Fortress is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization serving Fort Worth's Historic Southside neighborhood. Our mission, building bridges from poverty to promise, takes a dual-generational approach to equip our students and their families with the resources they need to attain long-term stability, health and happiness. Through programs  focused on academic, social-emotional and spiritual support, our strategy is to help children and parents utilize their existing strengths and develop new skills to overcome barriers born from systemic inequities, generational trauma, and life circumstances.

Buddies work in the classroom with preschool and school-age kids, either one-on-one or in small groups. Buddies help students feel valued and supported, especially during transitions, with remembering the rules and procedures of routine, or by providing extra attention. Buddies are typically high school or college students who enjoy an excuse to read and play, but we welcome anyone who has the time and desire to connect with and love kids.

Buddies work under the direction and supervision of trained preschool and after school teachers who are familiar with the social-emotional and academic development of each student. Buddies will assist teachers by reading storybooks, helping with homework, playing in centers, and connecting with students in a positive, healthy way. In short, buddies support the various needs students’ have in the classroom, equipping them for even greater success than they may have had otherwise!

• You have experience with and are comfortable interacting with children ages 2 through 5th grade.
• You can pass a background check and are willing to complete up to 6 hours of training per year.
• You can commit to an ongoing shift of at least one hour, from as little as once a month to as often as twice a week.

• You will play a vital role in our students’ development, helping them build skills and knowledge that will set them on the path to becoming healthy, successful adults.
• You will connect with other like-minded individuals, both volunteer and staff, who are committed to interrupting cycles of generational poverty.
• You will learn about the impact that economic and social injustices have on students right here in Fort Worth and gain some of the tools and knowledge needed to disrupt those injustices.
• You will learn and practice co-regulation skills that will benefit you in professional and personal situations for the rest of your life.

You can find more information about our organization, our core values, our statement of faith, our commitment to equity, plus a detailed job description and the full application at www.fortressfw.org/volunteer. All candidates must complete an application, interview, background check, and orientation before working with our organization.