Austin Partners In Education provides classroom coaches who have a special combined role as tutor and mentor. Reading coaches provide consistent, positive support for 2-3 elementary or middle school students each week. This is a great way to support teachers, motivate students, and share life experiences that help promote a love of reading while helping students study vocabulary, improve fluency, and work on comprehension. Spanish speakers are particularly needed for elementary school students. Volunteers will attend an orientation training and receive a volunteer reading binder (which includes the weekly texts, discussion topics, and activities). A criminal background check will be run, and volunteers are asked to commit to 45 minutes/week for a semester, or preferably the school year.

Austin Partners In Education provides classroom coaches who have a special combined role as tutor and mentor. Math coaches provide consistent, positive support for 2-3 middle school students each week. This is a great way to support teachers, motivate students, and share life experiences that help make learning math relevant. Volunteers will attend an orientation training and receive a volunteer math binder (which includes steps and answers). A criminal background check will be run, and volunteers are asked to commit to 45 minutes/week for a semester, or preferably the school year.

LBJ Early College High School in East Austin is looking for mentors to support their students. Mentors will meet with students and establish an ongoing positive relationship with their mentee. Times are flexible, and a background check through Austin Partners In Education will be performed.

LBJ Early College High School in East Austin is looking for tutors to support their students. Tutors will meet with students after school and help students in a variety of academic subject areas. A background check through Austin Partners In Education will be performed.

The BeHive provides afterschool and summer programming to underserved elementary school children in Austin, and they are looking for volunteers to serve as teaching assistants who will help teachers prepare for the day, facilitate lessons, and manage the classroom. Volunteers will complete an application packet, pass a background check, and attend a 45-minute volunteer orientation.

The BeHive provides afterschool and summer programming to underserved elementary school children in Austin, and they are looking for dynamic, experienced people to lead staff development workshops. This volunteer position is ideal for those with a background in education or working with at-risk elementary students. Possible workshop ideas include (but are not limited to): behavior management, working with at-risk youth, effective tutoring strategies, child development, etc. Volunteers will complete an application packet, pass a background check, and attend a 45-minute volunteer orientation.

The BeHive provides afterschool and summer programming to underserved elementary school children in Austin, and they are looking for tutors to work one-on-one with their afterschool students and support their academic performance by tutoring in a variety of subjects, including math, reading, writing, and ESL. Volunteers will complete an application packet, pass a background check, and attend a 45-minute volunteer orientation.

The BeHive provides afterschool and summer programming to underserved elementary school children in Austin, and they are looking for volunteers to serve as activity leaders on Friday afternoons. Example activities include art, science experiments, foreign language lessons, etc., and can reflect what the volunteer is passionate about and wants to share with children. This is a great opportunity for one-time or ongoing visits. Volunteers will complete an application packet, pass a background check, and attend a 45-minute volunteer orientation.

Communities In Schools supports students and families across Austin. Through their Tech Tots program, they help families learn basic computer skills such as creating an email account, exploring Microsoft Word, and playing educational computer games with young children. Volunteers meet with the family in their home once a month, providing tech support and tech literacy opportunities for the entire family. This opportunity begins at the start of semesters, meeting once a month for six months. Volunteers must be 18+ years old, attend one Tech Tots training, and undergo a criminal background check. Scheduling is flexible, and volunteers should be comfortable going to the family’s home and interacting with parents and children.

Through programs such as RBI Austin, TCS Club Volleyball and summer camps and clinics, Total City Sports exists to develop Austin’s next generation of athletes and leaders through premier athletic programming and healthy adult relationships. They envision a community restored through athletics and mentoring and are holding info sessions for those interested in getting involved in 2012. There are various ways to serve (coaches, mentors, general volunteers, etc.) and specific requirements will be covered at the info sessions.

LaunchPad runs various afterschool programs for youth at Dobie Middle School in Northeast Austin. Their soccer program is in high-demand, and they are looking for volunteers (lead instructor and assistants) to help with the programming, including leading/assisting in drills, scrimmages, and games. Volunteers should have some soccer experience, a heart for youth, commit to serving at least twice/month, be 18 or older, and complete an application and background check.

