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Life on the Hill

ETBU Cares

ETBU Cares exists to help ETBU students, faculty, and staff partner with their neighbors in the community through after-school programs, park ministries, and other outreach opportunities. We want our community to know that ETBU Cares! A variety of projects are available during each semester. 

Service Opportunities

This list provides an overview of the primary service learning options in the Marshall area available to ETBU students. Other service learning locations may be available upon request.

Service Opportunities

ETBU Service Learning Opportunities

This list provides an overview of the primary service learning options in the Marshall area available to ETBU students. Other service learning locations may be available upon request. Contact Dr. Lisa Seeley, the Director of the Great Commission Center at 903-923-2175 or lseeley@etbu.edu for more information.

Anointing Grace Ministries: Located at the old George Washington Carver elementary school, Anointing Grace ministries is a Community Center that ministers to the elderly in the neighborhood on Thursdays from 11:00am to 2:00pm. Volunteers often play cards, sing, or just sit and talk with the senior citizens during service hours. They are looking for student volunteers in both ministries. For more information, contact Angelita Jackson at abpjackson1999@gmail.com or by phone at 903-930-8325.

ARC Caddo-Bossier GREAT: The ARC’s GREAT (Great Results Equine-Assisted Therapies) program mission is to build unlimited opportunities for people of all ages with disabilities through therapeutic horsemanship. Volunteers are needed to help with lesson and to care for the horses. For more information contact Kelsey Polk at kpolk@thearccaddobossier.org or visit www.thearccaddobossier.org.

Boys and Girls Club of the Big Pines: Boys & Girls Club of the Big Pines: Volunteers are needed to work with ages 5-13 Monday through Friday afternoon any time between 3:15 PM and 6 PM. Volunteers might help with homework, teach computer skills, or help with craft projects. The Boys & Girls Club is located on US 59 between Pizza Hut and Marshall High School. Contacts are Shelly Meisenheimer and Hanna Williams Call 903-935-2030 or email shelly@begreateasttexas.com to learn more. Every volunteer must fill out an online volunteer form: www.begreateasttexas.com click on get involved, click on volunteer, fill out the form.

Bridge Church and Bridge of Compassion: Located in the Old J.H. Moore elementary school not far from the ETBU campus, Bridge of Compassion offers multiple assistance programs for people in Marshall needing a little helping hand. They have a clothing closet and are in need of volunteers to help with sorting, moving, cleaning, and painting, among other things. To find out more about what they are looking for in a volunteer, please call Gregg Taylor at 903-407-1654 or email him at rev.glt@gmail.com

Buckner Children and Family Services: Buckner Children and Family Services: Buckner offers a wide variety of services to children, families, and elders. Their ministries include foster care and adoption and three family strengthening programs (Family Hope Center, Family Pathways, and HOPES) that offer parenting education, educational support for single moms, client assistance, and transformation planning. Volunteers are needed to serve in many of these areas. To learn more, contact Reagan Maldonado, Volunteer Engagement Coordinator at 903-757-9383 or rmaldonado@buckner.org . Buckner’s offices are open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. in Longview at 1014 S. High St., Longview, Texas. To learn about more volunteer opportunities with Buckner, please email or call to schedule or visit www.buckner.org and go to “Engage.”

Community Healthcore (Marshall): Community Healthcore is a place for recovery, resilience, and empowering individuals to reach their dreams. They provide mental, emotional and behavioral health services to the community. Volunteers are needed to help with and participate in events to raise mental health awareness and for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Activities include participating in fitness and wellness classes, help with craft events, respite programs, special events, and more. For more information, contact Patti Brady, Outreach Coordinator at patti.brady@communityhealthcore.com or 903-407-8899. They have offices at Synergy Park.

