with support from Molina Healthcare of Arizona, and participants are expected to attend all eight sessions.
EmpoweRanch also hosts free Veterans' Mornings at the Ranch, where veterans meet the animals and tour the ranch (advance registration required), and a three-day Veterans' Camp Out retreat on the Mogollon Rim in northern Arizona for veterans and active-duty military. See our guide to equine therapy for veterans.
Location
The ranch is at 308 West Siesta Way, Phoenix, AZ 85041, in south Phoenix near Dobbins Road and Central Avenue. There are no drop-in visiting hours; visits are arranged through program registration, an appointment or a community event.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
How do I sign up?
Register online for camps and VORTEX, or call or text (602) 935-1059. General questions go to Howdy@EmpoweRanch.org, and Jessica Voss can be reached at JessiV@EmpoweRanch.org.
What does it cost?
VORTEX and Veterans' Mornings are free for veterans. A camp week is $595 at the regular rate. Limited camperships are available, and families who need help with the cost can apply.
Location
Phoenix, Arizona 85041
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.