GivingCityAustin: Volunteer to help premies, babies with developmental delays, and their families

When a family gives birth to a child born prematurely, the stress levels related to normal infancy can skyrocket. Volunteers at supporting nonprofits can play a big role in helping these children and their families survive and thrive. 

You can help families and babies born prematurely, experiencing NICU care, and those who are facing the challenges of a disability or medically fragile condition. Here's how:

  • Be a NICU Rocker at St. David's Hopsital – Help provide nurturing and care for NICU infants by rocking and holding them. Must be 25 years old and willing to commit to one year of volunteering. Learn more.
  • Be a NICU assistant at St. David's Hospital – Help nursing staff by stocking supplies, checking-in family members, helping with scrub-ins, and performing light administrative work. Learn more.
  • Support NICU families with Hand to Hold – Provide in-person support to Hand to Hold staff members by assembling parent packets, staffing local events, and performing light administrative duties. Learn more.
  • Be a peer mentor for NICU families with Hand to Hold – If you've been through a NICU experience, you can be trained to provide much-needed support to parents experiencing NICU. As a peer, you can provide comfort, insight, and companionship the parents' families may not be able to provide. Learn more.
  • Be a childcare volunteer with Any Baby Can – You can help provide childcare for kids while their parents participate in Any Baby Can parenting classes. Any Baby Can helps families – including families with kids who have developmental delays or special healthcare needs – get a strong start with classes and support. Learn more.
  • Be a care-giving or classroom volunteer with Sammy's House – Sammy's House serves children with and without special needs, but especially those who are considered medically fragile and/or developmentally delayed by providing educational services, occupational, speech, and physical therapies. Learn more.