Needs From: Volunteer Houston

Help us make our outdoor spaces shine! We're looking for volunteers to join our Beautification Committee for a hands-on day of yard and grounds cleanup.

Volunteer Tasks Include:
✅ Raking leaves and debris
✅ Pulling weeds
✅ Weed-eating/line trimming
✅ Mowing grass
✅ Picking up trash and fallen branches
✅ Wiping down lawn furniture
✅ General tidying to make our outdoor area neat and welcoming

Details:

All tools and supplies provided (but feel free to bring your own gloves or equipment if you prefer)

Great opportunity for individuals, families, students, or groups

Service hours available for students or community service requirements

Dress for outdoor work (closed-toe shoes, insect repellent, sun protection recommended)

Water provided

Your time and effort will help us create a clean, safe, and inviting space for our adults with Down syndrome participants as well as everyone who visits.

Are you passionate about cooking and eager to share your skills with others? Friends of Down Syndrome is looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic volunteer to lead our cooking lessons for adults with Down syndrome.

Position: Volunteer Cooking Instructor

Location: Friends of Down Syndrome, 8425 West Rd. Houston, Tx 77064

Schedule: Every Thursday, 9 AM - 3 PM

Role Overview:

Teaching: Lead simple cooking lessons for approximately 30 students, with the option to break them into smaller groups throughout the day.

Planning: Develop engaging and budget-friendly meal ideas.

Shopping: Calculate the necessary supplies for our students to shop for in advance.

Kitchen Use: Utilize our fully equipped kitchen to prepare and teach the cooking lessons.

Requirements:

Commitment: Must be available every Thursday from 9 AM to 3 PM.

Skills: Strong organizational skills and ability to stay within a budget. Proficiency with calculations is essential.

Experience: Experience working with special needs is a plus but not required. Patience and a positive attitude are crucial.

Certification: Must have a Food Handlers License or be willing to obtain one.

Background Check: The ability to pass a background check is required.

Training: Must be able to attend a training session before starting.

If you have a passion for cooking and want to make a meaningful impact in our community, we’d love to hear from you!  Join us in creating a fun and educational cooking experience for our students!

Are you passionate about teaching and eager to help individuals develop essential vocational and life skills? Friends of Down Syndrome is looking for a dedicated volunteer to lead our vocational and life skills training sessions.

Position: Volunteer Vocational/Life Skills Instructor

Location: Friends of Down Syndrome, 8425 West Road Houston, Tx 77064

Schedule: Every Tuesday, 9 AM - 3 PM

Role Overview:

Curriculum Development: Plan and design engaging vocational and life skills curriculum tailored to the needs of our students.

Teaching: Lead a group of approximately 20-25 students, with the option to break them into smaller groups for more personalized instruction.

Supplies: Assist in obtaining donated supplies from various sources to support the training sessions.

Program Management: Introduce new and innovative vocational and life skills ideas to our facility each week.

Requirements:

Commitment: Must be available every Tuesday from 9 AM to 3 PM.

Skills: Strong organizational and planning skills. Ability to develop and implement engaging curriculum and manage classroom activities.

Experience: Experience working with special needs individuals is a plus but not required. Patience and a positive attitude are essential.

Background Check: Ability to pass a background check is required.

Training: Must be able to attend a training session before starting.

If you have a passion for teaching and want to make a meaningful impact in our community, we’d love to hear from you! Join us in empowering our students with valuable vocational and life skills!

Are you enthusiastic about supporting students in their academic journey? Friends of Down Syndrome is seeking dedicated volunteers to assist with our academic classes.

Position: Volunteer Academic Aide

Location: Friends of Down Syndrome 8425 West Road Houston, Tx 77064

Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 9 am- 3 pm

Role Overview:

Classroom Support: Accompany a group of students throughout their day, assisting with various classes including Reading, Math, Art, Social Skills, PE, and Music.

Individual Assistance: Help specific students with their daily work and tasks, providing support tailored to their individual needs.

Lunch & Enrichment Assistance: Support students during lunch hour and enrichment hour, ensuring they have a positive and productive experience.

General Assistance: Provide help wherever needed throughout the day to ensure smooth operation and support for both students and teachers.

Requirements:

Commitment: Must be available for the full academic day 9 am-3 pm, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Skills: Patience, enthusiasm, and the ability to work well with students. Experience with special needs is a plus but not required.

Background Check: The ability to pass a background check is required.

Training: Must be able to attend a training session before starting.

If you are committed to making a difference and supporting our students in their educational journey, we’d love to hear from you! Join us in providing invaluable support to our students throughout their academic day!

Now Recruiting: Board Members & Treasurer
Friends of Down Syndrome – Houston, TX
Monthly board meetings (in person with virtual option)

Description:
Friends of Down Syndrome is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating lifelong opportunities for adults with Down syndrome through education, socialization, and community outreach.

We are currently seeking committed, compassionate individuals to join our Board of Directors—including a Treasurer to help oversee the financial health of the organization. This is a great opportunity to make a lasting impact in the lives of adults with Down syndrome while lending your skills and leadership to a growing nonprofit.

What We’re Looking For:

Board Members from all backgrounds who are passionate about inclusion and willing to support the organization through advocacy, fundraising, and participation in events.

Treasurer with experience in finance, bookkeeping, accounting, or nonprofit financial oversight. (Familiarity with QuickBooks or nonprofit budgeting is a plus.)

General Responsibilities:

Attend monthly board meetings (in person or virtually)

Support fundraising and community outreach efforts

Offer expertise in your field to help guide organizational growth

Serve as an ambassador for our mission in the community

Help ensure strong governance and organizational integrity

Time Commitment:
4–6 hours per month, including monthly board meetings and any relevant committee or project work.

If you’re ready to make a difference in the lives of adults with Down syndrome and contribute to a mission-driven team, we’d love to hear from you!