Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities
Each year, many retirees gladly share their expertise and donate thousands of hours of their time to charitable, civic and educational causes. These former TIers often apply their business and process management skills in support of non-profit organizations in their local communities.
In addition to TIAA's monthly Community Involvement Team activities, we frequently learn about other Dallas-area volunteer opportunities that are available. Some are timed events while others are on-going opportunities.
Individual Volunteer Events
Hendrick Scholarship Foundation (posted 4/9/2021)
Hendrick Scholarship Foundation (HSF) is celebrating its 30th year of providing Plano ISD graduates who have overcome adversity with scholarships and support services to promote success in life through education. In an effort to ensure that most of our valuable fundraising dollars go directly to our scholars, we operate on a largely volunteer basis.
Due to the engagement of our volunteers and the support services they provide, our students go on to graduate from their programs at a much higher rate than state and national averages.
Volunteer opportunities include: Student Coach, Student Field of Study Coordinator, Tutor, Internship Coordinator, Student Administrator, Administrative Assistant for Student Success, Grant Writer, Marketing, Technology, Website Support, Special Events and Fundraising.
For more information about HSF, check out our website at https://hendrickscholarship.org/ and/or complete our Volunteer Interest form at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeTgPSXCAJMXQsj4A9_nM1S7AqtmreSuckTGfh0wH87tF7s_Q/viewform
Ability Connection Volunteer Opportunity (posted 6/11/19)
The mission of Ability Connection is to enrich the lives of people with intellectual and physical disabilities through comprehensive, life changing care, training and support. We offer a variety of services, designed to address the individual choices and priorities. These include: residential services, community supports through Medicaid waiver programs, onsite training centers with tiered levels of support to address the needs of our members and employment support services.
Over 3 million Texans have a disability. The poor level of public understanding and a lack of resources can leave individuals and their caregivers feeling socially isolated and prone to depression. Persons who suffer from a disability require daily medical care, treatment and therapies. Ability Connection is a community place for members to experience a variety of services designed to address the individuals choice and priorities.
Our members come to us with distinctive challenges; whether it is adjusting to a wheelchair, re-learning how to eat, or coping with a new situation. We believe a disability is a naturally occurring part of life, not a defining characteristic. We provide each individual with unique support and training through “world-class service.” Our services include: residential facilities, community supports through Medicaid waiver programs, training centers with tiered level of support, group activities, and field trips. Our goal is to socialize members with their peers and in their community leading to more enriched lives.
At Ability Connection, we utilize volunteers in many different capacities. Being a Connection Ambassador gives you the opportunity to share your time, talents, and energy with people in your community. It is an opportunity for you to help people in need in your community, make new friends, social connections, participate more in your community, and learn job skills and social skills.
One area where we can use volunteer help is in our Training Centers, which includes volunteer opportunities to assist with community based instructions, social interaction, and classroom assistance.
We also utilized Connection Ambassadors in our Connection Companions Program to be partnered up with one of our members in a one on one relationship to enrich the lives of our members
We have several major events throughout the year such as: Black and White Ball, etc, where we need help from our Connection Ambassadors.
Here is a list of specific ways to can help.
• Connection Companions: Be paired up with one of our members in a one on one relationship that enriches the lives of our members.
• Facilities Assistance: Occasional janitorial work, handyman services, grounds cleanup, and other duties as requested by staff at the Training Center or Group Homes.
• Meal Deliveries: Deliver meals to the Group Homes. Meals must come from a commercial kitchen or pre-prepared by a store or restaurant.
• Group Homes: Game Night, Cookout, Reading to members, start or maintain a veggie garden, paint interior walls
• Field Trips: Animal Shelter where members volunteer, sporting events, museums, tour of a local business, and help at the aquatics center.
• Training Center: Spend time with our members by socializing, playing games, or helping with meals.
• Training Center: Teach a class on art, music, movement, science, tech, gardening, spelling, Spanish, reading
• Special Event Staffing: This would be an opportunity for our regular volunteers to help with agency special events, including the Black and White Ball, Vine and Dine Gala, and other events.
For more information please contact Landon Cole at lcole@abilityconnection.org, or 214-351-2500.
Landon Cole
Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator
Ability Connection
Direct: 214 351 2500 Ext. 2255
Cell: 615-347-9696
Fax: 214-351-2610
lcole@abilityconnection.org
www.abilityconnection.org
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Court Appointed Special Advocates volunteer program (posted 6/7/2017)
Texas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is the statewide organization of 71 local CASA programs that recruit and train volunteers to advocate for children in the child protection system.
