Volunteer Opportunities with the City of Waco
Volunteer at the Cameron Park Zoo
Docents are volunteer educators who use easily handled animals and biofacts to share information with zoo visitors to help them develop an appreciation of animals, their environment, and the delicate balance between them. What else do Docents do? They participate in the Education Department with tours, Zoo Mobiles, classes, Zoo Adventure Camp, animal presentations, special events, and much more! Training is required. You must be 18 or older to qualify for either program.
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact the Curator of Education at (254) 750-8451.
City of Waco Boards and Commissions
The Waco City Council accepts applications from Waco residents who are interested in serving as a member of a board or commission. The basic qualifications for those appointed to serve on a board or commission for the City of Waco include:
- Be a qualified voter at the time of appointment.
- Must not have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor crime of moral turpitude for which he/she has not been pardoned within the last 10 years.
- Must not have been removed from a board or commission because of failure to attend meetings within the last three years.
- Boards or commissions that are mandated by statute do require city residency; however, boards or commissions that are advisory in nature do not require city residency.
For more information, call the City Secretary's Office at 750-5750 or click here: Boards and Commissions
Lake Waco Wetlands -
Wetlands Workday VolunteersTo volunteer, schedule visits or for more information, please call Nora Schell at 848-9654.
DIRECTIONS TO SITE:
Take Hwy. 6 west across the Twin Bridges, turn right on FM 185, go ½ mile, turn left on Eichelberger Crossing.
OR Take N. 19th St. (China Spring Rd., or FM 1637), turn left on FM 185, go about 3 miles and turn right on Eichelberger Crossing.
From either direction, go down 1½ miles on Eichelberger Crossing, Wetlands are on the right, parking is through Gate 2.
Citizens Police Academy
The Citizens Police Academy is an educational program designed to give the public a working knowledge of the Waco Police Department's personnel and policies. The academy consists of a series of classes held one night each week for 2 1/2 hours. The instruction is comprehensive, covering a different area of the police department each week.
The Citizens Police Academy is held in the Spring and Fall. The class meets every Thursday for 15 weeks. The academy covers a wide variety of topics, such as Criminal Investigations, Patrol Operations, Communications, Crime Prevention, Courts and their functions, Defensive Tactics and Firearms Training. Instruction in these and other topics consist of lectures, demonstrations, tours and hands-on activities.
To ask questions, call Estella Lopez (254) 750-1764.
Click here for more information or to apply
Waco Police Department - Victim Services Volunteers
Victim Services is a unit of the Waco Police Department. This program was developed in order to serve the needs of victims/witnesses and their families.
Our primary function is to provide on-scene crisis intervention. Staff is on-call 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. The unit provides on-scene crisis intervention, death notifications, victim education, follow-up contact, assistance with Crime Victims' Compensation and Victim Impact statements, criminal justice advocacy, legal advocacy, court accompaniment, and assessment and referral services, as well as other pertinent victim needs.
In order to meet the extensive needs of our community with such a small staff, we utilize specially trained volunteers. Volunteer Crisis Teams work various shifts 7 days a week. These teams respond to a wide range of calls such as: homicide, suicide, accidental death, robbery, sexual assault, family violence, as well as others. Volunteers are trained to assist with death notifications, provide crisis intervention and education, and other relevant services.
We currently have 30 qualified Crisis Team volunteers. Victim Services volunteers are required to successfully complete approximately 35 hours of classroom instruction, 20 hours of patrol ride observation, and two supervised Crisis Team shifts.
Classroom instruction includes topics such as: death and dying, death notifications, homicide, suicide, sexual assault, crisis intervention strategies, victim issues, as well as a wide range of other topics.
In order to qualify for graduation, volunteers are also required to perform successfully in a role-play examination. The Victim Services Crisis Team Training Academy is 4 weeks long. Waco Police Department Victim Services volunteers are highly trained and committed to assisting and serving members of their community whose lives have been touched by a tragic event.
These are exceptional individuals who are not only interested in their own personal growth through both formal and experiential learning, but they are also willing to share their time, talents, and insights in order to help others. The Waco Police Department Crisis Team Training Academy is held periodically as needed.
A background check is required for all applicants, which includes criminal history, employee background, and references. Individuals who pass the screening will be invited to the orientation night. Top applicants from the orientation will then be invited to attend the 4-week academy.
Individuals interested in applying for a position as a Volunteer Crisis Team Member should call (254) 750-7526.
Citizens on Patrol
If you are interested in being part of the Citizens on Patrol, the City of Waco Police Department has training sessions scheduled.
Citizens On Patrol is a volunteer program, designed for citizens to take an active part in patrolling their neighborhood and other areas of the city. Citizens will be provided with training, equipment and identification.
For further information, call (254) 750-1764. To apply, visit the Citizens on Patrol page. You must not have a criminal history in order to participate.
