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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, 2022-2023

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 starting a Community Center that will minister to children in an after school program and to the elderly in the neighborhood in the community center. 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.

Boys and Girls Club of the Big Pines: Volunteers are needed to work with teens in grades 7 through 12 Monday through Fridays afternoon any time between 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. Volunteers might help with homework, referee games, teach computer skills, or help with craft projects. The Boys and Girls Club is located on US 59 between Pizza Hut and Marshall High School. Contacts are Chad Patterson and Shelly Meisenheimer Call 903.935.2030 or email shelly@begreateasttexas.com to learn more.

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 thrift store 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

Community Healthcore, Community Living Network (Marshall): Volunteers are needed to help with and participate in community events for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Activities include participating in fitness and wellness classes, helping 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.

Buckner Children and Family Services: Buckner offers a wide variety of services to children, families, and elders. Their ministries include foster care, a community transformation center, job readiness training, parenting education, and a crisis relief center. Volunteers are needed to serve in many of these areas. To learn more, contact Reagan Maldonado, Community Programs Coordinator at 903-757-9383 or rmaldonado@buckner.org. Buckner’s offices are in Longview at 110 E. Cotton Street (take US 80 all the way into downtown; take a left on High St.; drive several blocks and turn left on E. Cotton). To learn about more volunteer opportunities with Buckner, please visit www.buckner.org and go to “Engage.”

Communities in Schools: Come volunteer for Communities in Schools! We are a non-profit organization that works within the schools (elementary through high school in Hallsville, Marshall, 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, we 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 our websites: for the national organization communitiesinschools.org and our regional website cisetx.org.

Dayspring Therapeutic Equestrian Center: The mission of Dayspring is to enhance the independence and life skills of individuals with disabilities through multi-level equine programs. Dayspring will minister to children and adults with different disabilities including cerebral palsy, Spina Bifida, learning disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, stroke, and others. They will also participate in the Hooves for Heroes program offering equine-assisted activities and therapies to veterans with disabilities. Contact Sheryl Fogle, Executive Director, for more information at 817.980.2535 (cell), 903.923.5552 (home), or Sheryl@sherylfogle.com .

Friends of Marshall Animals: The Friends of Marshall Animals is a non-profit volunteer agency advocating for a new shelter in Marshall. They hold fundraisers and work with the current shelter to increase adoptions and fostering opportunities. Student volunteers will be educated on the current needs of the shelter and how a new shelter would be beneficial both to the shelter itself and to the community. Students will assist in fundraising events and will volunteer at the current shelter to help clean the facility and engage with the animals in healthy play. To volunteer, contact Friends of Marshall Animals at friendsofmarshallanimals@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 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.; and on the first Saturday of each month from 9:00 a.m. - noon. The food pantry also receives food deliveries on Monday and Friday at various times. To volunteer with food deliveries, please contact the food pantry director at 903.472.4944 or at foodpantry@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 on their yardwork and exterior projects, and other special projects. For more information, contact the Volunteer Coordinator at NETX Habitat at nfo@netxhabitat.org or stop into the Great Commission Center to get more information from Dr. Seeley (lseeley@etbu.edu).

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 Central Baptist 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. Their website is www.hiway80rm.org. To volunteer, call Gary Crim or Kate Langston at 903.759.8101.

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. Our model teaches the value of hard work, participation, and being helped accountable. To learn more about volunteering contact Abbie Miltenberger at serve@thehubministry.com or call 318.606.2518. Learn more about the HUB at www.TheHUBministry.com. This ministry is located in Shreveport.

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 p.m. and return to campus around 5:00 p.m. To learn more, contact the BSM Director in the Spiritual Development office at ETBU.

Marshall-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 taking 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 9:00 a.m. - noon and again between 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. There will be special training given. They may also need volunteers for special events. The Literacy Center is located at the old South Marshall Elementary school at 1600 Meadow St. in the library. For more information, please contact Karen Bickerdike at 903.935.0962 or mhclc117@gmail.com.

