Program FAQs
What exciting ways can you get involved and commit to compassion as a volunteer?
We offer two incredible core opportunities to serve, each designed for a full year of meaningful connection and impact. Whether you're looking to build lasting relationships or make a tangible difference in your community, there's a place for you here!
Whether or not one of our volunteer roles is the right fit for you, becoming a monthly donor through our Angel Alliance is one of the most powerful ways to make a lasting impact. This incredible community of givers helps sustain our mission year-round, and as a member, you’ll receive inspiring monthly stories of impact along with exclusive invitations to special events and experiences. Ready to change lives with us? Join the Angel Alliance here!
- Love Box® Leaders: Whether you're an individual, a family, or part of a group, Love Box Leaders wrap around local foster families with monthly support. This could mean delivering essential items, sharing words of encouragement, or simply showing up with love and consistency. It’s all about building connections and reminding these families they’re not alone.
- Dare to Dream® Mentors: Walk alongside youth in foster care (ages 11–22), offering steady guidance, life skills coaching, and a listening ear. From setting goals to celebrating milestones, mentors play a powerful role in helping these young people dream big and believe in themselves.
Whether or not one of our volunteer roles is the right fit for you, becoming a monthly donor through our Angel Alliance is one of the most powerful ways to make a lasting impact. This incredible community of givers helps sustain our mission year-round, and as a member, you’ll receive inspiring monthly stories of impact along with exclusive invitations to special events and experiences. Ready to change lives with us? Join the Angel Alliance here!
What is the time commitment?
Both the Love Box® and Dare to Dream® programs ask for at least a one-year commitment, but we hope that the relationships you build last far beyond that! Most volunteers find the connection so meaningful that they choose to stay involved, and over 88% renew after their first year.
- Love Box®: Typically requires 2–3 hours (or more) each month to provide meaningful support and connection to your matched foster family.
- Dare to Dream®: Involves spending about 2 hours every other week with your matched youth, focusing on consistency, encouragement, and building a strong, trusting relationship over time.
Is there a financial commitment?
While there's no set financial requirement to volunteer, we do ask that all volunteers be able to drive to and from their matched family or youth and take on the cost of meetups and any support they choose to provide.
Love Box® volunteers are the heart of consistent, intentional support for foster families, offering encouragement, dropping off meals, providing household essentials, or simply showing up with love. It's all about building relationships and letting families know they're seen, valued, and not alone. While many volunteers choose to provide practical items (averaging around $125/month for a family of four), the focus is never on the dollar amount. We encourage volunteers to work within their means and get creative. Team up with friends, share Amazon wishlists, or host small donation drives. What matters most is your presence and care.
Dare to Dream® mentors cover any costs related to time spent with their mentee—whether that’s grabbing coffee, attending a movie, or signing up for a local class together. These meetups don’t have to be extravagant; what matters most is consistency, presence, and showing up with heart.
Love Box® volunteers are the heart of consistent, intentional support for foster families, offering encouragement, dropping off meals, providing household essentials, or simply showing up with love. It's all about building relationships and letting families know they're seen, valued, and not alone. While many volunteers choose to provide practical items (averaging around $125/month for a family of four), the focus is never on the dollar amount. We encourage volunteers to work within their means and get creative. Team up with friends, share Amazon wishlists, or host small donation drives. What matters most is your presence and care.
Dare to Dream® mentors cover any costs related to time spent with their mentee—whether that’s grabbing coffee, attending a movie, or signing up for a local class together. These meetups don’t have to be extravagant; what matters most is consistency, presence, and showing up with heart.
What is the volunteer process?
Getting started is simple and meaningful!
1. Attend an informational Discovery Session to learn more about our programs and see where you might fit best.
2. Complete a volunteer application and background check.
3. You’ll go through volunteer training to equip and empower you for the journey ahead.
4. Once you’re ready, we’ll match you with a family or youth based on fit, needs, and availability, setting the stage for connection, consistency, and lasting impact.
1. Attend an informational Discovery Session to learn more about our programs and see where you might fit best.
2. Complete a volunteer application and background check.
3. You’ll go through volunteer training to equip and empower you for the journey ahead.
4. Once you’re ready, we’ll match you with a family or youth based on fit, needs, and availability, setting the stage for connection, consistency, and lasting impact.
What are the requirements to volunteer?
- Must be at least 21 years old for Dare to Dream® mentorship and Love Box® leadership.
- For Dare to Dream®, we prefer an 8+ year age gap between mentor and mentee.
- Must be able to pass an in-depth background check and provide at least three references.
- Must have reliable transportation and be able to pass a Motor Vehicle Records check (as well as have an up-to-date driver’s license and insurance).
- Complete required training.
- Have a heart for building consistent, intentional relationships.
Can I volunteer with my family members or a group?
Absolutely! Many of our Love Box® volunteers serve as part of a family, church, or community group. It’s a beautiful way to support a foster family together. To keep things relational and personal, we recommend groups be no larger than 8–10 people, with two designated leaders to help guide communication and connection. It’s a powerful way to serve side-by-side while building meaningful relationships.
How Do I get matched?
Once you're approved, our team will thoughtfully match you with a foster family for the Love Box® program or matched with a youth for the Dare to Dream® program. Matches are based on your preferences, location, and capacity, helping ensure the best possible fit for a strong, lasting relationship.
What training is provided?
We provide thorough onboarding and training to set you up for success, equipping you with trauma-informed practices, clear program expectations, and practical tools for building meaningful relationships with families and youth in foster care. All volunteers also complete the Texas Mandated Reporter training to ensure they’re informed and prepared to serve safely and responsibly.
Why is consistency important?
Children, youth, and families in foster care often face overwhelming instability, but your consistent presence can change that. By showing up month after month, you help create a sense of trust, belonging, and relational permanency, foundations that are at the heart of our mission at Amarillo Angels.
How long is the onboarding process?
Volunteers can generally expect the onboarding process, from application to being matched, to take about two months. However, this timeline can vary depending on how quickly you complete your application, background check, and training, as well as the availability of a match that aligns with your preferences and capacity.
Can volunteers sign up as both a Love Box® leader and Dare to Dream® mentor?
To help foster strong, meaningful relationships and to support the well-being of our volunteers, we ask that each volunteer commit to just one program at a time, with one matched family or youth. This focused approach allows for deeper connection and helps prevent burnout, ensuring the experience is sustainable and impactful for everyone involved.
Which program has a higher need?
While every volunteer makes a difference, our greatest current needs are in two key areas: Love Box® volunteers, who offer essential support to foster families, and mentors for our Dare to Dream® program, who can play a powerful role in the lives of youth in foster care. If you're wondering where you can make the biggest impact, these roles are a meaningful place to begin.