Volunteering and Community Service

Volunteering

Faculty and staff at the English Language Center are often asked how students can practice English outside the classroom. Volunteering is one of the best answers! Volunteering is a great way to practice speaking English in real-life situations.  

Volunteering means giving time and effort for free to help people or organizations. Volunteers support their community and causes they care about. Helping others can improve quality of life and personal well-being. These experiences also help people build connections and feel a sense of purpose.

Read more about the importance and advantages of volunteering. 

Some people feel comfortable meeting new people. Others feel shy or nervous in social settings. Volunteering helps students practice speaking and listening in a supportive environment.

Volunteers meet regularly with people who share similar interests. Social skills often improve through these experiences. Much has been written about the surprising benefits of volunteering. 

Austin and The University of Texas both offer many opportunities to volunteer, including the following:

UT Outpost 

Financial challenges and emergencies can affect students both in and out of the classroom. The UT Outpost is a free, on-campus food pantry and career closet that supports currently enrolled UT Austin students by providing access to healthy food and gently used professional clothing. 

UT Outpost welcomes volunteers from the UT Austin community. Student volunteers are given priority. Volunteers help with sorting food and clothing donations, restocking the pantry and career closet, and assisting with other programs. 

Volunteer shifts last 1 and 1/2 hours. Shifts are available Monday through Saturday. Only three volunteers work during each shift. 

Students must join UT Outpost through GivePulse before signing up to volunteer. Approval may take up to one week. Approved volunteers must complete a training shift before signing up for regular volunteer shifts. 

Location: Student Services Building (SSB), G1.406 

Hours:

• Tuesday-Thursday: 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Friday: 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Saturday: 12 p.m. (noon)-4 p.m.
• Closed Sunday and Monday.
  

Foundation Communities 

Foundation Communities is a nonprofit organization in Austin that provides affordable housing and free on-site services to families with children, veterans, seniors and individuals with disabilities.

The organization’s goal is to help residents reach educational success, financial stability, and healthier lifestyles. The organization operates in many communities in Austin and North Texas. 

Volunteers can support Foundation Communities in many ways, including: 

• Welcoming new residents and helping build community. 
• Supporting classrooms and helping with homework. 
• Leading enrichment activities for children. 
• Assisting adults who want to communicate better with their children’s teachers. 
• Helping set up food pantries and serving clients fresh food. 

Volunteer sign-ups are available online. 

Sign up online to volunteer with Foundation Communities. 

 

Casa Marianella 

Casa Marianella supports displaced immigrants and helps them become independent. Shelters are located in East Austin and serve women, children and adult immigrants. Many shelter residents are escaping violence or facing difficult life situations. The shelters provide safe, home-like environments for emergency and transitional needs. 

Casa Marianella’s Adult House

The Adult House offers flexible volunteer opportunities. Volunteers can choose their own days and hours. Interested volunteers should email volunteer@casamarianella.org to share their availability, skills, and interests.   

Current volunteer needs include: 

• Sorting donations and organizing mail. 
• Supporting residents at the shelter. 
• Helping former residents through the Neighbor-to-Neighbor program.

Posada Esperanza (Women’s House)

Posada Esperanza welcomes volunteers from the Austin community. Volunteers should email posadaesperanza@casamarianella.org to schedule a volunteer orientation. 

Current volunteer needs include: 

• Delivering food to former residents. 
• Driving residents to medical appointments. 
• Helping residents fill out job applications by phone. Volunteers for this task must speak Spanish, Portuguese, or French.

Abri Lumiere (Family Shelter)

Abri Lumiere supports families with children. Volunteers are welcome to help in many ways. Interested volunteers should email abrilumiere@casamarianella.org to complete a form and schedule an orientation. 

Current volunteer needs include:

• After-school tutoring for children. 
• Collecting and organizing donations. 
• Helping with house repairs and projects. 

Volunteering helps students practice speaking English while supporting the Austin community. These opportunities allow students to meet new people, build confidence, and make a positive impact during their time at UT Austin. 

This blog post was contributed by Jack Taylor, administrative associate of global engagement at the English Language Center.