At the local level, a Court Appointed Special Advocate, or CASA volunteer, helps keep abused and neglected children safe, giving them a chance at finding happiness. CASA volunteers are individuals from all walks of life who speak up for a child’s best interests in court. CASA volunteers are not foster parents, they are a voice making a real difference at a critical turning point in the child’s life.
CASA volunteers gather information from everyone involved in a child’s daily life and make recommendations that help the judge decide the best possible outcome for the child. As a volunteer, you commit to represent a child’s best interests until the child reaches a safe, permanent home.
Visit www.BecomeACASA.org to be a voice for the abused and neglected children in your community.
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VOICE OF HOPE Volunteer Opportunity (posted 2/28/17)
Voice of Hope Ministries exists to provide children living in the neighborhoods of West Dallas with strong character models, education support, life skills, and family support services needed to become productive Christian citizens. Inner-city families are equipped with resources and skills needed to overcome and break the poverty cycle. The ministry seeks to meet the needs by addressing the whole person – spiritual, physical, and mental – through training, mentoring, exposure, emergency assistance, affirmation, counseling, networking and partnerships with other community agenicies.
Volunteers are needed to tutor students in the afterschool program for subjects in math, English, reading, language arts and physics for grades K-8th. Volunteers are needed for the Desoto Uplift Gradus Primary and West Dallas Main campuses. Program hours are Mondays, Thuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 3:30 – 6:30 pm and Wednesdays 2:30 – 6:30 pm.
For more information, view website at: www.voiceofhope.org Please consider being a volunteer; register online or, phone 214-631-7027 ext. 152. Address: 4120 Gentry Drive; Dallas, Tx 75212.
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THE HERITAGE FARMSTEAD MUSEUM, Plano, Texas – Volunteer Opportunities (posted 12/15/16)
Docent/ Public Tour Guides: Docents are: a tour guide, a helper, an educator, and a vital part of the Museum! Docents undergo training on local Plano history, turn-of-the-century Texas history, farm and family life. Docents give guided public tours of the Farrell-Wilson House and grounds that are held once a day Tuesday-Sunday. Guides must enjoy being around people, teaching history, and enjoy the outdoors. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet people from all over the world and to assist a vital growing organization!
School Programs Docents: These docents assist with the public programming for school tours August-May. Please visit our Education Page for more information about the activities of these programs. Guides must enjoy being around children, teaching history and enjoy the outdoors.
Hospitality Host/Hostess: Provide assistance to museum visitors by greeting them in the visitors center and sharing information about the Heritage Farmstead Museum. Host/Hostesses are needed Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-2pm.
Garden: Located throughout the HFM grounds are a kitchen garden and several flower gardens. Help is always needed with maintaining these beautiful areas of the Farmstead.
Craft Group: The Craft Group meets every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. in the Young House to make handmade items that are sold in the museum’s store. The Craft Group also provides social opportunities and programs four or five times a year. No training necessary. Adults only.
Interested in volunteering? HFM is always looking for individuals to share their love of history and its preservation with the general public. To apply, please complete a Volunteer Application. Applicants may be required to pass a criminal background check.
For more information, please email volunteer@heritagefarmstead.org
or call 972-881-0140.
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Museum of the American Railroad – Frisco, Tx – Ongoing Individual Volunteer Event (posted 9/30/15)
The Museum is proud to be the steward of one of the premier railroad collections in the United States. The evolution from State Fair exhibit to world class repository of rolling stock, buildings and ephemera was made possible in large part by a devoted fellowship of volunteers. These individuals possessed the vision and determination to ensure the survival of these monumental and irreplaceable treasures. Those special few have dedicated their time to help enrich the lives of others through their services. Our volunteers are an active part of the Museum and we depend on their services to help us educate and reach out to all generations. Services include being a docent during special events, volunteering at the gift shop, and giving tours. Our volunteers range from model railroading fans to retired railroad workers and everything in between.
If interested please contact John Garbutt at 214-428-0101 or email at jgarbutt@historictrains.org and you will receive a volunteering packet.
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Perot Museum of Nature and Science Individual Volunteer Opportunities (posted 7/29/15)
Many of you and/or your families have visited the Perot Museum of Nature and Science as TI is a strong supporter of the museum. One of the most popular exhibit areas is the TI Engineering and Innovation Hall where children of all ages and the young-at-hearts engage in robot builds, do-it-yourself bridge construction and other engineering activities. It is also an area where you can share with the next generation of engineers the mechanics behind the sensors, batteries and circuits that drive the robots.
