Brighter Tomorrows has always relied on dedicated and hard-working volunteers to help operate our shelter and assist with programs.   All volunteers participate in an 8 hr. volunteer orientation.  Some positions may require additional training.  Orientations and trainings are scheduled year round.

Contact our office at 972-263-0506 to speak to our Volunteer Coordinator to learn more.  You can also complete a Volunteer Application (click here) and return it to us at your convenience.

Administration	Time Commitment: Office hours are 9am to 5pm Monday - Friday.  Requires 1½ hour volunteer orientation.
Volunteers work in one of our office locations assisting with clerical work, data entry, making copies, answering telephones assembling intake packets, etc.
Adopt a Room	Time Commitment:
Your group can adopt a room at one of our three emergency shelters.  You would provide needed items such as linens, decor, pillows, bedroom furniture, etc. on a regular basis as needed.  Sponsors receive recognition on the door of their adopted room.
Children's Activities	Time Commitment: Varied times, Monday - Thursday.  Weekly commitment preferred.  Requires 1½ hour volunteer orientation.
Volunteers spend time with the children at one of our shelters or transitional housing facilities leading structured activities during support group sessions and life skills classes.   Each summer, Volunteers are needed to chaperon children on field trips to the movies, park, special events, etc.
Childcare Team	Time Commitment: Varied times, Friday through Sunday.
Volunteers as a group take anywhere between 2-5 hours three days a week to spend a little extra time with the children in one of our shelters. This gives the parent an opportunity to venture out and explore other ways of empowerment.
Community Education	Time Commitment: Requires 1½ hour volunteer orientation.
Volunteers represent Brighter Tomorrows at health fairs and community events in Dallas County.  Responsible for setting up provided resource materials and answering questions about agency services.  In addition volunteers are needed to assist clients with providing classes for interviewing skills, resume writing, and industrial organizational improvement.
Court Partnership Program	Time Commitment: 1½ hour volunteer orientation and 2 hours additional training required.
Observe court proceedings and gather data regarding domestic violence cases that will be used in a coordinated effort to improve the effectiveness of the court system for victims of domestic violence.
Drives for Needed Items	Time Commitment:
Your group can hold a drive for our emergency shelters.  Necessary items include non-perishable food, clothing, linens, household items and baby needs.
Holiday Wonderland	Time Commitment: Dates vary.  Daily schedule 10am to 6pm weekdays; 11am to 5pm Saturdays.
During the holiday season Brighter Tomorrows sponsors an Adopt-A-Family Program for our residents as well as others in need in the community.  During the month of December we staff the Holiday Wonderland where these donations are dropped off and sorted.  Your group can sponsor a day and provide volunteers to work alongside Brighter Tomorrows staff.
Hotline Advocate	Time Commitment: Three hour shifts on weekdays between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.  Minimum commitment of one shift per week. Requires 1½ hour volunteer orientation and an 8 hour additional training class
Answer the crisis hotline and assist callers with crisis counseling and referral information for victims of domestic violence.  Assist with light office duties.
Maintenance Project	Time Commitment:
Groups can assist with projects such as painting, landscaping, furniture assembly or minor repairs at any of our locations.
Shelter Clean-Up	Time Commitment:
Your group can participate in our quarterly Clean-Up Day at one of our three shelters or transitional housing program. Help organize closets and storage areas and freshen up the kitchen, bedrooms and living areas.
Special Events	Time Commitment: Commitment varies by assignment.  Projects available throughout the year. Requires 1½ hour volunteer orientation.
Volunteers help by providing logistical support for special projects including fundraisers, the holiday wonderland, birthday parties, holiday parties, entertainment, pampering, and self awareness structured events for clients.
Sports Teams	Time Commitment: Wednesday through Friday for 1-2 hours a day.
Volunteers are needed throughout the year to spend time with the children after school preferably Wednesday through Friday for 1-2 hours a day improving their active side. Sports activities may include Basketball, Football, Cheerleading, Soccer, and Dance.   Volunteers are needed in the summer and spring to form a camp for the children at our Transitional location.
Support Brighter Tomorrows	Time Commitment:
Groups are invited to host events to support Brighter Tomorrows.  Let your imagination be your guide.  Events could include a fun run, golf tournament, hosting a dinner, etc.  These events help raise much needed funds for our agency as well as help raise public awareness of our services.
Thrift Store	Time Commitment: Requires 1½ hour volunteer orientation.
Assist store staff in receiving, sorting, tagging and displaying donated goods for sale in one of our thrift store locations.  Store hours are 9 am to 5 pm, Tuesday - Saturday.

Brighter Tomorrows
Volunteer of the Year
receives the
2009 Doris Black Award Richard Mauldin A faithful volunteer since November 2007, Richard has an extensive background in the non profit sector that enables him to work effectively with the diverse population served by Brighter Tomorrows.  During 2008, he taught more than 130 financial literacy classes to over 200 individuals in our Transitional Housing program.  A current client states, Richard develops a personal relationship with each client that makes learning a difficult subject, such as finances, intriguing & interesting. We would like to express our heartfelt thanks for his continued support of Brighter Tomorrows both financially and as a volunteer.

Doris Black, one of Brighter Tomorrows original board members, was a very hard worker who was committed to our mission and did what it took to get the job done.  It didn't matter if it was a community fair when it was 102 degrees in the shade or a poker run at a Harley dealership with a gusty north wind and freezing temperatures, Doris was there.  When Brighter Tomorrows called, Doris answered.

Doris was our first official pick-up person for our thrift stores - her little station wagon was always full of donations.  She also donated a great deal of her personal time working at the Grand Prairie shelter when it was our only shelter.  And if Doris couldn't do it herself, her husband Bill or one of her three children were called in to assist.

When Doris passed away, it seemed fitting to commemorate this wonderful woman with an annual award that is presented at our annual Chocolate 'n Chic event to an individual who has worked tirelessly to further the mission of Brighter Tomorrows.  Past recipients of the Doris Black Award include:

RaDonna Hessel          Heath Penwarden
Sandy Duckworth        Jackie Chandler
Deby Brubaker            Debbie Pecor
Denise Howieson