We Need YOUR Help to Make
Elijah's Retreat Great!
Make a difference for families facing autism by joining our efforts in making Elijah’s Retreat a beautiful sanctuary. We currently need volunteers to assist in the many projects listed below. We host Youth Group Work Retreats, Volunteer Days and are currently building Volunteer Teams for Cleaning, Maintenance and Gardening!
We look forward to seeing at Elijah’s Retreat soon!
Join our Volunteer Tribe at Elijah's Retreat
Youth Groups & Sport Teams – Please contact Jessica about setting up a Work Day or Work Retreat
Volunteer Days – Please email Jessica to be added to an email list for Volunteer Days and Follow us on Facebook!
Join a Volunteer Team – Let us know if you would like to join a team for Cleaning, Gardening, or Maintenance at Elijah’s Retreat. Please complete the application online to join our Tribe of Volunteers! Please contact Jessica with any questions!
jessica@elijahsretreat.com – 903-630-8774 facebook.com/elijahsretreat
Horse Riding Experience Volunteer Jobs
As an Equine Therapy Volunteer, you’ll support both the behind-the-scenes horse care and the hands-on activities with our guests.
What You’ll Do:
Horse Prep (8:30 AM – 9:30 AM)
- Feed and care for horses before the day’s activities begin
- Groom and brush horses to ensure they’re clean and calm
- Saddle and prepare horses for riding
- Assist with lounging (gentle warm-up exercise) to get horses ready for interaction
Guest Activities (9:30 AM – 12:00 PM)
- Help guests safely put on riding helmets
- Assist guests up the mounting stairs and onto the horse
- Walk alongside the horse (side walking) to help support the rider during their session
- Encourage guests during their ride, help facilitate simple games or activities
- Assist with dismounting and taking photos with the horse to capture the special moment
What We’re Looking For:
- A heart for serving children and families with care and kindness
- Comfortable around horses and willing to learn (no experience required—we’ll train you!)
- Physically able to walk alongside horses and assist with light tasks
- Reliable, encouraging, and enthusiastic about making a difference
Time Commitment:
Morning shifts from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM, typically on scheduled activity days. Volunteers are welcome to help regularly or as their availability allows.
Ranch Hand Experience Volunteer Job Description
As a Feed Run Assistant, you’ll help guide families through one of our most loved activities—feeding and interacting with our animals. From bunnies and chickens to goats and cows, this hands-on experience gives children and parents a chance to laugh, explore, and create special memories together.
What You’ll Do:
- Welcome guests and assist them on and off the feed trailer using a step stool if needed
- Help children safely hand-feed animals like goats, chickens, and cows
- Support gentle animal interaction with rabbits and cats
- Ensure a calm, friendly experience for all families
- Join one or both of our morning Feed Runs (Group B at 9:30 AM and Group A at 10:30 AM)
What We’re Looking For:
- A kind and patient heart for children and families with unique needs
- Comfortable around animals and eager to learn safe handling practices (we’ll train you!)
- Reliable and happy to lend a hand where needed
- Able to stand, walk, and assist with light lifting or guiding guests
Time Commitment:
Morning shifts available between 9:15 AM and 11:30 AM. This is offered Monday-Saturday pending our Bookings. You can volunteer as often as your schedule allows—once a week, once a month, or just when you’re able.
Hospitality Volunteer Job Description
Our Hospitality Volunteers play a vital role in creating a clean, welcoming, and cared-for environment that helps families feel at home.
If you enjoy serving behind the scenes and have an eye for tidiness and comfort, this is a perfect fit!