Community Volunteer Opportunities
Caritas
300 South 15th Street
Waco, TexasContact: Nancy Anderson (254) 753-4593
Thrift Store - Food Pantry and Administrative offices
300 South 15th Street
Monday - Friday 8:30 - 4:00Thrift Store
3016 Bellmead Dr.
Monday - Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Thrift Store
108 E. Oak Street in West
Monday - Friday 9:00 - 5:00
Saturday 9:00 - 2:00Requirements: Under 16 have to be accompanied by a parent.
Duties: Stocking shelves, dusting, cleaning, light clerical duties.
Waco Humane Society
2032 Circle Rd.
Waco, Texas 76706Contact: (254) 754-1454
Requirements: 18 or older. Closed toed shoes and pants. Orientation is held every second Thursday of each month at 4 pm at the shelter.Duties: Cleaning out kennels, walking dogs, playing with cats, filing, helping with mail-out, and normal maintenance.
American Red Cross Blood Services
Contact: Jane Hale (918 )831-1611 or Janet Jenkins (254) 776-8754 ext. 102
Email: HaleJ@usa.redcross.org
Requirements: at least 18 years of age, valid Drivers License, volunteer orientation.Every day, the American Red Cross Blood Services provides life-saving blood to thousands of Texans. You can help ensure that blood is available whenever and wherever it is needed.
The Salvation Army
500 S. 4th St.
Waco, TexasContact: Rosa Burks (254) 756-7271
Requirements: 18 years and aboveWarehouse/Thrift Store
Mon. - Fri. 8:30am - 3:30pm
Duties: Sorting, hanging, loading, unloading, cleaning, etc.Soup Kitchen
Individuals and groups up to 10 people
5pm - 6:30pm daily
Duties: Set-up, feed homeless and indigent and clean-upHolidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas Meal, Christmas Assistance Registration, Toy Shop
Family Abuse Center
P.O. Box 20395
Waco, Texas 76702
24-Hour Crisis Line (800) 283-8401Contact: Dinah Husbands
Phone: (254) 772-8999
Email: volunteer@familyabusecenter.orgRequirements: Must be 18 to work in the shelter, 16 to work in the thrift store (unless accompanied by a parent), and need to complete volunteer application along with orientation training.
The Family Abuse center provides shelter to victims of domestic violence. They are a crisis center oriented program providing temporary emergency services. Ongoing services include individual counseling, job training, housing options, parenting and group counseling for residents and non-residents.
Volunteer Opportunities: children's group, special events, 2nd Chance Thrift Store, clerical, child care.
The ARC of McLennan County
1825 Morrow
Waco, Texas 76707Contact: Stacy Disney
Phone:254)756-7491
Requirements: 17 or older and fill out volunteer form
Habitat for Humanity
220 N. 15th St.
Waco, Texas 76707Contact: (254) 756-7575
Duties: Construction Work
Requirements: Age 18. (Unless accompanied by parent, then ages 16 or older is acceptable.)
E-mail: info@wacohabitat.org
Friends for Life
6801 Sanger Ave
Waco, Texas 76710Contact: (254)772-7600
Requirements: No age limit. Need to fill out volunteer application. Criminal background check is required
Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children
2323 Columbus Ave
Waco, Texas 76701Contact: Emergency Services Coordinator (254) 752-9330 ext. 103
www.advocacycntr.org
Requirements: Attend appropriate training, be at least 18 years of age, have a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance and pass background checks.
Volunteer Training for Crisis Intervention Advocates
Trained crisis intervention advocates provide crisis services for victims of crime. By covering the 24/7 crisis hotline, an advocate provides much needed support when a crime victim is faced with feelings of sadness and despair or needs assistance with legal and safety concerns.
In addition to answering the 24-hour crisis hotline, advocates are on-call to meet sexual assault survivors at Waco hospitals in order to provide comfort, support, and information.
Advocates also act as liaisons between the survivor, law enforcement and medical personnel. Advocates are trained on topics including crisis intervention, medical protocol, offender profiles, rape trauma syndrome, etc. Day, evening and weekend hours are available.
Fuzzy Friends
6321 Airport Road
Waco, Texas 76708Contact: (254) 754-9444
Requirements: 16 or older
Duties: Cleaning out kennels, walking dogs, cleaning building, or office work.
Mission Waco
1315 N. 15th St.
Waco, TexasContact: (254) 753-4900
E-mail : volunteers@missionwaco.org
Requirements: There is no age limit. Need to wear clothes to get dirty in. Need to fill out a volunteer application.Just two or three hours a week can make all the difference in someone’s life who struggles with poverty or other issues.
You can tutor low income children, share a devotion with the homeless, cook/serve a meal, help folks with computer or job skills, work with children in the housing projects, send mailouts, mentor a child with an incarcerated parent, and numerous other tasks which all contribute to rebuilding healthy lives.
Waco Civic Theater
1517 Lake Air Drive
Waco, TexasContact: (254) 776-1591
Requirements: Need to at least be in High School. No specific attire.
Campfire USA
1826 Morrow
Waco, Texas 76707Year-Around Volunteer Opportunities
Phone: (254) 752-5515
Requirements: 13 to 19 years old. Need to Fill out Volunteer Form.We need youth & adult volunteers alike! We have an amazing Youth Volunteer Center for youth ages 12-19 who want to volunteer in the community. We match you up with volunteer opportunites that suit your interests, track your hours, provide training, & opportunities for recognition.
