Sara's Favorite Charities & Volunteer Opportunities

With the start of a new year (or a new month), there comes a renewed spirit of hope, feelings of anticipation, the setting of goals, and a heightened interest in connecting with things and causes meaningful to you. If you’ve been interested in serving others in your community but aren’t sure where to begin, I’m happy to share some of my favorite charities with you. There are numerous volunteer opportunities all around Houston.

Volunteering gives back to those who help others plus pays it forward to expand opportunities for others. Volunteering simply feels good and is a fast way to make new friends, stay connected, and make an impact.

Why Volunteer?

Did you know volunteering is good for your health? It’s true. Here are some facts about the benefits of volunteering:

• Those who volunteer lead longer and healthier lives. Research indicates when you volunteer your body reaps the benefits comparable to adding fresh fruits and vegetables to your daily diet. According to a 2017 National Library of Medicine study, adults over 55 who give their time for others have an easier time with everyday tasks, and volunteers experience 250 percent less cognitive decline leading to dementia. (Imagine, an alternate way to gain the positives of eating brussels sprouts without having to actually eat brussels sprouts…or substitute any veggie that isn’t your favorite.)  
• Volunteers experience improved cognitive and general mental health. Giving a minimum of 100 hours or more a year, places you in the category with America’s healthiest people in the country. That’s achievable by volunteering only 4 hours, two times a month for a year. Working among others wards off depression, boosts self-confidence as well as self-control plus provides opportunities to pick up new skill sets.
• Volunteers build meaningful social relationships. Making strong friendships that last over the years is one of the strongest perks for those who serve others. Think back over the years you supported your children in school and served on committees with the same parents. If you’re new to a community one of the fastest ways to meet new people is to get involved. You’ll be making a positive difference for a cause close to your heart and planting roots through new friendships.  

Charities & Volunteer Opportunities Around Houston

Child Advocates of Fort Bend

Location: 5403 Avenue N., Rosenberg, TX

This organization is a CASA program and Advocacy Center providing a voice, healing the hurt and breaking the cycle of child abuse. For over 30 years The Child Advocates of Fort Bend has been a community supported, public/private partnership that provides all of its services at no cost. There are numerous ways for you to get involved or donate. Click here to view the volunteer opportunities.  

Fort Bend Women’s Center

Location: 501 E. Highway 90A, Richmond, TX

The Fort Bend Women’s Center’s mission is to prevent violence against women and help domestic violence and sexual assault survivors and their children achieve self-sufficiency and safety. Since founding in 1980, they have helped more than 50,000 survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault. Click here to view the volunteer opportunities.  

Helping Hands

Location: 6521 Bissonnet Street, Houston, TX

Helping Hands provides local Houston and the Greater Houston families with perishable food, clothing, and food. They provide free donation pick-up and have easy scheduling online to help collect your donations. They will even come pick-up your donated vehicle, boat, or RV. Reach out via their website at https://www.houstonhelpinghands.com.

Dress for Success

Location: 3310 Eastside Street, Houston, TX

Since 1998, Dress for Success Houston has provided business attire, a much-needed boost of confidence, and job retention and career advancement to more than 47,000 women. This organization is all about empowering women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and development tools to help women thrive in work and life. Get involved by clicking here.

Attack Poverty

Location: 3727 Greenbriar Drive #100, Stafford, TX

Houston’s poverty rate is among some of the highest among major U.S. metros areas. Attack Poverty empowers people to attack poverty in their life and community by strengthening under-resourced communities through spiritual growth, education, revitalization, and basic needs. Learn more and join the efforts to reduce poverty by clicking here.

Lunches of Love

Location: 1416 Radio Lane, Rosenberg, TX

Lunches of Love is committed to helping end childhood hunger in in Fort Bend County by providing a free nutritious sack during extended school holidays and weekends. Various volunteer shifts are available on the weekends and over holidays, click here to join their efforts.

Gigi’s Playhouse

Location: 13003 Southwest Fwy. #170, Stafford, TX

GiGi's Playhouse Sugar Land provides free educational programs to inspire self-confidence and empower individuals with Down syndrome to achieve plus supports both the individuals and their families. Get involved by clicking here.

Hope for Three

Location: 4771 Sweetwater Blvd., #358, Sugar Land, TX

Hope for Three is a local non-profit and autism organization. It was established to raise community awareness and provide resources and support through financial aid to families with autistic children and loved ones. Visit their website for ways to both donate and become a volunteer.

In Summary

I encourage to check out a charity with a cause that is meaningful to you. Not only will the organization be excited to have more help but there are so many benefits awaiting you. Volunteering is an excellent way for you and your family to serve others, make positive differences, and live out your faith. My family and I practice giving back to our community and have gained so much. I want this experience for you, too. If you’re looking to relocate to a new neighbor and unsure which volunteer opportunities are available, reach out. I may be able to make some introductions or suggestions. It would be my pleasure to help you get connected in the community.  

Since 2004 Sara Lyn Nguyen continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate around the Houston area to those she serves. Sara is a multi-year award winning REALTOR® and relocation specialist where her clients trust her to have up-to-date information on the real estate market. She has been one of Gary Greene’s Multi-Million Dollar Top Producers, and citywide was the #2 Top Producing agent in 2020, #3 in 2021, and #2 in 2022. When it’s time to buy, sell, invest, or relocate speak with a trusted professional knowledgeable in the homes and neighborhoods of Fort Bend/Sugar Land and the surrounding region.