Communities in Schools: Communities in Schools: Come volunteer for Communities in Schools! They are a nonprofit organization that works within the schools (elementary through high school in Marshall, Elysian Fields, Karnack, Longview and other East Texas locations) to help create a positive environment to empower students. Whether your interests are media, PR and marketing, planning fun events, or simply loving on the students who need it the most, they have a place for you! For more information, contact Kim Gonzales at (903) 927-1128 or email her at kim.gonzales@cisetx.org . You can also check out their websites: for the national organization communitiesinschools.org and our regional website cisetx.org

Friends of Marshall Animals: If you are interested in volunteering at the Marshall Pet Adoption Center (MPAC) they need you! Their team is made up of enthusiastic volunteers who love working with animals. FOMA conducts shelter volunteer orientation and training classes twice monthly. MPAC always needs volunteers to socialize dogs, tame feral kittens, and perform other important tasks. If you are searching for meaningful and rewarding volunteer work, joining Friends of Marshall Animals at the shelter would be a great fit. Please complete our Volunteer Application Form online at www.friendsofmarshallanimals.org/volunteer If you have any questions you can email MPACvolunteers@gmail.com.

Food Pantry: The Mission Marshall Food Pantry is located at the northwest corner of Washington and Pinecrest (2109 S. Washington) in the Mission Marshall building. The food pantry is open Monday from 5 to 6:30 PM; Tuesday, and Wednesday from 10 AM to1:30 PM; and on the first Saturday of each month from 9 AM to noon. Additional volunteers are needed on the first and third Friday mornings of each month to help unload deliveries from The East Texas Food Bank. The food pantry may also have special projects on Thursdays. To volunteer with Food Pantry, please contact the Food Pantry Manager Darlene Dotson at 903-472-4944 or at ddotson@missionmarshall.org.

Habitat for Humanity (NorthEast Texas Habitat for Humanity): Seeking to put God's love into action Northeast Texas Habitat for Humanity builds Strength, Stability and Self-reliance through Shelter. Volunteers are needed for new constructions, Brush with Kindness projects which help the elderly, disabled and veterans catch up their yardwork and exterior projects, and other special projects. For more information, contact the Volunteer Coordinator at NETX Habitat at info@netxhabitat.org or stop in to the Great Commission Center to get more information from Dr. Seeley (lseeley@etbu.edu )

Harrison County Historical Museum: The Harrison County Historical Museum invites East Texas Baptist University students to join in preserving and sharing the rich history of our community. The mission of this organization is to collect, preserve, and interpret the stories and artifacts that define Harrison County’s past. Volunteers play an essential role in helping us fulfill this mission by assisting with daily operations, supporting exhibits, and ensuring visitors have an engaging and educational experience. Please contact Sommer Jennings at hchminfo@gmail.com to apply as a volunteer! Opportunities Available: Visitor Services Volunteer at the Main Gallery inside the 1901 Historical Courthouse (1 Peter Whetstone Square) on Fridays, 10 AM - 4 PM (flexible hours) and Saturdays, 11 AM - 2 PM Visitor Services Volunteer at the Service and Sacrifice: Harrison County at War exhibit inside Memorial City Hall Performance Center (110 E Houston St) on Saturdays, 11 AM – 2 PM Archives and Preservation Volunteer at the Inez Hatley Hughes Historical Research Center (104 E Crockett) on - Tuesday – Friday, 10 AM – 4 PM (flexible days/hours)

Heart Dream: Early Childhood Christian Academy: Located in the old Robert E. Lee Elementary, this opportunity is within walking distance of ETBU. They are a new ministry that is looking for volunteers to help with the school and on Wednesday nights with their services and childcare. Great opportunity for students who are considering child development or early childhood teaching. Contact Pastor Emmett Gagnard at 903-930-1907.

Heart’s for the Hungry: Heart’s for the Hungry is located at Central Baptist Church in Marshall. Every Sunday evening at 5:00 pm they offer a meal to the hungry of Marshall. If you would like to help with this ministry, please contact Pastor Jerry Vincent at jvincent@cbcmarshall.org or call the church at 903-935-9391.

