Ride On St. Louis Volunteer Jeanne Johnson Receives Prestigious Show Me Service Volunteer Award

Volunteer Extraordinaire: Jeanne Johnson Honored with Statewide Service Award

At Ride On St. Louis, we’re used to seeing extraordinary things—children taking their first steps, veterans rediscovering hope, and individuals with disabilities experiencing joy and freedom through equine-assisted services. But behind many of these life-changing moments is someone you might not see in the arena or on the front lines.

Her name is Jeanne Johnson, and this April, she’s getting the recognition she never asked for—but so deeply deserves.

On April 22, 2025, Jeanne was honored with the prestigious Show Me Service Volunteer Award during Missouri Service Day at the State Capitol in Jefferson City. The award, presented during the 23rd Annual Show Me Service Awards ceremony, recognizes exceptional volunteers from across the state who have gone above and beyond to strengthen their communities. Jeanne's name was called among a select group of Missourians who represent the best of what service means.

A Volunteer Who Does It All—And Then Some

Jeanne has served Ride On St. Louis with unmatched dedication for more than a decade, contributing more than 1,600 volunteer hours in the last year alone. She handles everything from bookkeeping and billing to event planning and office management, behind the scenes. But it’s not just her tireless work ethic that makes her stand out. It’s the way she's always one step ahead and willing to help.

When Ride On St. Louis embarked on our Forever Home campaign, operating from temporary sites for six years, Jeanne quite literally opened her doors—transforming her own home into a makeshift headquarters. Files, office equipment, staff meetings—Jeanne welcomed it all. Her selfless act ensured our operations never missed a beat during one of the most pivotal chapters in our organization’s history.

Since 2011, Jeanne’s efforts have:

• Helped us serve 1,000+ individuals with disabilities and challenges

• Saved the organization nearly $750,000 in staffing costs

• Supported 10+ community and fundraising events, increasing public awareness and donor support

• Processed and organized over 1,500 financial and administrative documents

• Kept Ride On St. Louis running during a multi-year facility transition!

Jeanne avoids the spotlight, often dodging photos and brushing off praise. But as one staff member said, “If Ride On St. Louis had an MVP, it would be Jeanne. She does the work of an entire team, never asks for recognition. She’s our steady hand, our safety net, and our secret weapon all rolled into one.”

A Legacy of Quiet Impact

We’ve always known Jeanne was a hero in our midst. Now the entire state gets to know, too.

The Show Me Service Volunteer Awards ceremony, hosted by the Missouri Community Service Commission, took place at the Capitol on April 22 and featured a message from Lieutenant Governor David Wasinger, alongside tributes to volunteers of all ages from across Missouri.

About Ride On St. Louis

Ride On St. Louis is a charitable nonprofit enriching lives through equine-assisted services that promote health, joy, and holistic healing. Since 1998, we've helped children and adults with disabilities and health challenges achieve independence, inclusion, and life-changing outcomes. Our programs unite community members in service, transforming shared values into impactful action.