Texas Discovery Gardens is opening one of the nation’s largest tropical butterfly houses on Sept. 12, and needs volunteer docents seven days a week, year round to help teach visitors about plants and butterflies. The gardens will have training sessions for volunteers. The fist session will be Saturday, July 25, 10 a.m.–noon or Thursday, July 30 6:30–8:30 p.m. Volunteers new to Texas Discovery Gardens must fill out the volunteer application, available at texasdiscoverygardens.org. The form must then be mailed to Volunteer Manager, Texas Discovery Gardens, PO Box 152537, Dallas, TX 75315, or faxed to 214.428.5338. RSVP to the volunteer manager at volunteers@texasdiscoverygardens.org or 214.428.7476, ext 24.
Lakewood Firehouse After School Program needs volunteers to tutor second- and third-graders after school, 3-5 p.m., one or more days each week, Monday through Thursday. Call Laura Rothe for details, 214.823.9623.
Dallas CASA is seeking volunteers to train as advocates for abused and neglected children. CASA empowers everyday citizens to speak up in court for the best interest of children who have been removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect. Volunteers gather information for the court and work with the child welfare system and others to quickly find a safe, permanent home for each child. For information or to register for an upcoming information session, call 214.827.9603, ext. 228, or visit dallascasa.org.
Meals on Wheels, a program run by The Visiting Nurses Association, seeks volunteer drivers in our neighborhood. Drivers make weekday deliveries a few mornings a week or month, picking up meals at White Rock Methodist Church, 1450 Oldgate. 214.659.2639.
The Wilkinson Center, a neighborhood nonprofit, offers a free after-school tutoring and mentoring program, CLIMB (Changing Lives Improving Minds and Bodies) at seven sites. The program runs Mondays through Thursdays from 3-6 p.m. Share your knowledge and compassion by volunteering as a tutor/mentor. For information contact Jane Waters at 214.821.6380, ext. 202, or jane_waters@wilkinsoncenter.org.
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) at the Senior Source is looking for volunteers age 55+ to volunteer with more than 230 non-profit agencies in Dallas and Collin counties. RSVP matches your skills, needs and desires with a volunteer job. Volunteers are generally needed for three hours, one to two days a week, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at 3910 Harry Hines Blvd. 214.823.5700 or rsvpd@TheSeniorSource.org.
The Child Abuse Prevention Center needs volunteers to work with children of divorcing parents one Saturday morning a month during its Families First seminars. The CAP Center also has opening for volunteers in the Parents Aide Program. Volunteers work in the home with parents and families at risk for child abuse and neglect. Training is provided. 2902 Swiss. Contact Chris, 214.370.9810.
Heart House Dallas, a free after-school program for low-income children, has a variety of volunteer opportunities for groups and individuals. Work as a mentor, homework tutor, coach, office helper or in other available capacities. Contact Marisa Hettinger at 214.750.7637 or mhettinger@hearthousedallas.org or visit hearthousedallas.org.
