Volunteer at Marbridge
Why Volunteer With Us?
From mentoring to horticulture therapy, we have a place for you. An hour of your time is a gift we welcome, and longer term commitments are available too. When you share your time and talent with Marbridge residents, you make their lives better —and yours too. And we’d be very surprised if you didn’t have fun in the process!
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My first year as a volunteer Special Olympics basketball coach was in 1995. I assisted Hughie Shaw with the original Marbride basketball team. Little did I know 31 years ago how that year would change my life. The relationships I have made are very special to me. I get great joy and balance to my life by giving a few hours per week. I would encourage you to give it a try.
Scott Cary– Volunteer & Special Olympics Coach -
Volunteering at Marbridge is truly a magical experience. Every time I visit the campus and spend time with the residents, it’s impossible not to leave with a smile on my face. People often thank me for volunteering, but I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of such an amazing and inspiring community. Whatever your personal passion may be, sharing it with the residents creates meaningful connections and has a positive impact on both them and yourself.
Travis Gardner– Volunteer & Special Olympics Coach -
Volunteering with Marbridge brings so much joy and meaning to my life. Being present on campus is an act of advocacy—standing alongside individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to amplify their voices while helping them learn, achieve, and grow in ways that are meaningful to them. The friendships formed through Marbridge are rooted in genuine connection and mutual respect, bringing laughter, shared experiences, and a deep sense of belonging. Volunteers play a critical role in life enrichment at Marbridge, creating moments of joy that strengthen community and support continued learning, confidence, and personal growth.
Beth Patterson– Volunteer
Opportunities for Everyone
Individuals
Individuals
Individual volunteers are essential to the well-being and happiness of our residents. Most individual volunteers end up volunteering with us on a regular basis, forming connections with our residents and coming back week after week. Volunteer opportunities for individuals include mentoring, class assistance, being a part of our compassion team, and more. Fill out the individual volunteer application to get started.
Companies & Organizations
Companies & Organizations
Volunteering as a company or organization is a great way to promote team-building and boost company morale while also giving back. Our residents also benefit by seeing another community working together. The opportunities for group volunteers range from playing sports & games with our residents, assisting with seasonal events, helping with general maintenance, and more. Fill out the group application to get started.
Сurrent Volunteer Opportunities
Mentor
Mentor
Many of our residents have families that do not live in the Austin area, and some of our younger residents need a positive role model. Be a guide and mentor for residents as they work to achieve their full potential. Play cards or head off campus for an outing or see a movie.
Ideal Commitment: 4 to 5 hours per month
Special Olympics
Special Olympics
Attend Special Olympic competitions and show your support for the Marbridge Longhorns! Volunteers can make support signs, bring noise makers, and can sponsor meals or snacks for the Marbridge athletes.
Ideal Commitment: Determined by Event
Equestrian Program Assistant
Equestrian Program Assistant
Experience with horses is required. If you enjoy working with horses and don’t mind getting dirty, please come out to help with our growing equine therapy program. Guide our residents as they learn the basics of horsemanship through proper grooming and riding.
Ideal Commitment:Weekly, Mon-Fri, Daytime
Compassion Team
Compassion Team
Work with residents who would thrive under one-on-one attention. Read to them, listen to music with them, reminisce on old times, look at photographs, go for walks, or simply hold a hand. Many of the Compassion Team residents may be non-verbal, or nearing end-of-life, but they need and deserve a connection, a relationship, with another person.
Ideal Commitment: 2 Visits per Month for 6 Months
More Ideas
More Ideas
There is so much to do here at Marbridge – we’ll find something just right for you. You can assist our residents on one of our many community outings to museums, art exhibits, sporting events, and places of historical interest. Or, you could help some residents increase their independence by teaching them to cook. You can help with community events here on campus, or reach out to others and encourage them to get involved too.
You hear a lot about how Marbridge changes residents’ lives, but it also leaves a lasting change on everyone who comes into contact with the foundation. There are no bad days at Marbridge only good and better, it’s the absolute best! The sense of purpose, value, and community Marbridge has given me through volunteering is something I hope every person has the honor to experience! Our community looks forward to welcoming you!
