Give Your Time and Talent to a Local Charity VOLUNTEER HOUSTON Bay Area connects individuals and groups with meaningful opportunities at Bay Area non-profit organizations that need adult and youth volunteers to fulfill their mission. Volunteers benefit by meeting new people, exploring new interests, building leadership skills, developing character, improving their community and having fun!

Just a sample of area agencies needing your help...
American Red Cross located in the United Way Service Center on Bay Area Boulevard, provides numerous health and safety programs. Red Cross needs volunteers to teach health and safety classes to youth and adults, provide transportation services to the elderly and to provide clerical help in the administrative office.

Armand Bayou Nature Center, in Clear Lake, is a 2,500-acre wildlife refuge and wilderness preserve that educates the public about the environment. Volunteers can help preserve the area's fragile ecosystem including the estuarine bayou, coastal tall grass prairie and southern hardwood forest. Year-round, volunteers are needed to lead trail hikes, teach children's classes, give animal & nature demonstrations, participate in habitat restoration, coordinate special events and help in the administration office. Volunteers receive specialized training, get to participate in continuing education and can enjoy special campouts, picnics and other events.

The Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the arts in the Bay Area. Its programs include cultural arts, adult and children art classes, performing art events including drama, music concerts, dance, digital arts, literary events, chess playing, photography club, art exhibits, guest speaking, creative writing, printing paper art, etc. Volunteers with gallery experience are needed to help the Center's curator rotate monthly art exhibits. Every second Saturday, volunteers are needed to help with a children's art program, Imagination Station. And volunteers with relevant experience are needed for grant writing, research, marketing and office support.

Bay Area Meals on Wheels is looking for drivers to deliver a noon meal to shut-ins in the area. Substitute drivers are also needed to accommodate the vacation schedules of full time volunteers. Volunteers must be a minimum of 18 years old and willing to be paired with another volunteer for the deliveries. In addition, a child may accompany an adult on the route if interested. Volunteers deliver meals in pairs.

Bay Area Turning Point located in Webster, empowers survivors of family violence, sexual assault and displacement by providing crisis intervention, shelter and promoting education and awareness within the community. Volunteers are needed to help provide childcare, do housework, do landscaping, host a shelter shower, answer the hotline, provide personal accompaniment to victims, assist in advocacy for residents and help with children's services. Help is also needed in the administrative office and in the resale shop. Bilingual volunteers are urgently needed (all languages).

Bay Area Women's Center provides counseling, assistance and temporary shelter to victims of family violence and sexual assault. Volunteers are needed to provide transportation, answer the crisis hotline, help with children's programs, shelter assistance, sexual assault response member, office help, maintenance, work at the resale shop, pick up donations and consulting.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston is accepting applications for volunteers to work with children who would benefit from time with an adult role model. The critical need is for men to work with boys who are being raised by a single mom. It is very challenging to safely meet the needs of young boys for adult male companionship because traditionally, men are in short supply for this kind of volunteer opportunity. The waiting list of boys always exceeds the volunteers available. Because the client population is vulnerable, a background check is conducted on all potential volunteers as well as a personal interview. Volunteers must be able to commit at least twice per month, for a period of one year.

Boys and Girls Harbor in LaPorte is a shelter for abused, abandoned or neglected children ages 5-18. The 62-bed residence needs volunteers to help promote healthy lifestyles for kids. Volunteer host families are needed to take children into their homes for weekends or holidays (background check required). Volunteer groups are also encouraged to help by coordinating activities for children like birthday or holiday parties. During the school year, tutors are needed to help children with homework and study skills. Volunteers can also help with landscaping and maintenance duties at the 250-acre campus.

The Bridge in Pasadena provides shelter and advocacy services to victims of domestic violence and the homeless. The 65-bed emergency and 120-bed transitional shelter needs volunteers 7 days a week, days and evenings. Volunteers can: answer calls on the 24-hour telephone hotline, provide services as a resident advocate, do housekeeping and grounds work, take care of children in the onsite day-care and visit with shelter guests. Groups of volunteers can also assist in organizing birthday and holiday parties. Local professionals are encouraged to volunteer their expertise to facilitate resident workshops teaching vocational, financial and parenting skills. Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older and are required to submit to a background check. Bilingual a plus.

The Christian Renewal Center in Dickinson offers a retreat center for individuals and groups. There are indoor gathering rooms and nature trails at the center. The Christian Renewal Center needs community service workers, Confirmation students, volunteer groups, scout troops and individuals from the community to help in a variety of ways at the center. Eagle Scout projects are welcome. Volunteer laborers are needed to spread wood chips on the finished nature trail. Volunteers can also help with answering phones, office work, mailings, and kitchen set-up/clean-up for retreat groups. Youth and adult volunteers are welcome at the center. There is no age minimum for volunteers and volunteer times are flexible depending on the project.

