Volunteer Opportunities for Houston Teens
A nonprofit “dedicated to restoring dignity and hope to abused and neglected children involved in Harris County Child Protective Services. BEAR provides basic necessities to the children in care, and support to the caseworkers of CPS.”
Help provide and/or organize donations of basic supplies, holiday gifts, or school supplies, or help with celebrations for youth who are graduating from CPS care. Please contact BEAR for COVID-related updates.
12
A nonprofit organization that provides “residential, vocational, and day services that promote individual choice, personal growth, and independence for persons with developmental disabilities.”
Assist with campus beautification projects, engage with clients, collect needed items, and/or package gingersnaps and other baked goods for sale. Please contact the Center for COVID-related updates.
15 to volunteer independently. Any volunteer younger than 15 years old must be accompanied by a parent/guardian/teacher.
An historic five-acre cemetery that was founded in 1896 and served as the burial site for Houston’s freed slaves who lived in the historic Fourth Ward. The cemetery was neglected for many years.
Restoration began in 2007 and is ongoing. Volunteers are needed to help with work such as mowing, trimming weeds, and cleaning up litter. Please contact the Association for COVID-related updates.
All ages may help, but children must be accompanied – and well supervised by – an adult. All volunteers must submit a volunteer waiver.
A nonprofit agency that works to break the cycles of child abuse and neglect, integrating “prevention, foster care, adoption and post-adoption programs to improve the mental health and physical well-being of children who are at risk of entering or are in the State’s child welfare system.”
Collect and donate new items such as school supplies, holiday gifts, household items, toys, and clothing. The Center provides holiday wish lists and other information. Please contact the Center for COVID-related updates.
None, to collect/donate needed items. (Volunteers must be at least 18 to help with the children at the Center.)
A nonprofit that works to “empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and development tools to help women thrive in work and life.”
Help watch clients’ children (ages 4-11) during meetings, which take place about four times a month. Please contact the organization for COVID-related updates.
16. Parent waivers are required for volunteers under 18.
Formerly called the Harris County Animal Shelter, this busy shelter receives an average of 40-60 lost, neglected, and abandoned animals each day. It also offers a low-cost clinic and other services.
The shelter always needs compassionate volunteers to help care for its animals. “Whether you enjoy working with cats, dogs, or people in our community, we have opportunities available that are sure to fit your interests and schedule.”
16. Volunteers under age 18 must have a parent’s or guardian’s form on file but can volunteer independently.
A 155-acre non-profit urban nature sanctuary that provides education about the natural environment to people of all ages, and plays a vital role in protecting native plants and animals in the heart of the city where development threatens their survival.
Help with conservation and maintenance of the trails and grounds, summer and school break camps for children, holiday parties and other special events, and/or administrative tasks.
15
A nonprofit organization that works to preserve, protect, and enhance Memorial Park for the enjoyment of all Houstonians, today and tomorrow.
Projects range from working outside beautifying landscaped areas, picking up trash, rehabilitating natural surface trails, working on park conservation efforts, and supporting fundraising events. Memorial Park volunteer activities have been postponed until further notice. Please check the park’s volunteer page for COVID-related updates.
Volunteers aged 12-15 are welcome with a chaperone 21 years of age or older. There must be at least one adult per ten youth. Volunteers 16 years old and up may be allowed to volunteer without a chaperone at Conservancy events; email volunteer@
A museum offering more than 65,000 artworks from antiquity to the present, as well as educational programs, films, and more.
Youth volunteers may be needed at some events, including family days at the Museum and Bayou Bend, and the annual Children’s Party at Bayou Bend. Please contact the Museum for COVID-related updates.
13, with a maximum age of 17. (18-year-olds may volunteer as adults.)
Youth volunteers must submit an online application as well as the volunteer expectations and waiver forms. A parent or guardian must sign the waiver and application as well.
The River provides accessible, affordable, fine arts education for children and young adults with disabilities or chronic illnesses, or who are economically disadvantaged. It offers year-round, barrier-free classes in music, art, drama, and dance.
Assist students and teachers as needed, to provide support for students with disabilities to achieve their creative ideas and goals. Please contact TUTS for COVID-related updates.
15 independently, 12-14 with a parent or guardian
