Faculty and staff of the ELC are frequently asked, “how can I practice my English?” One of our top responses is, “volunteer!” Volunteering is an excellent way to practice your English skills! “While some people are naturally outgoing, others are shy and have a hard time meeting new people. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice and develop your social skills, since you are meeting regularly with a group of people with common interests.” Read more about the surprising benefits of volunteering, here.

“Volunteering is when you offer your time and services for free to a person, organization, or effort to better your community. Volunteering your time and effort within your community to support ideas you are passionate about or organizations you believe in helps you form bonds with others, and it can improve your quality of life! When you volunteer to help others, you contribute to a larger purpose and make a valuable difference in the lives of others.” Read more about the importance and benefits of volunteering, here.

UT Outpost:

• This is a free on-campus food pantry and career closet for all currently enrolled students at UT Austin. Emergencies and financial hardships can affect students in and outside of class. UT Outpost is here to support students with healthy food and gently used professional clothing.
• UT Outpost welcomes UT Austin-affiliated volunteers, prioritizing opportunities for student volunteers. Volunteers sort food and clothing donations, restock the food pantry and career closet, and help with other tasks and programs.
• Volunteer shifts are for one and a half hours, Monday – Saturday, and are limited to three volunteers at a time.
• To volunteer follow the instructions for joining UT Outpost on GivePulse.
• Please allow up to one week for UT Outpost staff to approve your membership. Once approved, schedule your training shift at UT Outpost. Volunteers can access monthly shift sign-ups after completing a training shift.
• 2609 University Ave. (UA9), Suite 3.108
• Hours:
  • Tuesday: 11 am – 6 pm
  • Wednesday: 11 am – 6 pm
  • Thursday: 11 am – 6 pm
  • Friday: 11 am – 5 pm
  • Saturday: 12 pm – 4 pm
  • Closed Monday and Sunday

Foundation Communities:

• This is a local Austin nonprofit. They provide affordable homes and free on-site support services for thousands of families with kids, as well as veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. They empower residents and neighbors to achieve educational success, financial stability, and healthier lifestyles. They own and operate 27 communities all over Austin and three in North Texas.
• There are multiple ways to volunteer:
  • Welcome new residents home and help build community.
  • Provide classroom support, homework help, and lead enrichment activities.
  • Serve as a teaching assistant for adults who want to communicate more effectively with their children’s teachers.
  • Help set up pantries and serve clients accessing fresh, healthy food.
• Sign up to volunteer online.

Casa Marianella:

• Casa Marianella welcomes displaced immigrants and promotes self-sufficiency by providing shelter and support services.
• Two clusters of shelters in renovated houses in residential neighborhoods in East Austin serve women and children escaping violence and adult immigrants. Their shelters are home-like facilities designed to meet emergency or transitional needs so vulnerable and injured people can resolve their immediate crisis, get stabilized and once again become independent, which then opens up space for new residents.

• Volunteer at the Casa Marianella Adult House:
  • The volunteer program is very flexible, permitting you to work the hours and days you select. Please email (volunteer@casamarianella.org) and let them know what your interests are and when you would like to get started.
  • Current volunteer needs:
    • Help at the shelter sorting donations, organizing the mail system, and getting to know Casa residents.
    • Help people who have moved out of our shelter through our Neighbor to Neighbor program.
• Volunteer at Posada Esperanza (Women’s House):
  • Posada Esperanza welcomes all volunteers from the Austin community to serve in a number of roles. Please email (posadaesperanza@casamarianella.org) and they will set you up with a time to come to one of their volunteer orientations.
  • Current volunteer needs:
    • Deliver food to former Posada residents in need.
    • Drive Posada residents to doctor appointments.
    • Provide help filling out job applications over the phone with Spanish, Portuguese, and French speakers.
• Volunteer at Abri Lumiere (Family Shelter)
• If you would like to support families with children, volunteer with us at Abri Lumiere. They welcome all volunteers. Please email (abrilumiere@casamarianella.org). They will send you a form to fill out and schedule an orientation.
• Some of volunteer needs include:
  • After-school tutoring for children at the shelter.
  • Gathering donations.
  • Working on house repairs and house projects with staff.