Communities in Schools (CIS) works with the school districts to give selected schools, students and families academic and support services. CIS staff works with the community to provide tutoring, enrichment activities, parental outreach, health and human service referrals, pre-employment or employment skills training and individual or group supportive guidance. Volunteers are needed to provide homework and study help for kids, and help with all above mentioned aspects of the program.

Crisis Hotline is a telephone counseling service offered free of charge to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It offers the public an anonymous outlet to voice frustrations with life circumstances and has proven to be a critical first line defense to averting suicide and domestic violence. The telephones are staffed by trained volunteers. Volunteers need to be at least 15 years old and have a non-judgmental attitude toward others. Interested individuals should call to sign up for training.

Eastwood Clinic provides free healthcare to residents of Southeast Houston. Volunteers are greatly needed to assist in the pharmacy and in the clinic. No medical experience is necessary, but is helpful. This well-respected clinic is open Sunday through Thursday including evenings.

Family Outreach of Clear Lake is a nonprofit organization with a mission to prevent child abuse and neglect through volunteer-based community programs. Volunteers, over the age of 18, are needed throughout the week to conduct family education and intervention programs and perform general administrative tasks. Specifically, individuals are needed to staff the "Helpline" to provide counseling and information to inbound callers. Volunteers are also needed to facilitate parent and child education classes. No experience is necessary as free training is provided. Volunteers are a valuable asset in the effort to prevent child abuse and neglect, and will help create a safe and nurturing environment for local children.

Friendship Haven in Friendswood provides a total care and living facility for the elderly. Volunteer companions are needed to share a variety of activities with residence. Activities include reading, arts, crafts, games and walks. Manicures and pedicures are also a wonderful service that is both relaxing and nurturing for residents. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, fill out an application, and consent to a background check. Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday between 10am and 5pm, and on Saturday from 8:30am to 2pm.

Habitat for Humanity of the Bay Area helps people in need to build and renovate decent, affordable housing. Volunteers are needed to help with construction, fundraising, and other activities.

Harris County Youth Village is a 24-hour facility for youth. Crossroads is a program for volunteers that are needed to mentor and befriend the young men living in the village who have found themselves involved with the juvenile detention system. Youth, at-risk for juvenile delinquency, but are not yet in the juvenile detention system, are also in need of volunteers for guidance and friendship. Volunteers must be at least 21 years old. Crossroads will provide training and education in regard to the special mentoring needs of youth in the juvenile system.

Hope Village is a residential and day care facility for children and adults with mental disabilities. The Friendswood center is seeking volunteers to help in the gift shop and Tea Room restaurant on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 11:00am-2:30pm. Volunteers are also needed in the workshop to paint and prepare ceramics, anytime Monday through Friday, 9:00am-4:00pm. No experience is required and volunteers must undergo a background check and TB test.

Interfaith Caring Ministries (ICM) in Clear Lake helps people in crisis and facilitates their path to self-sufficiency through a variety of programs. ICM provides direct client services through childcare scholarships, health outreach programs, senior outreach programs, employment preparation services, food pantry assistance, and community technology services. Volunteers are needed to help in client interviews assist in the office, provide employment counseling, help in the food pantry and assist with fundraisers. Training is provided. ICM also maintains a resale shop to help fund their community programs. Volunteers are greatly needed to help sort resale items, straighten the shop, price merchandise and put items out for display. Volunteers are needed Monday through Saturday, 9:00am to 6:00pm.

The Jesse Tree in Galveston is a social service agency that provides for the needs of the community, through a holistic approach to services. The Jesse Tree offers medical provisions, emergency assistance and grocery assistance through a food pantry. Volunteers are needed to support various facets of the programs and administration.

Kensington Cottages in League City provides elderly living in a homelike atmosphere. Residents benefit from volunteer companions who can share in activities such as gardening, letter writing, arts, crafts and exercise. Activities occur in the morning and afternoon/evening hours, so volunteers can participate at their convenience. Kensington Cottage needs volunteers at least 15 years of age who can come on a regular basis to help with a variety of projects and activities with residents.

Literacy Advance of Bay Area enables functionally illiterate adults to develop reading, writing and communications skills through trained Volunteer Tutors. Established in 1964, LA works with illiterate English and non-English speaking adults. LA is a United Way Agency, a partner of the Houston READ Commission and a participant of the Texas Association of Adult Literacy Councils. Volunteer Tutors teach Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language and General Educational Development. Fifty tutors are needed to teach small groups of students at the Literacy Advance Center in the Bay Area. Training is provided and teaching experience is not required.