LaunchPad runs various afterschool programs for youth at Dobie Middle School in Northeast Austin. Their “Living For Success” program is looking for volunteers to lead or assist with programming, including leadership/character building lessons, arts and crafts, robotics, snack times, and other enrichment activities. Volunteers should have a heart for youth, commit to serving at least twice/month, be 18 or older, and complete an application and background check.

Caring Family Network - a foster care and adoption agency in The For the City Center - was selected by the LIVESTRONG Austin Marathon as one of the 26 charities featured along the course. Each charity will man a water stop on race day (Sunday, February 19, 2012), and CFN is recruiting volunteers. Support foster care and adoption by helping to hydrate runners and manning the water stop!

Wonders & Worries helps children cope when a parent faces a serious or life-threatening illness. They host 6-8 client events throughout the year and would like a photographer to capture high quality, print-ready images for public relations and media opportunities. Photography experience is required (professional-grade camera and portfolio/samples), and a five-day turnaround of digital images is requested.

A guest presenter is an enthusiastic speaker who comes and speaks to children about their occupation and/or one of their favorite hobbies. Guest presentations happen on Wednesday afternoons during Christian Outreach Foundation’s afterschool programming. Past guests have included chefs, nurses, sports reporters, college athletes, firefighters, and musicians. Come teach kids about your profession, and inspire them to do something great!

Christian Outreach Foundation runs an afterschool program for children, and volunteers are requested to support the program by helping children (Kindergarten - 5th grade) with their homework and participating in arts & crafts, outdoor recreation, Bible study, and various other activities. The afterschool program is held at Oak Springs Elementary, Monday - Friday from 3 - 6pm in accordance with the Austin ISD calendar. A background check and training is required for each volunteer.

Austin Achievement Zone is an organization advocating for improved education and socio-economic development in the St. John neighborhood. They are seeking a volunteer who will work directly with the AAZ Board of Directors Chair to coordinate administrative activity for AAZ. Duties include tracking board activities, setting up board meetings, drafting minutes, etc. and time required is 5-10 hours/week with peaks leading to board meetings and/or special forums. Volunteer should be a self starter and good communicator with good follow through. Days/times are flexible as long as access to email/internet is available.

Imagine Art is a ministry serving artists with disabilities in East Austin. They are seeking artist mentors to partner with individuals who would like to gain knowledge in specific skill sets, including Flash animation, clay sculpting, children’s book illustration, and/or comic book creation. Experience is preferred, and all materials/software can be provided.

Imagine Art is a ministry serving artists with disabilities in East Austin. They are seeking a volunteer with carpentry skills who can cut masonite boards and build stretcher bar frames to stretch canvas on. Carpentry experience is needed; a work area with necessary materials and tools is provided.

Imagine Art is a ministry serving artists with disabilities in East Austin. They are looking for a videographer to help capture and share stories about what God is doing through the Imagine Art community. Videography experience is required. Camera, lighting, space, and access to a computer with Final Cut Pro can be provided.

Casa Marianella provides shelter and services for immigrants in Austin. They operate two houses for their clients, and volunteers with repair/maintenance experience can share their gifts and skills in minor repairs (patching holes, repairing door handles, installing door stops, etc.). Volunteers need to be 18 or older; the ability to bring personal tools is preferred.

The Ronald McDonald House offers families a place to sleep, eat, and relax while their children receive medical treatment at nearby hospitals. Volunteers are the backbone of the House, providing the assistance needed to keep the House a welcoming place for our guests. Since duties may include everything from administrative office tasks to housekeeping, being flexible and willing to pitch in where needed is appreciated. House Volunteers must be at least 18 years old to qualify for this position and are asked to fulfill a three-hour shift once a week for a period of at least 6 months. The shifts run every day from 9am - 9pm.

The Ronald McDonald Family Rooms provide a place of respite for parents and families of children hospitalized in the NICU at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center and at Dell Children’s Medical Center. Volunteers act as “room monitors” to make sure the room is clean and tidy, that drinks and snacks are available, and to provide answers to general questions or provide a listening ear if a family member wants to visit. Read more about and see photos and video of the St. David’s Family Room at http://www.rmhc-austin.org/family-room. Details about the DCMC Family Room can be found here:  http://www.rmhc-austin.org/dell-childrens. Family Room Volunteers must be at least 18 years old to qualify for this position. The hospital requires a background check, which they run. Volunteers are asked to fulfill a four-hour shift once a week for a period of at least six months. Shifts run every day between 9am - 9pm.