Consider teaming up with your TI and TIAA buddies to volunteer at the Perot for any two to three hours period during the museum’s hours of operation (weekdays or weekends) at:
TI Engineering Hall Robotics Arena (4-6 Volunteers) – There are four remote controlled robotics tables, with each table having its own theme/objective. This area can get really busy, so volunteers are needed to make sure that kids (and sometimes adults) are each getting a turn, and to share your “geek wisdom.”
Please contact Perot Museum’s Manager of Volunteer Services Ansel Pichards at Ansel.Prichard@perotmuseum.org or call 214.756.5776 to schedule your volunteer slot.
For other individual or group volunteer opportunities at the Perot, please see www.perotmuseum.org
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Computers for the Blind – (posted 4/15/15)
"Computers for the Blind" does just that – provides computers from businesses and individuals to the blind so that they may become productive in their every-day on-line needs. Computers for the Blind needs volunteers able to donate working used computers containing a minimum of a Pentium 4, 2GHz processor. They will refurbish the computer and install software that converts screen text to spoken words that clients can understand and use for finance, communication to friends and family, making purchases on-line, etc. They will also accept donations of working iPhones and iPads. Volunteers with a desire to help refurbish donated computer equipment are also welcome. Contact Computers for the Blind at:
www.computersfortheblind.net
info@computersfortheblind.net
214-340-6328; Richardson, Tx
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Irving Cares – (posted 5/8/2015)
Irving Cares is a human services agency that provides temporary assistance with basic needs to families and individuals in crisis. . Irving Cares provides various forms of assistance to resolve a household’s crisis and tools to promote stability and future self-sufficiency. Irving Cares mantra is “a hand up, not a hand out.” Clients can receive emergency food provisions up to six times a year. Financial assistance for utilities is available to qualified clients once a year. Rent assistance is available to qualified clients only once every ten years. Clients who are unemployed or underemployed are referred to Irving Cares’ employment services program to identify and address employment barriers, receive training, and access job opportunities. Volunteers are key to our services!
In fiscal year 2014-15, which ended March 31st, several hundred volunteers donated 21,887 hours at Irving Cares. The food pantry is our biggest volunteer need. But we also need case managers, as well as volunteers with special skills such as accounting, videography, web design, etc.
We welcome you to come by for a site visit and see for yourself how our volunteers make a difference!
Please contact Kyle Taylor (ktaylor@irvingcares.org) for further information.
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New Beginning Center – (posted 4/15/15)
The New Beginning Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides counseling and outreach services to victims of domestic violence. They need volunteers year around as receptionists, clerical workers, housekeepers, landscapers, resale shop helpers, pantry stockers, cargo truck assistants, skilled trade electricians/plumbers, etc., and for many more activities. Interested volunteers are encouraged to contact:
Brandon Lewis, Volunteer Coordinator
218 N. 10th St. Garland, Tx 75040
972-276-0423 x232
blewis@newbeginningcenter.org
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Good Samaritans of Garland, Inc. – (posted 4/15/15)
Good Samaritans of Garland, Inc. promotes "People Helping People in Our Hometown". They have numerous volunteer opportunities at their "Good Sam House" for stocking the pantry, participating in food drives, driving the Good Sam truck to/from retail partners, keeping the flower bed and lawn in good condition, providing housekeeping and light maintenance duties, as well as many other activities. Volunteers are encouraged to contact Good Samaritans of Garland, Inc at:
Pam Swendig, Executive Director
214 North 12th St, Garland, Tx 75040
214-908-4855
Pam.Swendig@goodsamofgarland.org
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Garland ISD R.E.A.L Program – (posted 4/15/15)
Garland ISD has a need for volunteers in their R.E.A.L program – "Read, Excel, Achieve, Lead". REAL Mentors read aloud in classrooms for 30 to 60 minutes one time each month for four months from the most engaging grade-appropriate books in print. The books are selected by the teacher to celebrate diversity and strong values. Volunteers are encouraged to contact:
Patricia Mullins, Ph.D., Garland ISD Family Engagement Facilitator
972-487-4665
pmullins@garlandisd.net
www.garlandisd.net
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STEM Career Planning for pre-college students – (Ongoing Need for Volunteer Mentors)
There exists a continuing challenge for young people to develop and execute a career plan which results in a course of study or training and employment after high school. Technology-based businesses continue to struggle in meeting their staffing requirements which is necessary to support their strategic growth plans. As a result of the diminishing graduation levels of engineers in the U.S. for various reasons, companies have to increase importation of students from other countries to address the human resource shortfalls.
