Four nights a week, volunteers across the DFW area gather at The WARM Place to spend time with children who are grieving the death of a loved one. The WARM Place provides a safe, compassionate space for children and their families. For many TCU students, volunteering there has become a way to give back with purpose and compassion.
Senior Finance and Real Estate major Dynasty Coe began volunteering at The WARM Place after attending a site visit with the Chancellor’s Leadership Program. “I immediately saw the love, thoughtfulness, and support that is poured into the families at the WARM Place, and I knew I wanted to be a part of this place. This is the type of organization that everyone should know about, but I didn’t know about it growing up. I continue to volunteer at The WARM Place because I am able to positively impact children that I see myself in. The WARM Place has become one of my homes away from home.”
Many students are introduced to The WARM Place through site visits and tours with different programs or classes. The WARM Place staff also coordinates with the Office of Leadership and Experiential Learning to share their opportunities through TCU’s volunteer newsletter or the annual volunteer fair during TCU’s Week of Service. The WARM Place has also been recognized through the Nature of Giving course within the John V. Roach Honors College, where students explore the ethics and practice of philanthropy as they research the impact of local nonprofits. The WARM Place even hosted their annual fundraising gala, A Cool Night, at the Legends Club in Amon G. Carter Stadium in September. The TCU Rangers spirit group volunteered their time to welcome guests to campus for this major philanthropic event.
Alex Baird, Volunteer Coordinator at The WARM Place, shares that “our volunteers help make The WARM Place a home, lead our grief support groups, and serve as companions for children and families along their grief journeys. We couldn’t do it without them. We have volunteers ranging in age from 18 to 70+, each bringing their own unique experiences and perspectives. Our TCU student volunteers add to that diversity by bringing fresh perspectives and creative energy. They connect naturally with our children and teens, offering a compassionate presence that enhances the sense of community we strive to create. In turn, they gain meaningful experience walking alongside families and learning about empathy, connection, and healing.”
Senior Child Development major Margaret Keogh was searching for an experience that would support her pursuit of a career in counseling while giving back to the Fort Worth community. “Getting to work hands-on with children who have experienced the death of a loved one is incredibly moving. It really puts your own life into perspective, and has helped me to soak up my relationships and experiences, taking nothing for granted. I have learned so much from the children in my group that will make me a better mental health professional and person in general. Seeing the courage that the children display in the midst of grief is so powerful and motivating. While it can be emotionally challenging, I always leave there feeling better than I felt when I walked in due to the strong sense of community and support that is present there.”
To learn more about how you can get involved with The WARM Place or other local nonprofits, visit the TCU Leadership & Experiential Learning volunteer opportunities webpage or students should check your inbox for the monthly campus volunteer newsletter.
