YWCA Fort Worth & Tarrant County
512 West 4th Street Fort Worth, Texas 76102
www.ywca.org/fortworth
817.332.6191
volunteer opportunities
Volunteers contribute hundreds of hours of service to the YWCA each year. Without them, our programs simply could not operate at the high quality level our clients have come to expect. Volunteers are critical to the YWCA’s fulfillment of our mission. Whether the project is small or large, long-term or short-term, many people or just one, volunteers and everything they do to make the YWCA the best it can be are appreciated!
Join REACT The YWCA Racial Equality Action Network (REACT) is a grassroots movement dedicated to providing information about issues that impact women and people of color and helping members speak out about those issues. Sign up to receive updates and action alerts to help elected officials and the public understand how public policy impacts our lives. This might involve sending emails, letters, and may be as active as marching, visiting elected officials, etc.
Women Who Care, Share Table Host – each year approximately 100 women host tables at our fundraiser luncheon in October and agree to raise a minimum $1,000 for YWCA programs and services. Each of these table hosts invites nine of their friends to attend the luncheon and make a contribution to the luncheon of at least $100. It is a fun way to introduce friends to the YWCA, educate them on the work we do and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
Bus Buddy – Each afternoon the YWCA bus transports the children back to the homeless shelters. The Bus Buddy rides with the children to help support them during this transition. Schedule yourself an early morning or afternoon bus buddy session. You won’t be sorry you did!
Mailing Party – From time to time we have large mailings that we need help stuffing. This would involve helping YWCA staff and other volunteers stuff the invitations or letters, enjoying the camaraderie while getting lots accomplished.
Naptime Nannies – Working in one of our three child development centers, Naptime Nannies rock and spend time with infants and young children. It is a wonderful way to show your compassion to the youngest and most vulnerable YWCA clients.
Young Professionals Coordination – We are in need of a coordinator for a program that recruits and engages 20-30 something’s who are downtown and community wide professionals just getting started in their careers. This would involve touring the building with them, teaching them to do tours of our facility, communicating YWCA success stories and coordinating monthly or quarterly happy hours to update on the work of the YWCA.
Story Time – Bring your own favorite age-appropriate children’s book, or use one of ours to spend time with children and help them develop a love of reading, increasing their vocabulary and their ability to learn throughout their lifetime.
Resale Shop Store Volunteer – Volunteers greet customers, sort donated merchandise, make items ready for sale and help the store operate smoothly and efficiently. Volunteer hours are flexible and can be one-time only or a weekly scheduled time.
Birthday Parties – Organize monthly/quarterly birthday parties for preschool-aged children at any of our three child development centers. This could be as simple or elaborate as you wish.
Life Skills Trainer – If you are knowledgeable in any specific life skill (budgeting, relationships, healthy body image, healthy cooking, grocery shopping on a budget, knitting, scrapbooking, etc.), come share your skills by teaching them to small groups of residential clients.
Supply Drive - Organize a drive for art supplies, baby blankets, resale shop donations, children’s underwear drive, etc. with your family, office, church group, school or other group.
Special Event Hosts – The YWCA rents its historic downtown facility for weddings, receptions and special events. Our special event hosts direct guests and ensure the safety of our guests as well as our residents.
Represent YWCA at Community Events (i.e.: staff booths, tables, etc.) Attend a bridal show with staff and help answer questions about the YWCA facility, attend agency fairs and answer questions about YWCA programs and services.
Host a Popcorn party – for YWCA clients (children and/or residential program participants).
Be a My Own Place Mentor – Mentors encourage the resident to participate in MOP programs, provide information about future careers and emphasize the importance of education. It involves meeting face-to-face one time per month, as well as making phone calls, texting, etc. The YWCA provides mentor training and mentor events regularly.
Host a Party Benefiting YWCA Programs Invite your friends to attend an event and bring either monetary contributions or wish list items to donate to the YWCA. This could be done in lieu of birthday presents or could be a party specifically to raise awareness of YWCA programs.
Organize (non Christmas) Holiday Parties for Residential Clients – (i.e.: 4th of July party, Valentine party, etc.) This could be as simple or as elaborate as your imagination and resources allow. This is a rewarding project for church groups, clubs and women’s groups to do!
Playground Improvement for child development centers (must be done on weekends), including: fence painting, adding mulch, or other necessary improvement.
Volunteer at Tarrant Area Food Bank on behalf of YWCA programs and earn $5.15 per hour per person in credit toward our account. This account pays for the food items our clients and program participants receive each week. Volunteers will be sorting and boxing food items. Volunteers must be 16 or older and must wear closed-toe shoes.
Assisting in Transition - By adopting a residential client when they move out of our transitional housing program, you can help them make a successful transition. Adopt a client (by yourself or with a group of family and friends) and help set up a client’s apartment. You can provide:
Sheets, pillows and pillow cases
Furniture (table, chairs, couch and bed)
Alarm clock
Toiletries (shampoo, soap, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products)
Cleaning supplies,
Microwave
Toaster
TV
Kitchen items such as paper towels, rags, hot pads, measuring cups, etc.
Gardening – Help us build, harvest and maintain the Willa Lister Memorial Garden downtown at the YWCA. This includes cleaning, building, planting, harvesting vegetables and getting your hands good and dirty!
Host a Book Club for Residents – A great opportunity for a Sunday school class or women’s group to organize a book club for our residential clients, including getting the books for them.