Volunteer

Volunteer
in Austin

AUSTIN CONTACT
Chris Scott, PT, Cert. MDT
Executive Director
Email Chris

Volunteer
in DFW

DFW CONTACT
Kali Whitaker
Executive Director
Email Kali

Volunteer
in Houston

HOUSTON CONTACT
Kristen Leach
Executive Director
Email Kristen

Volunteer
in San Antonio

SAN ANTONIO CONTACT
Analy Flores, OTR
Senior Program Director
Email Analy

Cause An Effect

Kinetic Kids programs succeed due to our tremendous volunteer support! We strive to provide one-on-one volunteer placement at programs so that Kinetic Kids can safely and successfully participate in age-appropriate recreational and sports activities like their typically developing peers. Volunteer with us and help a child experience the joys of childhood as they strive to achieve their highest potential in a challenging new sport or activity.

Volunteer Opportunities

Seasonal Programs

Our primary volunteer opportunity, seasonal programs are typically held on weekday evenings and weekends, our seasonal programs last 6-8 weeks. Volunteers select a location and program and agree to assist about 2.5 hours once a week throughout a 6-8 week sessions. New opportunities begin each season.

Each day that you volunteer, there will be 2-3 different classes of children that come through the program. You will work one-on-one with the same child in each class for the entire season under the guidance of a program director.

Please note that the volunteer timeframes we provide already include any day-of training and the multiple classes in that program. There is also a one-time volunteer orientation volunteers must attend prior to their first season.

One-Day Events

One-day volunteer opportunities include occasional half-day programs and end-of-season finale assistance. Events include Art Day, Outdoor Explorer, sports clinics and program finales (which occur throughout the week).

Normally, one-day volunteers are not paired with a child. Instead, volunteers may be tasked with event setup, greeting guests, working at themed stations, serving refreshments or performing administrative duties.

Volunteer FAQs

Who Can Volunteer?

Volunteers must be 16 years old and able to attend the duration of the program. Junior volunteers, ages 14-15 years old, must partner with a parent. Volunteers do not need to be an expert in the program activity, nor have prior experience with special needs. Volunteers must independently have the ability to problem solve, keep children safe, physically assist a child and follow coach’s directions. Qualified therapists and coaches attend every program to instruct and assist the children and their volunteers. For the safety of our children, we run background checks on every volunteer.

Will I Be Trained?

Yes! You will attend a one-time, one-hour orientation where you will learn about Kinetic Kids, who we serve and your role as a volunteer. Orientations are offered at the beginning of each season. Volunteers also receive sport-specific training from the coaching staff on the first program day in which we address diagnoses, behavior management, sensory support needs and activity modifications specific to the needs of the children with whom you will work.

What Can I Expect?

Make A Difference

If there is any doubt in your mind that you can impact lives through Kinetic Kids, don’t just take it from us:

Dear Kinetic Kids,

I wanted to take a moment out of your day to just say thank you. My son, Marcos, has been a Kinetic Kid for 5 years and I just want to thank you for your volunteers. It takes a special and selfless person to choose to be involved with special needs children, whether at school, as a therapist or a health care professional. But to be a volunteer takes it to a whole OTHER level. When I look at this photo of Marcos with his volunteer, all I can see is selflessness, compassion, kindness, patience and love.

This particular young man was incredible but please know ALL of your volunteers have been. It just really struck me because I see the most beautiful attributes of humankind in this photo and it touched my soul. Parents like me are SO grateful and indebted to you for these experiences. So again, thank you for finding these angels on earth.

Have a beautiful, blessed day!
Francesca Barajas