Imagine Art is a ministry serving artists with disabilities in East Austin. As part of their ministry, they run a fine art studio. This safe, creative, and accessible space allows the artists to access quality professional materials, tools, and equipment. They are seeking guest artists to lead art workshops, and they are open to any fine art skills and have equipment on site for glass kiln work, ceramics, painting, drawing, and more. These workshops will help the artists integrate with the greater Austin arts community while gaining new skill sets. Volunteers should be experienced and able to share their skill with others.

Imagine Art is a ministry serving artists with disabilities in East Austin. As part of their ministry, they run a fine art studio. This safe, creative, and accessible space allows the artists to access quality professional materials, tools, and equipment. Studio assistant volunteers are needed to help artists get supplies, set up, and be on-hand for assistance. American Sign Language (ASL) proficient volunteers are also needed to help deaf artists. The studio is a great place to build relationships, promote learning and skill development, and explore your creativity. Art experience is helpful but not required.

Imagine Art is a ministry serving artists with disabilities in East Austin. They are looking for a photographer to assist with a variety of projects, including taking candid photos of artists at work in the studio and at special events, partnering with video team to take photos that accompany artists’ video testimonies, and training staff on how to better light and document pieces of art. An experienced photographer is preferred, and lights, tripod and camera can be provided as needed.

The South Austin Pregnancy Resource Center is in need of parenting mentors. Mentors are seasoned mothers who desire to share their wisdom and experience with new mothers. This opportunity can be offered in a classroom environment or in a one-on-one mentoring situation. Times are flexible, and both English- and Spanish-speaking mentors are needed. Mentors should be 30 or older, complete an application and interview, and submit to a criminal background check.

The South Austin Pregnancy Resource Center is in need of support with office/clerical work and data entry, specifically the compilation of client information into a computer program. Training will be provided, and times are flexible. Volunteers are required to be 18 or older, complete an application and interview, and submit to a criminal background check.

A client advocate at the South Austin Pregnancy Resource Center personally meets with the client to receive the intake information. The advocate will then aid the client with the requested service(s). Services offered may include pregnancy tests, sonograms, material goods, and/or community referrals. Training will be provided, including ways to share the Gospel, educate clients on sexual integrity, discuss the sanctity of life, and present adoption as a positive option. Advocates are required to be 18 or older, complete an application and interview, submit to a criminal background check and attend trainings, including shadowing seasoned advocates. Advocates will engage in conversations with the client regarding personal matters that require much compassion. Spanish-speaking advocates are especially needed.

Economic Growth Business Incubator (EGBI) trains small business and start-up owners in key areas of owning a small business. Instructors are needed to teach modules, including professionals in accounting, banking, insurance, marketing, and social media. Content and presentations will be provided, but experience in subject matter is required. Programs run every eight weeks; each module once per eight weeks.

Movin’ and Groovin’ - a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church - collects gently-used basic furniture items (i.e. beds, dressers, sofas, dining tables, etc.) for delivery to families exiting homelessness. Furniture donations are needed year-round, and pick-up can be arranged.

Movin’ and Groovin’ - a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church - provides gently-used furniture to families exiting homelessness. Volunteers are needed on Saturdays to help pick up and deliver furniture donations. Most activity is centered in the St. John neighborhood and supports families referred by agencies such as Interfaith Hospitality Network, Caritas, Webb Family Resource Center, and Iglesia Familiar Ebenezer. Volunteers should be 18 or older and physically strong enough to help move items as heavy as dressers and sofa sleepers, sometimes up stairs. No training or background check is required.

Come meet someone new and help a senior neighbor get out of their home. Faith in Action Caregivers provides the training and matches up volunteers with seniors who no longer drive. Volunteers will help seniors go grocery shopping, attend medical appointments, and run other errands. Volunteers need a good driving record and must pass a criminal background check. Personal references are checked, and a one-hour training session is required.