Marshall Home Care and Hospice: 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 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 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 Manor West Nursing Home: This organization serves the elderly of the community. There are opportunities for ministering to elderly residents of this nursing home on a one-time or regular basis. Contact Laura Floyd at 903.938.3793 (office) or email at LauraFloyd4@gmail.com .

Marshall Pregnancy Resource Center: This counseling ministry provides alternatives to abortion for those dealing with an unexpected pregnancy. Office hours are typically Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Students can serve as receptionists, work on the ministry’s website, and perform other duties. Some training is involved before volunteers can engage clients. Please contact Michelle Spencer at 903.938.8378 for more information or email marshalltxprc@gmail.com. You may need to leave a message if she is with a client, but she will return your call.

Martha’s Kitchen: This ministry serves a free, hot meal every Thursday night from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Student volunteers are needed to visit and pray with guests (especially teenage boys). In cold weather, volunteers are needed before 6 p.m. to spend time with children who have arrived early.  Martha’s Kitchen is located in the parish hall of Trinity Episcopal Church at 106 North Grove Street. For more information, contact Laura Rectenwald 903.238.7312 or Stacey at Trinity Episcopal Church at 903.938.4246.

Mission Carthage: This ministry is a citywide 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 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. or 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. to help load and stock food boxes. Needs are greatest in the first two to three 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 learn more, contact volunteer coordinator Ann Green at 903-693-4402 or visit www.missioncarthage.com.   

Mission Marshall: This mission center currently houses the local Food Pantry, Faith Medical Clinic, and Habitat for Humanity offices. (Each ministry has a separate entry on this list.) Mission Marshall needs volunteers to assist with client intake for the food pantry on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., on Mondays from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., and on the first Saturday of each month from 9:00 a.m. - noon. Additional volunteers are needed on the first and third Friday mornings of each month to help distribute free produce to families in need. To volunteer, please contact Director Misty Scott at mscott@missionmarshall.org or 903.472.4944. 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 one central station and two substations 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 firehouses. 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.

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.org/Purchased, call 318-200-0517, or e-mail purchased@theHUBministry.com.

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 Tammy Dees at tammy@refugeoflight.org or call 903-279-8769. This ministry is located in Tyler.

SHINE Ministry at St. Mark’s UMC: SHINE ministry is a monthly program that meets on 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: This mission includes a homeless shelter, a warehouse, and other ministries. There are numerous opportunities seven days a week, including serving meals and helping with children’s time in the evenings. A brief orientation is required before you begin serving; orientation dates are listed on the website. The address is 901 McNeil St., Shreveport. Take I-20 to Shreveport; exit on Line Ave., turn left; the road becomes Common St. Turn right on Cotton St.; travel two blocks; and turn right on McNeil. For more information, contact Community Relations Manager Anna Adams at 318-227-2868 ext. 104 or aadams@sbrescuemission.com. You can also visit www.sbrescuemission.com, www.facebook.com/SBRescueMission, and http://twitter.com/homelessrescue.

Team Tiger Mentoring: TEAM Tiger is a new mentoring program for Marshall Junior High. It is designed to help middle school students build literacy skills and improve overall emotional and academic development through interaction with ETBU students. Contact Dr. David Splawn at dsplawn@etbu.edu or Dr. Amy Carpenter at acarpenter@etbu.edu.

Texas Home Health:  Be a volunteer. Change a life. Being a Hospice volunteer at Texas home Health is rewarding work. End-of-life is often a challenging time for patients as well as their loved ones. As a volunteer, you offer treasured companionship and invaluable family support to those who need it most. Volunteer activities include many simple pleasures such as reading, playing cards/games, having a conversation, listening to music, craft-making, and office support. Your biggest gift to these patients, and those who love them, may simply be time spent holding someone’s hand All you need is compassion. You will work with a team of professionals who will provide volunteer training and ongoing support. The schedule is flexible. Call Kristina Buckrell at 903-234-0943 or email her at KristinaBuckrell@txhha.com for more information.

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 Director at 903-934-9661(office).

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