Lone Star Flight Museum, the largest of its kind in the Southern United States, invites the public to become volunteers. After filing a membership application, members can volunteer to work as a museum docent, polish planes, and help the mechanics. Volunteers are also needed to work concessions, help with parking and sell tickets to the annual events including the Airshow, Gala and Hanger Dance. Please support this historic "jewel of the coast" that houses historical aircrafts.

Moody Gardens in Galveston is a discovery center for kids and adults to explore the world's natural resources through interactive exhibits. With a 1.5 million gallon aquarium, a science discovery pyramid, a rainforest exhibit, a 6-story IMAX theater and more, volunteers are needed to help facilitate all activities. Volunteers are needed for the following positions: Aquarium Divers, Aquarist Keepers, Exhibit Volunteers, Greeters and Information Specialists. Duties vary by position, but volunteers must be able to commit a minimum of 8 hours per month for a period of at least one year. Morning and afternoon 4-hour shifts are available.

Our Daily Bread located in Galveston offers day shelter, limited transportation, advocacy, counseling, meals and clothing to families, those suffering from substance abuse, parolees and ex-convicts. Volunteers are needed serve and help stock the food pantry.

Project Linus provides new blankets to comfort children and teens who are hospitalized in Greater Houston. Volunteers are needed to make and donate blankets suitable for boys and girls of all ages. The preferred dimensions are 40 inches by 60 inches. Single layer fleece blankets are popular. Small children can become involved by drawing on muslin fabric with crayons before a blanket is sewn.

The Rose is a breast health care center designed to provide cancer screening, diagnosis and support to all women regardless of their ability to pay. Volunteers are needed to help in the administrative office. Volunteers with medical experience and an interest in women's health are encouraged to apply.

Sheltering Arms Senior Services: Caring individuals with a warm voice are needed for the "Telephone Reassurance Program". Volunteers are asked to place a daily phone call to a local senior citizen and can make a big difference in a small amount of time. A five-minute phone call not only ensures the safety and well being of a needy senior citizen, but also provides a caring friendship to one who has limited social contact. Volunteers are also needed for the "Senior Home Repair Program." Interested individuals can provide materials and/or labor for minor home repairs, such as the installation of safety grab bars or wheelchair ramps. Sheltering Arms volunteers can enhance the quality of life and safety of elders who have limited resources and enable those seniors to continue to live independently in a secure environment.

SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) located in San Leon promotes the respect for all animals and strives to free them from suffering, abuse, and exploitation. Volunteers are needed to help with fundraising, animal care, shelter operations, maintenance, etc.

V.I.S.I.O.N.S. (Volunteers Insuring Success In Our Neighborhood Students) is an after-school enrichment program benefiting the children in third, fourth and fifth grade. Volunteers are needed throughout the school year to drive vans, tutor in core academic classes and provide enrichment classes in art, music, cooking, writing and computer use. Volunteers can help any day Monday through Friday between 3:30pm and 6:00pm.

Wildlife Rehab and Education is recruiting animal lovers to support their rehab and education programs. Learn about wildlife rehabilitation and volunteer to help injured and orphaned wild animals. Free training sessions are held throughout the year in Webster to teach the basics of wildlife rehab and how to get involved in nature preservation.

Women's Resource and Crisis Center in Galveston promotes the safety and well being of women, children and families and advocates for the prevention of family violence and sexual assault. Volunteers are needed for legal advocacy, sexual assault programs and shelter assistance.

---

YOUTH-FRIENDLY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Armand Bayou Nature Center, in Clear Lake, is a 2,500-acre wildlife refuge and wilderness preserve that educates the public about the environment. Volunteers can help preserve the area's fragile ecosystem including the estuarine bayou, coastal tall grass prairie and southern hardwood forest. Year-round, volunteers are needed to lead trail hikes, teach children's classes, give animal & nature demonstrations, participate in habitat restoration, coordinate special events and help in the administration office. Volunteers receive specialized training, get to participate in continuing education and can enjoy special campouts, picnics and other events. Local kids are needed year-round to participate in habitat restoration and park clean-up. In summer, teens are needed to assist with the center's Eco-Camp activities. Call 281-474-2551 for information.

Bay Area Meals on Wheels: Clear Lake area youth ages 11-18 can participate in the meal program when accompanied by an adult age driver. Youth and adults deliver meals to home-bound and elderly individuals. Contact Dorothy Foust at 281-486-1491.

Bay Area Women's Center: Youth and groups can support the center, located in Baytown, by painting the interior of the facility. Mural projects are encouraged! Youth can also volunteer to help in the childcare center and with kids activities. Call 281-424-3300 to learn more.

Battleship Texas in LaPorte needs youth and adult volunteers to work at the San Jacinto Battleground and Battleship Texas State Park. Volunteers can help with restoration, maintenance, curatorial projects, exhibits, educational programs, act as a tour guide and participate in living history events on the Battleship. Call 281-479-2431 for information.