The non-profit community has established several initiatives targeted at increasing the student choice of the engineering field of study. However, more help is needed by engineering practitioners to connect with students and parents on communication of simple methodologies to assist students in navigating thru the decision-making process of selecting a career path that is suitable to their personal values and abilities.
This volunteer opportunity is a wonderful initiative to pass on the TI engineering experience to the next generation. If interested in learning more, contact:
John Harkins (Retired DSEG employee 20846 – 30 years)
411 Oak Ridge Drive
Fairview, Texas 75069
Office: 972-727-5665
Cell: 214-334-3279
Email: johnharkins32@gmail.com
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The Assistance Center of Collin County (Posted 8/11/14)
The Assistance Center of Collin County exists to serve the greater Plano community by:
Providing people in crisis with information on what agencies, non-profits and faith-based organizations to contact for assistance.
Helping individuals and families with temporary financial assistance related to housing, utility payments and other emergency needs to avoid eviction and/or utility cut-off or to help with other needs as appropriate.
Providing individuals and families who are unable to meet their ongoing basic needs with counseling and education to enable them to become more self-sufficient. Assisting other organizations by interviewing people to determine if they qualify for their programs such as Back-to-School and Plano Santa.
The agency operates an inbound call center that is primarily volunteer staffed. Volunteers perform all intake, make appropriate referrals, help clients through qualification, and schedule appointments for the food pantry, back to school, and holiday programs. In 2013 23 volunteers logged 4,320 hours. There are hundreds of agencies in our community committed to helping families in crisis. There are challenges many families in the greater Plano area face just finding food, clothing, keeping ahead of eviction notices and utility cut-off – crises caused in many cases by job loss or family break-up.
The Assistance Center has a strong, 37-year track record in the community. For the last three years Steve Sutton has served on the Board of Directors, currently as Chairman, and during those years he had a great relationship with and received funding from the Texas Instruments Foundation. Andy Smith and Lewis McMahan suggested reaching out to you and TIAA to see if other TI retirees might want to get involved.
In a typical year the Center volunteers help callers with over 3,000 referrals. They qualify and make appointments for over 500 families to receive food from the Plano Food Pantry, qualify 2,000 PISD children from low-income families to receive back-to-school backpacks/supplies and new shoes, and qualify 500 families as beneficiaries of the Plano Santa’s holiday gift and food program.
Last year volunteers helped 482 families facing eviction or utility cut-off qualify for emergency financial assistance that enabled them to stay in their homes with utilities turned on. These 482 families represented 1,357 individuals, many of them children. Keeping these children in stable homes is a very high priority – statistics show that children in families that move three or more times in a school year are 59% more likely to experience educational delays. The Assistance Center staff is careful in how they distribute assistance. Applicants are screened for need and must provide documents corroborating their circumstances. Funds are paid directly to landlords and utility companies, not to clients. The agency confirms with the landlord or utility company that the funds pledged will retire the current obligation and ensure families stay in their homes with utilities on for at least another 30 days. Families that receive financial assistance also receive counseling and education in areas that will help them avoid ending up in the same situation down the road. Volunteers are being recruited to help with the education component.
The Assistance Center needs volunteers to help in many areas:
Call center intake (this is where Steve first started helping at the agency)
Teaching our financial budgeting classes, employment classes (how to network successfully), career exploration (helping individuals brainstorm possible career choices), starting a business (Entrepreneur). The agency has the curriculum but needs individuals willing to teach.
IT support to help maintain the agency’s computers
Website support (update, improve the current website)
For more information, visit The Assistance Center of Collin County's website: http://www.assistancecenter.org
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Equest – On-Going Individual Volunteer Opportunity
Since 1981, Equest has been providing equine assisted activities and therapies to children and adults with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities in North Texas. They serve over 150 families every week and is one of the largest non-profit therapeutic riding centers in Texas. Equest's therapeutic riding opportunities are the catalysts to profound accomplishments in the lives of their riders and families.
Equest relies on over 400 volunteers each week to create a safe and effective environment for their clients and horses. Equest thoroughly trains volunteers and no previous experience with horses or working with individuals with special needs is necessary. Volunteer support is used in hippotherapy sessions, riding classes, general horse care, facility and stable improvements, administrative office work, special events and horse shows.
Volunteer training sessions are available periodically each year.