The Storehouse Food Mission is located in Pflugerville, and volunteers are needed for client intake, including capturing client information, general customer service, and praying with the client. Volunteer should be friendly, compassionate, resourceful, a good listener, and willing to pray with clients. Training is required.

The Storehouse Food Mission is located in Pflugerville, and volunteers are needed to support warehouse operations, including stocking shelves, bagging and carrying out groceries, and general customer service. Volunteer should be friendly and compassionate and be able to lift 10 or more pounds, push a grocery cart, and stand for extended periods of time.

The Storehouse Food Mission is located in Pflugerville, and volunteers are needed for data entry, including updating client information, basic computer use, and general customer service. Volunteer should be friendly and compassionate, have basic computer skills, and be trained on The Storehouse’s database system.

Each year EF Foundation for Foreign Study brings nearly 3,000 exchange students from 25 countries to the U.S. to live with a family, attend a year of high school, and experience life in the U.S. firsthand. The International Exchange Coordinator (IEC) supports the student and family throughout this process. The IEC matches exchange students to caring host families in their community, enrolls the student in area schools, and offers guidance and support throughout the year. Prospective IECs must be 25 years or older and comply with the screening process, including a criminal background check.

Each year EF Foundation for Foreign Study brings nearly 3,000 students from 25 countries to the U.S. to spend a year living as a member of a volunteer host family. These host families open their home to foreign teenagers 15-18 years old, and the students come to the U.S. with insurance and spending money. Host homes must have one head of household who is 25 years or older, provide room and board, and comply with the screening process, including a criminal background check.

Welcome families help international exchange students transition to the U.S. and settle into their new community by hosting them for 6-8 weeks at the beginning of their term. Welcome families have the option to extend their hosting experience. Each year EF Foundation for Foreign Study brings nearly 3,000 students from 25 countries to the U.S. to spend a year living as a member of a volunteer host family. These host families open their home to foreign teenagers 15-18 years old, and the students come to the U.S. with insurance and spending money. Host homes must have one head of household who is 25 years or older, provide room and board, and comply with the screening process, including a criminal background check.

At Austin Pregnancy Resource Center, client advocates meet with pregnant women to share information about pregnancy and the sanctity of life. This is a great way to minister to women in need. Volunteers are required to complete an application, interview, and background check, and provide a letter from their pastor.

Austin Pregnancy Resource Center maintains a baby boutique for expecting and new mothers to obtain such necessities as diapers, wipes, baby clothes, formula, etc. Volunteers are desired to host a baby shower that will help replenish APRC’s baby boutique. There are no specific requirements to serve in this capacity.

In conjunction with Major League Baseball’s completed renovation of the Reagan HS baseball field, RBI Austin (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities; http://www.rbiaustin.org) is coordinating volunteers who will assist with the ongoing maintenance of the field.  Duties can include mowing, dragging the infield dirt, edging, pulling weeds from the warning track and more.  No experience necessary; volunteers will be trained.  RBI Austin uses the field for year-round clinics, summer leagues, and practices.

RBI Austin (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities; http://www.rbiaustin.org) is an affiliate of Major League Baseball and is designed to increase participation and interest in baseball and softball among underserved youth. It also focuses on academic participation and achievement and promoting a greater inclusion of minorities into the mainstream of the game. RBI Austin is looking for volunteer coaches to assist with RBI high school practices, free monthly clinics and private lessons for RBI players.  Volunteer times are flexible and baseball/softball experience is preferred, but not required.

RBI Austin (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities; http://www.rbiaustin.org) is an affiliate of Major League Baseball and is designed to increase participation and interest in baseball and softball among underserved youth. It also focuses on academic participation and achievement and promoting a greater inclusion of minorities into the mainstream of the game. RBI Austin provides year-round mentoring, free monthly clinics, and affordable summer leagues for underserved youth ages 4-18. Opportunities include mentoring RBI players, providing food and drinks for clinics and/or the weekly Player Development Program, and assisting with administrative needs. RBI Austin is always in need of Spanish-speaking volunteers.