What You’ll Do:
Activity Barn & Playground Area:
- Sweep, mop, and clean the Activity Barn, Sensory Room, and Barn Bathroom
- Pick up toys and supplies; organize the bike and play areas
- Ensure the barn and surrounding areas are tidy, safe, and ready for families to enjoy
Cabin Hospitality:
- Clean and sanitize cabin bathrooms, sinks, and counters
- Change sheets and make beds as needed
- Wash, dry, fold, and put away laundry
- Sweep and mop cabin floors; take out the trash
- Refill cleaning supplies, restock firewood, and sweep porches to keep each cabin warm and inviting
What We’re Looking For:
- A heart to serve and help behind the scenes
- Detail-oriented and dependable
- Comfortable doing light to moderate physical tasks (sweeping, bending, lifting, etc.)
- Able to work independently or as part of a small team
- No experience needed—just a willingness to jump in and help!
Time Commitment:
Flexible shifts available throughout the week. Whether you have a few hours or a full morning to give, your help makes a huge impact.
Gardening Job Description
As a Garden Helper at Elijah’s Retreat, you will play a vital role in maintaining our gardens and helping produce fresh fruits and vegetables that support our mission of healing and connection.
Responsibilities:
- Weed and maintain flower and garden beds to keep them tidy and thriving
- Pick ripe fruits and vegetables from our gardens and orchard
- Assist with washing, sorting, and preparing produce
- Help with basic food preservation tasks, including canning fruits and vegetables (training provided)
- Maintain a clean and organized garden work area
- Work alongside staff and other volunteers in a friendly, outdoor setting
Qualifications:
- Willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions
- Ability to bend, kneel, or lift light items (with accommodations as needed)
- Enjoyment of gardening, nature, or learning new skills
- No experience necessary—just a positive attitude and a heart to serve!
Time Commitment:
Flexible hours available Monday–Saturday. Volunteers can choose weekly, monthly, or occasional shifts based on their schedule and our staff’s schedule.
Maintenance and Grounds Volunteering
As a Maintenance & Grounds Volunteer, you’ll help keep our property safe, functional, and beautiful—whether that means mowing a trail, fixing a fence, or building something that brings joy to a child.
If you’re handy, enjoy working outdoors, or simply love making things better, we’d love to have your help!
What You’ll Do:
- Mow, weed-eat, and maintain trails, open spaces, and common areas
- Assist with basic repairs around the Retreat (fences, porches, light fixtures, etc.)
- Help with small building or improvement projects as needed
- Clean up outdoor areas, remove debris, and support seasonal landscaping tasks
- Maintain tools and equipment in good working order
- Occasionally assist with special setup or projects for guest activities
What We’re Looking For:
- A can-do attitude and willingness to help with a variety of tasks
- Experience with yard tools, basic repairs, or maintenance is helpful (but not required)
- Comfortable working outdoors in different weather conditions
- Able to lift, carry, or move tools and materials as needed (with accommodations available)
- Works well independently or as part of a team
Time Commitment:
Flexible times available throughout the week. Come once, come often—your time helps more than you know!
From joyful field trips to festive community events, our Events Volunteers help make the magic happen! Whether you’re helping at a festival booth, setting up for our Gala, or guiding families during a field trip, your energy and smile help make each event special and successful.
If you enjoy variety, people, and a fun, fast-paced atmosphere—this is the perfect way to serve!
What You’ll Do:
Depending on the event and your availability, you might help with:
- Assisting with setup and cleanup of event spaces
- Greeting guests, giving directions, and answering questions
- Running activity or game stations during field trips or festivals
- Serving food and drinks or helping with check-in at events
- Managing craft or sensory stations for children
- Helping with silent auction tables, raffles, or guest support at our Gala
- Distributing flyers or helping promote events in advance
- Jumping in wherever an extra hand is needed to help the event run smoothly
What We’re Looking For:
- Friendly, helpful attitude and willingness to interact with guests of all ages
- Comfortable working in energetic, sometimes crowded environments
- Flexible and able to take direction from event staff
- Works well on a team and keeps a positive spirit—even when it’s busy!
- No experience needed—just a willingness to help and a heart to serve
Time Commitment:
Events happen throughout the year and vary in length—some are a few hours, others may be half or full day commitments. Volunteers can sign up per event based on availability.