Explore community service opportunities to make a positive impact on those with special needs.
ACEing Autism
ACEing Autism is a nonprofit organization that provides weekly tennis (and pickleball) lessons to autistic children (and adults). The program uses the game of tennis to improve gross and small-motor skills, hand-eye coordination, communications, social skills, and self-esteem. Each student works one-on-one with 1-2 volunteer instructors. Clinics run 3 seasons a year (fall, spring, and summer).
Volunteers should be 12 years of age or older. Volunteers help with setting up equipment for classes, demonstrating skills, instructing students, playing games. Formal training is provided online as part of the volunteer registration process, as well as on-court the first time you volunteer.
ACEing Autism Dallas @ UTD
Location: Tennis Courts at UT Dallas in Richardson
Program Director: Adrienne Bransky
Phone: 214-901-9010
Email: dallas@aceingautism.org
This program serves both children and adults. This program offers tennis and pickleball. There is also a McKinney and Ft. Worth Location.
To Volunteer: Sign Up with the national organization at https://aceingautism.galaxydigital.com/user/register/
You must complete the online training (this takes 45 mins to 1 hour).
Riding Unlimited
Riding Unlimited helps individuals with physical, educational, and emotional disabilities through the power of the horse.
Volunteers help in therapeutic riding classes as either a horse leader, sidewalker, or helping around their facility. They require a 5-10 week commitment for an hour at the same time each week. Minimum age is 11 years old.
To volunteer:
CHAI House
Community Homes for Adults Inc (CHAI) provides programs and services to adults with intellectual disabilities.
Volunteer opportunities at CHAI are all about socializing with group home residents and creating friendships. Some examples of hands-on projects with CHAI include visiting a group home and coloring, doing a craft project, cooking, playing music, sports, or hosting dinners.
Friendship Circle
The Friendship Circle of Dallas provides a wide range of activities for children and teens with special needs. They create an inclusive community one friendship at a time. They need volunteers to help with different events like Basketball Buddies, Sunday Circle, Young Family events, and camps.
contact: Leah@friendshipdallas.org