International High School is composed of 9th and 10th grade students from across the world. Many are new to the United States and begin with limited English proficiency. IHS supports the students in their transition and prepares them for success. Classroom coaches are needed to support the teachers by providing assistance to students, either one-on-one or in a group. Volunteers are needed in all academic subject areas, and each area has a strong focus on English language development. Although bilingual volunteers are a plus, it is not a requirement.

In order for the youth to attend and participate in the Wednesday activities, Street Youth Ministry is looking for volunteers who are able to sit and watch the youth’s pets (dogs and cats). All animals are in good health and have their shots; training is provided.

Communities In Schools’ ASPIRE program (Achieving Success through Parental Involvement, Reading, and Education) at The For the City Center is looking for volunteers to serve as early childhood education classroom assistants who will support staff in the infant, toddler, and preschool rooms. Volunteers will help provide a safe, educational, and supportive environment for children while their parents are engaged in GED or ESL classes. Volunteers should have early childhood or preschool experience and be over the age of 18. Volunteers are requested to come once or twice a week for a minimum of four months. Volunteers will undergo a criminal background check prior to beginning and meet with the ASPIRE Staff members for an orientation.

This opportunity with Communities In Schools allows volunteers to engage students in an afterschool setting on various Housing Authority for the City of Austin (HACA) housing sites across Austin. The SmartKids program is a safe and supportive place for students to be after school with CIS staff and volunteers. Programming runs from 3 - 6pm Monday - Thursday and includes homework assistance and enrichment activities. Schedule and location of volunteer placement is determined once the volunteer has attended a training and undergone a criminal background check. Volunteers must be over the age of 18 and have access to reliable transportation.

Communities In Schools’ ASPIRE program (Achieving Success through Parental Involvement, Reading, and Education) at The For the City Center works with families by teaching GED and ESL courses to parents, while providing literacy enrichment preschool for their young children. Volunteers are desired to tutor parents in ESL and GED classes, setting their schedule with the program coordinator. Volunteers must have previous tutoring or teaching experience, commit for four months, and be over the age of 18. Volunteers will complete an application and criminal background check.

Big Brothers Big Sisters currently has a waiting list of over 300 kids, most of which are boys. They are looking for male mentors to help minimize this waiting list. Mentors meet with their “Little” on a regular basis, 3-4 times/month, doing regular, everyday activities. The volunteer must be 18+ and must go through an application process that consists of an application, background check, interview, and training.

In Texas, approximately 400,000 children have a parent in jail, and statistics show that 70% of those children will end up in jail themselves. Amachi is a Big Brothers Big Sisters initiative to mentor children with a parent or close family member in jail, prison, or on parole. As part of BBBS’ Community-Based Mentoring Program, volunteers would meet with their “Little” 3-4 times/month on their own time for a minimum of one year. The volunteer must be 18+ and must go through an application process that consists of an application, background check, interview, and training.

As part of their Wednesday activities, Street Youth Ministry is looking for friendly faces to greet the street-dependent youth and make them feel welcomed. Volunteers will be trained and are also invited to participate in the time of fellowship.

Street Youth Ministry has several activities that require transportation for the street-dependent youth. Volunteers are needed on Wednesday afternoons and/or evenings to help transport youth. Afternoon volunteers will drive a 24-passenger church bus (valid Texas commercial driver’s license for small buses is required), and evening volunteers will drive their own vehicle (valid driver’s license, safe vehicle, and current insurance required).

On Friday afternoons Street Youth Ministry goes to the “Drag” near The University of Texas campus and serves street-dependent youth by giving them food, clothing, etc.and getting to know them through casual conversations. Volunteers are invited to join SYM in this outreach. Volunteers are required to be 16 years or older (or under 16 and accompanied by an adult).

Street Youth Ministry has Bible studies on Tuesday afternoons and small groups on Wednesday evenings for the street-dependent youth they serve. Volunteers are needed help set up for the Bible study/small group, fellowship with the youth, and facilitate discussion (no advance preparation required). This is a great way to form relationships and share the Gospel.