Adults - we have lots of opportunities for you to volunteer as well ! We are growing our club program & need your help. Volunteering with club can be rewarding, requires only a few hours of your time as you choose, a great way to have fun with your children & learn about their interest, & build memories to last a lifetime.
MCC Adult Education
1400 College Dr.
Waco. TX 76708Contact: (254) 299-8777
Requirements: Mature Adult. No Form Required
Duties: Tutor adults, who want to learn to read or to speak English, 1 on 1- - Day and Evening
The MCC Adult Education Program provides basic education for out-of-school adults in reading, writing, and math. GED preparation and classes for the Competency Based High School diploma are also provided as well as English as a Second Language.
Classes are offered in over 45 sites in the four counties of Bosque, Falls, Hill, and McLennan County at convenient times and locations. Classes are free with the exception of the high school diploma program and workplace literacy sites. In 2002 the program was awarded the United States Department of Education Secretary's Award for Outstanding Adult Education and Literacy Programs.
Communities in Schools of the Heart of Texas
Contact: Pauli Ramos
E-mail: pramos@cis-hot.org
Phone: 254-753-6002 ext. 211Availability: Monday - Friday / 8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Weekly Family Night Events 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Occasional SaturdaysCommitment: CIS provides flexible opportunities to fit any schedule. One Day Events; Short-Term Assignments (1-3 weeks); Medium-Term Assignments (18 weeks) and Long-Term Assignments (36 weeks).
Requirements: Ages 16 - 75+. Application required for most volunteer positions along with Criminal Background / Child Abuse Registry Check.
CASA of McLennan and Hill CountiesContact: (254) 752-9300, ext. 118
Email: jrogers@advocacycntr.orgWhat we do: Each volunteer speaks up for
the needs of a child placed in foster care
because of neglect or abuse at home.Requirements: Age 21, complete 30 hours free training, Drivers License, proof of auto insurance, Pass background checks
www.becomeacasa.org
Historic Waco Foundation
Preserving Waco's
Architectural and Cultural Heritage
810 S. 4th St.
Waco, TX 76706Contact: (254) 753-5166 Fax: (254) 714-1242
Belles and Beaus
Young adults are required to be in grades 8 through 12 and be sponsored by a parent or grandparent who is a member of the Historic Waco Foundation. Along with an application the Belle and Beau programs consists of a $50.00 fee and annual membership fee to the Historic Waco Foundation of $35.00
Belles and Beaus are assigned to a house according to grade level. 8th--Earle-Napier-Kinnard, 9th & 12th--East Terrace, 10th--McCulloch House, 11th--Fort House. Students are trained over historical details of their assigned house and participate at Christmas on the Brazos by dressing up and greeting the public (as well as answering questions about the house).
For more information or an application form please contact Aurelie Deibert at (254) 754-8140. For information about membership to the Historic Waco Foundation please call (254) 753-5166.
Big Brothers Big Sisters
1905 Washington Avenue
Waco, TX 76701
www.bbbswaco.orgContact: Tracy Curry
Phone: (254) 776-2824
Email:tracy@bbbswaco.orgBig Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the United States, matching caring adults with children, ages six-to-16 years old, in one-to-one relationships.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Community-Based Big Brother/Sister- A Community-Based Big is an adult volunteer, age 18 and older, who spends time with his or her Little Brother or Little Sister 3 times a month for a minimum of one year.
Bigs in Schools-Bigs in Schools are adult volunteers, age 18 and older, who are matched with Little Brothers or Little Sisters in a local elementary or middle school. Then, one hour each week, usually during lunch, the "Big" engages in various activities with the "Little," such as enjoying lunch together, playing on the playground or just hanging out and talking.
Big Couple- So you and your significant other want to volunteer together? Well then here is the opportunity for you! With this program, a "Little Brother" is matched with a couple in our community-based program to participate and share in activities together. Outings will take on a whole new memory-making experience.
Teen Bigs in Schools- Teen Bigs are juniors and seniors from selected high schools who mentor elementary school students once a week throughout the school year.
Texas National Guard
The Texas State Guard (TXSG) is the second branch of the Military Forces of the State of Texas, operating alongside the Texas National Guard, which is comprised of the Texas Army National Guard and the Texas Air National Guard.
The TXSG provides mission-ready volunteer military forces, to assist state and local authorities in homeland security and community service. Texas State Guard soldiers are volunteers between the ages of 17 and 60, and train a minimum of one weekend each month. All serve without pay except if called upon for State Active Duty by the Governor.
TXSG soldiers come from all backgrounds and walks of life, many with prior military service. The Texas State Guard does not require any previous military experience and volunteers are not required to travel to a distant "boot camp". Waco is home of the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade. You can contact the following for more information:
SSgt. Ted L. Babb 254 662-5271
or TXSG Headquarters 512 782-1060meets at:
Texas National Guard Armory
2120 N New Road
Waco, TX 76707