Heart'sWay Hospice of Northeast Texas: Hospice is a ministry that assists those at the end of life to have dignity and respect in their final days. It can be a very rewarding ministry. Students are needed to help with office work, visit patients, and carry out a variety of tasks. The location of the Marshall office is 205 E. Austin St. Take Hwy 80 towards 59; turn right on Lafayette to E. Austin; and turn right on E. Austin. Heart’sWay Hospice is on the right. For more information, contact Rex Fennell at rexf@heartswayhospice.org or 903-295-1680.

Hiway 80 Rescue Mission: This Christian organization provides shelter, meals and assistance for the homeless and those in need in the Longview area. Their services include a Men’s Shelter, a Women’s and Children’s Shelter, tutoring, a computer learning center, clothing rooms, and more. Volunteers are needed to assist with a variety of tasks throughout the year. The mission is located at 3117 W. Marshall St. (Highway 80) in Longview, just inside the loop. To volunteer, call Berlene Mercer at 903-759-8101 or email berlenem@hiway80rm.org. To access the volunteer application please navigate to our Website: www.hiway80rm.org

The Hub Ministry: The HUB: Urban Ministries exists to walk those in poverty through a process that gives them hope, friendship, community, a place they belong and the skills needed to become self-sufficient, which brings them value and worth. The HUB uses an earning based approach to ministry. Their model teaches the value of hard work, participation and being held accountable. To learn more about volunteering contact Jessie Fussel at jessie@thehubministry.com or call 318-606-2518. Learn more about the HUB at www.TheHUBministry.com . This ministry is located in Shreveport.

I20 Sports: i20 Sports is a non-profit youth sports program in Marshall that is looking for volunteers. i20 Sports is looking for: Equipment Volunteers to help move equipment on and off the court for games and practices. These volunteers also help keep the location clean and organized. Volunteer hours are available during the week from 5pm-8pm and on Saturday game days from 8am-8pm. Assistants to volunteer with young athletes (3-12 years old) to build up their confidence and skills. These volunteers help assist a coach with their team. Normally, teams practice once a week and have games on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. Please contact i20sportsinfo@gmail.com or Lydia Williams at 903-472-8646 for more information.

Kids Club: This after-school program is hosted in several local apartment complexes on different afternoons throughout the week. Kids clubs provide children with an opportunity to hear about the love of Christ, learn a Bible story, and experience a loving presence during games, activities, and stories. Volunteers meet outside the Spiritual Development offices each Monday through Thursday at 3:45 and return to campus around 5 PM. To learn more, contact the BSM Director in the Spiritual Development office at ETBU.

LIFT- Loving Individuals and Families Together: LIFT ministry is a monthly program that meets the third Thursday of every month to serve adults with disabilities and their families. This program allows for respite for the parents/caretakers for a couple of hours a month. We serve a meal, we worship and have fun with games, crafts and music. We would love for ETBU students to join us as we minister to special needs adults. Located at Immanuel Baptist Church’s Grange location out on Pinecrest (HWY 43). Contact Patti Brady, at lift@ibcmarshall.com or 903-407-8899 for more information.

Marshal-Harrison County Literacy Center: This literacy organization is looking for students willing to serve as tutors for adults. Some of those to be served may be ESL, working on their GED, or even just takin a course or two at a local college, while some will need adult literacy tutoring. They need volunteers for 1-3 hours per week. Normal volunteer days are Tuesday-Thursday between 9 am and noon and again between 1 pm and 3 pm. There will be special training given. They may also need volunteers for special events. The Literacy Center has two offices located at 114 E Grand and in Synergy Park. For more information, please contact Karen Bickerdike at 903- 935-0962 or mhclc117@gmail.com.

Marshall Hospice of East Texas: This organization encompasses four different nursing and assisted care facilities in the Marshall area. Volunteers are needed to read to clients, watch movies with them, call Bingo, paint nails, share Bible passages, lead worship services, shadow employees, and serve as hospice chaplains. To learn more, contact Anita at 903-923-8154. The Marshall Home Care and Hospice office is located at 111 E. Burleson St., with nursing facilities located in various areas around Marshall. You can also visit their website at www.mhchtexas.com.