Equest is located at 3800 Troy Road near Wylie, Texas. For more information, please go to www.equest.org or call them at 972-412-1099.
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George W. Bush Presidential Library and Musuem – Ongoing Individual Volunteer Opportunity
The Presidential Library and Museum is a non-partisan organization that "serves as a resource for the study of the life and career of George W. Bush, while also promoting a better understanding of the Presidency, American history, and important issues of public policy.” The Presidential Library and Museum has an active Volunteer Program that will greatly benefit TIAA by offering training on customer service and interpersonal communication. We teach and provide our volunteers with transferrable skills that may be used within the workplace. In addition, we offer all volunteers flexible schedules.
Those who are interested in serving at the Presidential Library and Museum must agree to a background investigation and meet the following requirements:
Must be a U.S. citizen
Must be willing to serve for one year
Must be willing to serve one shift per week
Please contact the Volunteer Program Office at 214-346-1676 or Bush43Volunteer@nara.gov. We look forward to speaking with you regarding opportunities about our volunteer program.
Volunteer Program
George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
2943 SMU Boulevard
Dallas, Texas 75205
Telephone: 214-346-1679
Fax: 214-346-1677
Bush43Volunteer@nara.gov
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Operation Kindness – Ongoing Individual Volunteer Opportunity
Operation Kindness is open to the public Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from Noon to 7:00pm, Friday-Sunday from 11pm to 5:00pm, and closed on Tuesdays. But, the animals need care 365 days a year so we need volunteers to help seven days a week from 8am until 7pm.
We have a wide variety of volunteer activities and we match you with the work that meets your interests and skills.
We would love to have you volunteer with us – plus, "fur fixes" are guaranteed!
What Are The Benefits Of Volunteering?
All active volunteers receive a newsletter.
Outstanding volunteers are presented with Operation Kindness' Volunteer of the Month award and recognized in the newsletter and at the shelter.
Volunteers and their families are invited to our annual holiday party in December where we announce the Volunteer of the Year, Foster of the Year and present other special awards
Opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills working with a variety of animals.
Best of all, you'll have the warm feeling of knowing that you are helping animals in need!
What Can I Do As A Volunteer?
Kennel Work: Cleaning cages, laundry, general upkeep and maintenance.
Walking Dogs: Dogs are walked at least twice a day in the morning and afternoon.
Cat Rooms: Help maintain cat and kitten rooms, clean cages, change litter boxes.
General Help: Receptionist, answering phones, greeting visitors, assist with mailings and general office work.
Foster Home Program: Care for young, recovering or pregnant animals in your home. You'll be saving a life!!
Fundraising: Assist with fundraising events and activities.
Computer: Data entry in shelter database.
Volunteer Committee: Welcoming new volunteers, coordinating and assisting with volunteer training.
Transportation: Transporting animals to TV shows, vets, events, etc.
Speaker's Bureau: Presentations at schools, community groups, etc. .
Telephone Committee: Call volunteers, contact adopters after adoption, etc
Special Events: Planning, coordinating and staffing at Operation Kindness and community events.
Adoption Counseling: Work with adopters to find their new companion, counseling adopters on training and pet care, completing adoption paperwork, etc.
Publicity: Distribute event flyers, newsletters, etc.
and lots more…
Volunteer Guidelines and Restrictions
The minimum age for volunteering is 6 years with a legal guardian – there is no maximum age!
All volunteers must attend a regular volunteer orientation session.
Volunteer fees are $35 for adults and $25 for junior under 18 and seniors over 65. It includes your volunteer handbook as well as your Operation Kindness t-shirt.
Volunteers aged 6 -16 must be accompanied at all times by a parent or legal guardian who is also an active volunteer. All volunteers under 18 must have parental consent.
Youth groups can volunteer for special projects when accompanied by a supervising adult. Call us for more information.
Volunteers must work at least one of the following:
A minimum of six hours a month in the shelter
A minimum of six events a year
As an active volunteer on a committee
As a foster parent
I Want To Help! So What's Next?
3 Easy Steps to Becoming a Volunteer:
1. Complete an online Volunteer Application by clicking here.
**Please note that if you are volunteering with a junior (6-16 years of age) the parent MUST submit an application along with the junior.
2. Attend a mandatory Volunteer training session scheduled for you by the Volunteer Coordinator
3. Get involved! – help the animals and have fun!
Questions? Contact Volunteer Manager Tomi Tucker by email or calling 972-428-3821
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On-going Opportunities