The University of Texas at Arlington

Arlington ISD’s ACE is a before and afterschool program for students in K-12th grades. The goals of the program include graduating and preparing all students for post secondary or workforce readiness; reduction of the dropout rate; improvement in academic performance, attendance, and behavior; and overall improvement of grade promotion and graduation. The program consists of four components: Academic Assistance, Academic Enrichment, Family and Parental Support Services, and College/Workforce Readiness. Fifteen schools are currently offering the program including 5 elementary, 8 junior highs, and 2 high schools. ACE is looking for volunteers to provide homework assistance, tutoring, and to teach project based learning including cooking, dance, forensics, gardening, financial planning/banking as well as a whole host of other possibilities.

Programming is also provided on Saturdays.

Background checks are required.

The Arlington Night Shelter provides, shelter, meals and rehabilitative services for homeless men, women and families. The program emphasis is assisting clients to become self-sufficient through case management services, structured employment programs, and mandatory classes four days per week focusing on life and job skills. Volunteer training required.

Arlington Reads is a multi-faced literacy program that meets the literacy needs of multiple groups of people, from adult learners to children. Arlington Reads provides homework help for grades 1-3 and programming for adult learners that need adult basic education (ABE), English as a second language (ESL), and general education development (GED) services. Those interested in volunteering as a tutor with Arlington Reads will need to do a background check with the city of Arlington, and complete a training session with an Arlington Reads staff member. Volunteer times are flexible and there are multiple volunteer opportunities within Arlington Reads. Additional information can be found at our website, www.ArlingtonReads.org.

Arlington Urban Ministries (AUM) provides emergency financial assistance to Arlington’s families in crisis. We make direct payments to landlords, utility providers, and pharmacies on behalf of the families we serve. Additionally, we maintain a community food pantry and clothing closet to provide families and homeless people with 1-2 days worth of food/clothing. We also maintain relationships with an extensive list of aid agencies in Arlington to refer families to whom require assistance beyond what AUM can provide.

The following projects are Ongoing/Training Needed – contact Lisa. Mission Case Manager – meet with families in crisis at the Mission Office, determine their needs, make pledge to pay 1 bill/rent, provide food (if needed) refer to other agencies in the community for additional help. Preference is given to Social Work students needing capstone activity, or mature students with experience working with low-income families.

Front Office Assistant – greet families, triage according to their needs, provide emergency groceries, assist with phone calls.

Food Pantry Assistant – stock, organize, bag groceries, and monitor needs of emergency food pantry.

The Autism Society of Tarrant County provides information and education regarding autism spectrum disorders, treatments and resources throughout Tarrant County and provide support to persons with autism and their families. Volunteer training required.

Baylor University Medical Center is an affiliate of Baylor Health Care System and provides quality healthcare to patients. Volunteer opportunities are available in pediatrics to surgery waiting, administration to patient care. Volunteer training needed. Part of the requirements is completing the Health Screening Assessment.

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) enriches, encourages, and empowers children to reach their highest potential through safe, positive mentoring relationships. Independent research demonstrates that the agency’s model of one-to-one relationships has a direct and measurable impact on the children served. This proven success in creating safe, positive friendships translates into more confident children, healthier families, and stronger communities. Children are enrolled in the program from ages 7-14 and can continue in the program until high school graduation. Big Brothers and Big Sisters come from a variety of backgrounds and range in age from high school seniors to senior citizens; Bigs are asked to commit one year to be matched with a child.

For some volunteer opportunities a criminal background check, driving record check, interview, and/or training may be required. Some duties may be limited to students with an undergraduate degree in a particular subject matter. Requirements will vary by opportunities available and BBBS reserves the right to change or update these requirements at any time.

Boys and Girls Club of Arlington’s mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantage circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible caring citizens. Opportunities are available in the morning and late evening. Group and individual experiences available. Requirements: Application with reference and Background check.

Breakthrough Fort Worth (formerly Summerbridge) offers academic enrichment to high-achieving, high-potential public school students with limited access to educational opportunities. Volunteer opportunities for college students range from short-term tutoring, to teaching Saturday classes and chaperoning field trips, to full-time summer internships. Training usually required, commitments must be arranged in advance.

Camp Summit is a year-round facility, offering one-week sessions in the summer and weekend sessions in the spring and fall, for children, youth, and adults who are physically challenged, developmentally delayed, or dual sensory impaired or who have multiple disabilities. Campers are encouraged to try new experiences in order to gain self-confidence, learn cooperation and communication, and increase personal independence in a safe and fun environment. The focus of the camp is on individual growth through accomplishing a variety of goals at levels specific to each individual’s needs, capabilities, and potential. Volunteer training is required.