Marshall ISD Volunteer Program: ETBU students, faculty, and staff are needed to work with students at MISD Schools. Volunteers must be committed to serving the MISD community in various ways including mentoring students, helping teachers, serving in the office and/or other tasks. Volunteers can participate any time from 8 AM to 3 PM on weekdays (specific times are available at each school). To learn more, contact the Director of the Great Commission Center, Dr. Lisa Seeley, at 903-923-2175 or gcc@etbu.edu.

Marshall Kids Community Theater: Volunteers are needed to help bring our productions to life. Opportunities include building props, constructing or painting sets, making costumes, assisting backstage, supporting rehearsals, and helping with organizational tasks. Email to marshallkidstheater@gmail.com or contact Trista Carter at 903-241-0424. Marshall Kids Community Theater is the non-profit program associated with Marshall Fine Arts Academy located at 401 S Washington Ave, Marshall, TX.

Marshall Manor West Nursing Home: This organization serves the elderly of the community. There are opportunities for minister to elderly residents of this nursing home on a one-time or regular basis. You must present a Covid vaccination card to volunteer. Contact Loria Mason at 903-938-3793.

Marshall Parks and Recreation: The City of Marshall is dedicated to delivering high-quality services that improve the quality of life for its residents. Our Parks & Recreation Department plays a crucial role in achieving this goal. The City of Marshall-Parks & Recreation Department makes it easier than ever to support the places, programs, and projects that matter most to you. There are numerous ways to get involved. Your support makes a difference. If you are interested in serving with us, please contact Director Marina Garcia Heredia at (903) 935- 4470. There is a volunteer agreement form that must be completed and sent back to parksinfo@marshalltexas.net before service can begin.

Marshall Pregnancy Resource Center: Marshall PRC is a non-profit that gives compassion, help, and hope to people facing an unexpected pregnancy by sharing the gospel, and by meeting needs through our center activities and by connecting them to other community resources. Students can serve as important partners when they give their time to help maintain our facilities (any student) and operations (upperclassmen studying Christian Ministry or Behavioral Science). Please contact Cari Johnson at 903-938-8378 for more information or email info@marshallprc.org

Mercy Manor: Mercy Manor’s mission is to provide a safe and loving environment for individuals facing crisis pregnancy by offering positive solutions through resources and local professionals to meet physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Volunteers will help with their thrift store, sort donated items, wipe down windows, sweep, and help stuff quarterly newsletters among other tasks. The volunteer contact is Leigha Youngblood. She can be reached by email at leigha.sheridan21@gmail.com or by phone at 903-806-1176. You can learn more about this ministry by visiting www.mercymanor.com.

Mission Carthage: This ministry is a countywide effort in Carthage (25 miles south of Marshall) to meet the needs of the poor and underprivileged. Volunteers are most needed on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 to 11:30 AM or 1 to 3:45 PM to help load and stock food boxes. Needs are greatest in the first 2 to 3 weeks of the month. The main address is 940 E. Sabine in Carthage. From Marshall, travel south on 59 until you get to Carthage. Turn left on the loop (436). Go around the loop and exit on US 79 (E. Sabine). Take a left and travel until you see 940 E. Sabine, the first driveway on the right. To schedule volunteer hours, contact volunteer coordinator Carrie Kinney at carrie@missioncarthage.com or Jennifer Randall at jennifer@missioncarthage.com or call 903-693-4402. To learn more, visit www.missioncarthage.com.

Mission Marshall: This mission center currently houses the local Food Pantry and Faith Medical Clinic. Mission Marshall needs volunteers to assist with client intake for the food pantry on Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:30 AM to 2 PM, on Mondays from 4:30 to 7 PM, and on the first Saturday of each month from 8:30 AM to noon. To volunteer, please contact Director Misty Scott at 903-472- 4944 or mscott@missionmarshall.org. Mission Marshall is located at the northwest corner of Washington and Pinecrest (2109 S. Washington).

