As the school year kicks off, it’s a great time to think about how we can show up for our neighbors—and maybe even find a deeper sense of purpose along the way.
At New Braunfels Christian Ministries (NBCM), every day we see how volunteers make a real difference in our community. From reading with students at Kids Club to supporting patients at Volunteers in Medicine, our volunteers bring time, heart, and faithful support to the people we serve.
Kids Club (KC) started back in 2006, after a group from Oakwood Church visited an after-school program in Chicago and realized our kids in New Braunfels would benefit from something similar. What began with one school has grown to serve students from 14 campuses across NBISD and CISD. Since then, Kids Club has provided more than 2,280 days of program—each one filled with opportunities for connection, growth, and care. Week after week, caring volunteers show up—listening, encouraging, helping with reading, and sharing God’s love.
Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) launched in 2008 to care for uninsured adults in our community—sharing the love of Christ by investing in people through quality healthcare at no charge. Since then, VIM has provided more than $45 million in medical services, through over 94,000 appointments. Today, the clinic serves 700 patients each year across 7,000 appointments, with the help of dedicated medical and dental volunteers. Some come to the clinic once a month, while others welcome VIM patients into their own private practices. Their generosity and compassion help us partner with patients to improve long-term health and well-being.
In addition to clinical volunteers, we rely on administrative volunteers who help greet patients, schedule appointments and provide support behind the scenes. A little computer confidence and some conversational Spanish go a long way in helping patients feel welcomed and cared for from the moment they arrive.
>> If you have a heart for helping others and a few hours to give, we’d love to welcome you to the team. Learn more or apply at nbcm.org/volunteer.
In 2024 alone, 270 people gave their time and talents to serve through NBCM. Some are long-time volunteers. Others just started. All are part of something meaningful. While they often say they get more than they give, we know the impact they make is real. And it’s not just us. Across our community, nonprofits depend on volunteers to do everything from serving meals to walking with people through crisis. Volunteers are the heartbeat of this work.
Thinking about getting involved? Science backs what our volunteers already know: helping others is good for your health. It reduces stress, eases loneliness, and even improves overall well-being. Whether you’re reading with a child, using your clinical skills or answering the phone with a warm welcome, there’s a place for you—and a need you can meet.
You don’t have to be an expert. You just need a willing heart.
>> Ready to get started? Apply today at nbcm.org/volunteer.
Want to hear more?
Check out Gavin’s story from Volunteers in Medicine and Gina’s story from Kids Club to see how volunteering has brought joy and purpose to their lives. Their experiences might just inspire you to get involved.
>> Find more stories at nbcm.org/stories.