Street Youth Ministry coordinates “wash days” for street-dependent young people to do laundry and have access to fresh clothing, toiletries, snacks, and fellowship. Orientation, training, and debriefing is provided. This opportunity is intended for groups of 12-24 people.

As part of their prayer times, Bible studies, and outreach, Street Youth Ministry provides snacks and meals to the street-dependent youth they serve. Volunteers are needed to provide breakfast baked goods for Monday prayer, lunches for Tuesday Bible study, and/or Friday lunches. Suggested menus will be provided. Volunteers may stay and serve the snacks/meals or drop them off beforehand.

The Capital Area Food Bank has two “Wheels of Sharing” mobile food pantries that travel to fill geographic and service gaps in emergency food assistance. These distributions occur in multiple locations throughout CAFB’s 21-county service area, including Austin, Lexington, Bartlett, Lott, Cedar Park, Mustang Ridge, Fredericksburg, San Saba, Johnson City, Uhland, and Kosse. Volunteers will meet the mobile food pantry trucks at the distribution location and help unload and give food to clients. Volunteers need to be 18 years or older (or 12 years or older and accompanied by an adult).

The St. John Community Food Center at The For the City Center is a model food pantry operated by the Capital Area Food Bank. Volunteers are needed to assist with weekly distributions on Wednesday mornings and the first Monday morning of the month (specifically for elderly clients). Volunteer duties include include processing new intake forms, assisting clients with client choice selections, carrying groceries to cars, and restocking shelves as needed. Volunteers need to be 18 years or older (or 12 years or older and accompanied by an adult) and able to lift 30 pounds or more.

The St. John Community Food Center at The For the City Center is a model food pantry operated by the Capital Area Food Bank. Volunteers are needed to stock the shelves on Tuesdays mornings in preparation for Wednesday distributions. Volunteer duties include assisting with unloading incoming food order, stocking shelves, and light clean-up. Volunteers need to be 18 years or older (or 12 years or older and accompanied by an adult) and able to lift 30 pounds or more.

Sorting donations in the Capital Area Food Bank’s warehouse gives volunteers a “behind-the-scenes” look at how donations from the community get to hungry Central Texans. Volunteers inspect, clean, sort, box, and make donations ready for distribution to Partner Agencies and their clients. Three-hour shifts occur on Monday - Saturday mornings/afternoons and Thursday evenings. Youth (ages 8-17) and their families (21 and older) are able to volunteer on the evening of the first Tuesday of the month.

Care Teams provide practical and compassionate support for people (Care Partner) living with a life-threatening illness. Support from a Care Team member may include cooking, cleaning, light yard work, transportation to medical appointments, pet/childcare, and companionship. Duties do not include medical or personal care. Each member of the Care Team is requested to be available to support their Care Partner for four hours/month (on average) for up to one year. Volunteers are required to complete an application, attend a one-time, three-hour training, and submit to a background check. Optional ongoing trainings and educational sessions are available.

Smart Start is a Bible-based after school program for elementary school children St. John. Classroom assistants tutor, help with character formation lessons, and play with the kids during recreation. Volunteers must be Christian adults, submit to a background check, and attend an orientation.

Every Saturday morning Community New Start organizes games of kickball for children in St. John. Volunteers schedule the date desired and provide lunch for the kids afterwards. Adult volunteers must be Christian and sign a Child Protection Policy agreement.

Community New Start provides free, quality Christian afterschool programs for children in St. John neighborhood schools, and they are looking for 15 large, durable backpacks for their afterschool teachers. Backpacks should be adult-size and can be new or gently-used.

Community New Start is looking for Christian adults to mentor middle and high school students living in poverty. Through their Side-by-Side Mentoring program, mentors meet with students for one hour per week (for a minimum of 12 months), developing a relationship founded on Christian principles. Volunteers are required to be 18 years or older, submit to three background checks, attend orientation and continued training, and meet regularly with the program coordinator.

The Care Communities provides practical and compassionate support, through volunteer Care Teams, for individuals with a serious illness. Many times the Care Team members need some additional assistance when it comes to large projects such as landscaping, painting a Care Partner’s (client’s) home, building a new structure, providing a deep house clean, etc. One Day Wonder volunteers are required to be 18 years or older and be comfortable managing the project under the direction of the Care Partner (client). A staff member will drop in during the day, but space is provided for the group to work without the supervision of a staff member.