The Bridge in Pasadena provides shelter and advocacy services to victims of domestic violence and the homeless. The 65-bed emergency and 120-bed transitional shelter needs volunteers 7 days a week, days and evenings. Volunteers can: answer calls on the 24-hour telephone hotline, provide services as a resident advocate, do housekeeping and grounds work, take care of children in the onsite day-care and visit with shelter guests. Groups of volunteers can also assist in organizing birthday and holiday parties. Local professionals are encouraged to volunteer their expertise to facilitate resident workshops teaching vocational, financial and parenting skills. Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older and are required to submit to a background check. Bilingual a plus. Call 713-472-0753 to volunteer.

Challenger 7 Park & Community Garden: The community garden at Challenger 7 Park in League City is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization that produces a variety of organic fruits and vegetables to donate to local food pantries. Youth volunteers participate by planting, tending and harvesting the produce throughout the year. Area food pantries then receive an abundance of produce to distribute to local needy families. No experience is necessary and tools are available. Call Ms. Davila at 281-332-5157 to sign up.

Crisis Teen Hotline in Clear Lake needs teens over the age of 15 to answer phone calls on the Crisis Teenline. Volunteers receive thorough training to help other teens calling in times of crisis dealing with relationships, alcohol/drug abuse, depression, stress, etc. Acting as a crisis volunteer is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in the fields of mental health and psychology, while helping others. Call 281-282-6046 to learn more and register for training.

Helen Hall Library in League City is seeking volunteers ages 12-17 to help with the summer tutoring and reading programs for children. Tutors will assist children k-3rd grade improve scholastic skills. Reading buddies will read to or with a child ages 1-8 years. Volunteers must love children, and be able to commit at least several hours for training and service in May, June and July. Tutoring shifts are available days and evenings, weekdays and weekends. Reading programs are scheduled for Thursdays from 10-11am. Application required. Training begins in early May. Call Jeannie Kunzinger at 281-316-3434 to apply.

Kensington Cottages in League City provides elderly living in a homelike atmosphere. Residents benefit from volunteer companions who can share in activities such as gardening, letter writing, arts, crafts and exercise. Activities occur in the morning and afternoon/evening hours, so volunteers can participate at their convenience. Kensington Cottage needs volunteers at least 15 years of age who can visit on a regular basis to help with a variety of projects and activities with residents. Call Karen Crites at 281-316-4281.

Nature Conservancy in Texas City needs youth and adult volunteers for environmental preservation projects. Through the help of dedicated volunteers, the Nature Conservancy restores prairie habitat and its wildlife. Volunteers will work with one of the best wildlife management teams in the Southwest to clean up parks, restore habitats and monitor animal life. Monthly workdays are scheduled: May 8, June 1, July 10, Aug 3, Sept 4, Oct 5, Nov 6 and Dec 7. Call Mitch Philpot at 409-941-9114 to learn more.

Ronald McDonald House: Located in Galveston, RMH is a home-away-from-home for the families of children who are hospitalized for the treatment of serious and long-term illnesses. Volunteers are needed to prepare meals, change beds, answer telephones, work fund raisers, donate items, help with parties for residents and participate in group work days. Contact RMH at 409-762-0609 to learn how to help.

St. Johns Hospital: Youth who will be at least 16 years old by June can volunteer at the hospital doing a variety of tasks. Volunteers will work in the gift shop, serve refreshments, assist with office work and deliver meal trays to patients. Volunteers who apply must attend an orientation. Call Ebbie Creden at 281-333-5503 to apply.

The Salvation Army in Pasadena provides social services and activities for children, families and seniors. Volunteers can assist at Salvation Army's Boys & Girls Club, helping with activities, games and sports. Volunteers can also help in the senior center with bingo, crafts and other activities. Call Emily Bruffy at 713-378-0020 for details.

United Cerebral Palsy Camp: UCP conducts a week-long summer day camp and an overnight camp for children with disabilities including cerebral palsy, autism, down syndrome and mental retardation. Volunteer camp "buddies" work one-on-one with the campers, attending all activities and helping with their camper's daily tasks. Day camp volunteers must be 16 or older, and teens 14 or 15 can volunteer accompanied by a parent. Overnight camp volunteers must be 16 or older. Volunteers must be able to stay the entire day each day, all week long, and must provide their own transportation to camp. Camp Buckaroo day camp is conducted June 21-25, July 19-23, and July 26-30 on West Gray Street in Houston. Camp Smiles overnight camp is scheduled for July 3-9 in Burton, TX. APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY MAY 15, 2004. Call Christine Ellery at 713-838-9050 x332 for more information.


^ back to top ^