Nesbitt Volunteer Fire Department: The Nesbitt Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1982. It has 1 central station and 2 sub stations in Harrison County. Their regular firefighter volunteers answer emergency calls for various types of fires, including structure, vehicle, industrial site, and wildland. If you would like to learn more about the department and who they are, you can visit their website at www.nesbittfiredepartment.com If you would like to come volunteer for community service hours they are looking for students to volunteer to help with cleaning, organizing, and general help with the fire houses. For more information contact Melissa Goodreau at 903-742-5431. You will be required to meet with Mel at the beginning of the semester before you start to serve. If you are interested in some other volunteer work with the Nesbitt Fire Department, you can contact Mel Goudreau for more information.

The Pet Place: The Pet Place is home to the Humane Society of Harrison County. They have served our community for over 55 years by caring for animals in need and educating the public about animal rights. Volunteers are needed to clean the facility, walk dogs, and play with the animals in their care. Contact Kay Hill at 903-938-7297, email hshcpaws@cobridge.tv. You can also visit www.hshc-paws.org/volunteer/ for more information. This location has limited spots available each term.

Purchased: Not for Sale: A ministry of The HUB Ministries. Purchased is an anti-trafficking ministry located in Shreveport LA. Purchased is a ministry designed to locate, love and motivate women in the sex industry and victims of sex trafficking. The desire of Purchases is to love the women the way Jesus would. Through outreach, friendship and biblical community we want to lead women to full restoration in Christ. To learn more go to www.TheHUBministry.com/Purchased, call 318-606-2518. This ministry is located in Shreveport.

Refuge of Light: The mission of Refuge of Light is to provide a safe haven, redemptive rescue and restoration of female victims of domestic minor sex trafficking through advocacy, awareness and holistic care. To learn more about volunteer opportunities with Refuge of Light, please visit www.refugeoflight.org or email Robin Robertson at robin@refugeoflight.org or call 903-279-8769. This ministry is located in Tyler TX.

SHINE Ministry at St. Mark’s UMC: SHINE ministry is a monthly program that meets the first Thursday of every month to serve adults with disabilities and their families. This program allows for respite for the parents/caretakers for a couple of hours a month. We serve a meal, we worship and have fun with games, crafts and music. We would love for ETBU students to join us as we minister to special needs adults. Located at St. Marks United Methodist Church at 1101 Jasper Dr. Marshall. Call Steve Hammond at 806-777-7364 or email at sm_hammond@yahoo.com Church office number is 903-935-9791.

Shreveport/Bossier Rescue Mission: Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission: This mission provides a Life Recovery Program for men, women, and children experiencing homelessness. A brief orientation is required before you begin serving; orientations are held the 1st Saturday of the month excluding July and December, they are listed on the website. Meals are served Monday through Friday. The address is 901 McNeil St., Shreveport. Take I-20 to Shreveport; exit on Line Ave., stay in the middle lane; the road becomes Common St. Turn right on Fairfield Ave.; travel two blocks; and turn Left on McNeil. For more information, contact Community Relations Manager Kindra Thomason at 318-227-2868 ext. 104 or kthomason@sbrescuemission.com. You can also visit www.sbrescuemission.com , www.facebook.com/SBRescueMission, and http://twitter.com/homelessrescue.

Three Oaks Hospice: Volunteer to serve patients receiving end-of-life care at Three Oaks Hospice located in Longview at 911 W Loop 281 Suite 209. This opportunity is especially good for students studying in the fields of nursing, social work, and ministry. They are looking for volunteers to help with direct patient services and administrative tasks. To learn more about this opportunity call volunteer coordinator Raven Lawrence by email rlawrence@threeoakshospice.com or call the office at 903-207-4495.

Women’s Center of East Texas: The Women’s Center of East Texas provides safe haven, crisis intervention, and comprehensive support services to victims of domestic violence and/or sexual violence in Gregg, Harrison, Upshur, Marion, Rusk, and Panola Counties. For more information about how you can volunteer, contact the Shelby at 903-934-9661 (office) or email shelby@wc-et.org

Contact Information

Name/Title Division Phone
Dr. Lisa Marie Seeley
Director, Great Commission Center and Global Education
Academic Affairs 903.923.2175 Send Message View Bio