Why volunteer at The Bridge?
I volunteer at The Bridge, not just to help those less fortunate than myself, but because it is creating a paradigm shift for the homeless by providing a path for them to get back into the structure of society. To use an old adage The Bridge does not just want to feed people fish, but teaches them to fish so they can become self-sufficient. I work in the computer lab with the Workforce Solutions of Greater Dallas to help the clients find employment, register on-line with TWC, develop resumes and teach them how to use the system. Since the Bridge opened, TWC has helped over 1000 clients find jobs. I keep seeing new faces ever few months meaning that the old clients now have jobs and have moved out of The Bridge into Permanent Supportive Housing. We are really proud of the number of new fishermen we have enabled. - Kieran Clifford
Weekday Opportunities
- Barbershop or Stylist
To promote personal hygiene and boost self-esteem
- We are looking for licensed Barbers or Stylists to provide haircuts for Guests of The Bridge.
- Individuals interested must be licensed by the State of Texas and must be willing to cut hair for all ethnicities.
- The Barbershop is open Monday through Friday, 8:30am-11:30am, 1:30pm-5:30pm
- Computer Lab Volunteers
To allow guests access to available jobs
- Computer Lab volunteers assist Guests with job searching, resume writing, learning about Microsoft Office products, and registering for jobs!
- Interested volunteers must have knowledge of Microsoft Products, resume writing and basic computer skills
- The Computer Lab is open Monday through Friday, 8:30am-11:30am & 1:30pm-5:30pm
- Library Volunteers
Create a therapeutic environment where guests can enjoy reading and have Internet access to maintain connection with family and friends via e-mail
- The library is run by volunteers; therefore it is important for us to have it filled everyday!
- It is always occupied by Guests reading, writing and working on the computers.
- The library is open all week, 8:30am-11:30am & 1:30pm-5:30pm
- Directed Care Management
To engage with Guests as they start their journey at The Bridge
- We are looking for retired social workers, current social workers, or individuals pursuing Social Work degree to provide Directed Care Management in the Outreach office.
- Volunteers assist with care management activities and verify eligibility for services through the Intake process
- The outreach office is open 7:00am-11:00am & 12:00pm-4:00pm
- Welcome Building Front Desk
To welcome and orient Guests as they come for services
- This fast paced environment is the hub of The Bridge.
- Volunteers will answer questions, pass out kits, and help Guests sign up for services they need!
- The Welcome Building Front Desk is open all week, 8:30am-11:30am & 1:30pm-5:00pm
- Services Building First and Second Floor Receptionist Desk
Assist Guests as they connect with Care Management
- Volunteers will assist staff as they handle requests from Guests, answer phones, and assist with Care Management functions
- Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm
Weekend Opportunities
- Library Volunteers
Create a therapeutic environment where guests can enjoy reading and have Internet access to maintain connection with family and friends via e-mail
- The library is one of the most occupied spaces at The Bridge. With computers and hundreds of books, Guests rely on the library to be open daily.
- The library is open all week, 8:30am-11:30am & 1:30pm-5:30pm
- Welcome Building Front Desk
To welcome and orient Guests as they come for services
- This fast paced environment is the hub of The Bridge where Guests receive many things. Volunteers will answer questions, pass out kits, and help Guests sign for up items
- The Welcome Building Front Desk is open all week, 8:30am-11:30am & 1:30pm-5:30pm
Educational/Recreational Classes (Weekend and Weekday Opportunities)
- The ‘Finance 101’ Class
To educate Guests so that they will successfully manage money
- Volunteers will teach Guests how to budget, open a checking account, how to write a check etc.
- Volunteers must have knowledge in financial management, business, or accounting
- This class can be taught on the weekday or weekend but must be taught at least once a week
- Interpersonal Skills Class
To educate Guests to communicate effectively with others
- Volunteers would teach Guests the basics of Interpersonal Skills
- Volunteers must have experience in communication
- This class can be taught on the weekday or weekend but must be taught at least once a week
- Chess Class
To promote sportsmanship and recreation
- Games such as Chess and Checkers are always played in the pavilion and promote camaraderie. We want to make it available to more folks. Can you help us teach more Guests about Chess?
- This class can be taught on the weekday or weekend but must be taught at least twice a month.
- Aerobics Class
To educate Guests on healthy living habits
- We are looking for a Certified Personal Trainer to teach exercising techniques to our Guests.
- This class can be taught on the weekday or weekend but must be taught at least once a week.
- T’ai Chi Chih
To educate Guests on the positive effects of mediation
- We are looking for individuals experienced in T’ai Chi Chih to bring it to The Bridge. We want to give our Guests appropriate avenues to express stress, frustration and anger.
- This class can be taught on the weekday or weekend but must be taught at least twice a month.
- Nutritional Classes
To educate Guests on healthy living habits
- We would like to hold a class describing healthy vs. unhealthy diet
- Are you a registered dietician? We would love for you to teach a class to our Guests at least twice a month.
- Reading Buddies!
To improve reading cognition
- A certain percentage of our Guests are not able to read, however they are the most eager to learn! We are looking for volunteers to read with our guests.
- We are asking for volunteers to come at least 4 times per month.
- Personal Safety and Bullying
To provide Guests the basics of protection
- We are looking for licensed professionals to teach our guests the basics of personal safety.
- Additionally, we want to teach our Guests on the basics of bullying. How to avoid bullying, prevent bullying and how not to engage in bullying.
- We are asking volunteers to come at least once a week.
What are the steps to becoming a volunteer?
- Fill out our Volunteer Application Online!
- Within five (5) business days, you will be contacted by Hayedeh Jahansouz, Operations Director or Nissy Mathew, Assistant to schedule a One-on-One.
- One-on-One! This short conversation lets us see where we can best use your diverse set of talents.
- Mandatory Volunteer Orientation
- During this Orientation, Volunteers will learn about homelessness, The Bridge, its' goals, volunteering policy and procedure.
- Volunteer!
Group Volunteer Opportunities
We have several group volunteer opportunities available. Please contact Hayedeh Jahansouz at hjahansouz@mdhadallas.org or Nissy Mathew at nmathew@mdhadallas.org for more information.
Internship Opportunities
We have internship opportunities for students enrolled in Bachelor's and Master's degree programs. Please contact Hayedeh Jahansouz at hjahansouz@mdhadallas.org or Nissy Mathew at nmathew@mdhadallas.org for more information at least one month prior to start date.
Meal Services
If you are interested in serving meals, please contact The Stewpot at www.thestewpot.org. |