The Care Communities serves Care Partners (their clients) who are living with a serious illness. One way they serve is by brightening their day, week, or month with an individualized Care Kit based on the client’s wish list. Volunteers will provide a Care Kit for a Care Partner.

Thousands of international students come to Austin every year, and International Students Inc. helps coordinate many different activities and experiences for them. ISI is looking for individuals, groups, or families to host a dinner for two or more students. Day, time, and meal is flexible. Volunteers need to have a desire to develop relationships with international students. Transportation to and from the UT campus area may be required.

Many international students reside at The University of Texas’ Married Student Housing, and International Students Inc. coordinates English conversation classes for these students and their families. While ESL training is not required, volunteers need to be able to speak English well and understand middle school grammar. Volunteers are encouraged to lead conversations and develop relationships.

Many married international students come to The University of Texas to study for two to eight years, often bringing only suitcases. International Students Inc. has two storage trailers with donated furniture that is loaned out to these students and help them transition to Austin. Volunteers are needed to obtain and organize furniture, maintain the website with furniture available, and deliver the furniture. This opportunity often provides for relationship building with the students. For volunteers who can assist with moving and delivering the furniture, a truck can be provided.

Adopting a teacher is a great way for individuals and/or groups to build relationships and bless Reagan teachers and students in the St. John neighborhood. Serve as an extra hand in a classroom by tutoring or helping with various other tasks. Volunteers are required to commit to one hour/week and complete a background check through Austin Partners In Education.

Want to support Reagan High School coaches, student-athletes, and parents? Booster club volunteers are needed for various tasks, including selling merchandise and concessions at sporting events. Times vary, but usually occur during evening hours.

With the help of many volunteers and organizations, Reagan High School – the high school in the St. John community – is now rated as “academically acceptable”. However, there is still much to be done to get the school and its students where they need to be. Tutoring is a great way to serve this school and community, and opportunities are available in a variety of subject areas and time slots. Volunteers are required to commit to one hour/week and complete a background check through Austin Partners In Education.

Reagan High School is in need of mentors to build supportive relationships with students. Mentors usually meet with students during lunch hours. This program is not community-based, however, if you are interested in eventually meeting a student’s family or growing in a deeper relationship, there is room for flexibility upon parents’ consent. Volunteers are required to complete a background check through Austin Partners In Education.

Austin LifeCare’s phone line is transferred directly to volunteers’ phones every evening, weekend, and holiday so that women in crisis can talk to someone who cares and schedule pregnancy test appointments 24/7. This position can be fulfilled wherever you have access to your cell phone, and available positions include weekly and bi-weekly volunteers and “subs” who can cover shifts on an as-needed basis. Shifts are 5-18 hours long, and the average number of calls per shift varies between 0-8 calls. Volunteers are required to be 18 or over, attend LifeCare 101 (an introduction class for volunteers) and 201 (take-home training material), complete an application and interview, submit to a criminal background check, and shadow staff to see how different calls are handled.

PAL (Partners Affirming Life) Mentors have a mentoring relationship with a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy. PAL Mentors stay in touch with their client weekly (either in person or on the phone) to provide emotional and spiritual support. Developing the mentoring relationship usually happens out in the community and schedules are determined by the client and volunteer. This position is great for women or married couples who enjoy discipling, practical service, and encouraging others through difficult times. Volunteers are required to be 21 or over, attend LifeCare 101 (an introduction class for volunteers) and 201 (take-home training material), complete an application and interview, submit to a criminal background check, complete PAL program orientation (by appointment) and attend quarterly PAL support meetings.

At Austin LifeCare, a peer counselor meets with clients to complete intake interviews, assist with pregnancy tests, and offer options counseling and support services. This position will involve direct client contact and is great for people skilled in building rapport with others, active listening, and educating. Volunteers are required to be 21 or over, attend LifeCare 101 (an introduction class for volunteers), 201 and 301 (take-home training materials) complete an application and interview, submit to a criminal and child abuse/neglect background check, and shadow other peer counselors.