Connecting People to Service,
Since 1990, the Volunteer Center of Lubbock has connected people with meaningful ways to serve, lead, and make an impact. We partner with nonprofits, schools, and businesses to create opportunities for engagement, leadership development, and volunteerism across the South Plains. Through 100+ nonprofit partnerships, school collaborations, and leadership programs, we provide individuals, businesses, and students with the tools to serve their community, grow as leaders, and create lasting change.
Our Vision
The Volunteer Center helps people serve, lead and connect through meaningful experiences.
Our Mission
A thriving community where everyone is engaged in service, empowered to lead, and connected with opportunities to create lasting change.
Our work spans across:
Volunteer engagement
Connecting individuals and groups with service opportunities through GetConnected
Nonprofit support
Providing training, resources, and networking for agencies
School partnerships
Supporting service and leadership programs for middle school, high school, and college students
Business engagement
Offering leadership training and corporate volunteer initiatives
By fostering strong partnerships and impactful programs, we are building a thriving community where everyone is engaged in service, empowered to lead, and connected with opportunities to make a difference.
We are hiring!
The Volunteer Center of Lubbock is hiring a Youth Program Manager to lead and grow our youth leadership and service initiatives, including HYPE, Youth in Service, and Youth for Impact.
We’re looking for someone who is passionate about developing young leaders, building relationships, and creating meaningful opportunities for students to serve and lead in our community. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment and believes in the power of service to change lives.
This full-time position includes program leadership, event coordination, mentorship, community engagement, and relationship-building with schools, nonprofits, and community partners.
If you’re ready to make a lasting impact in the South Plains, we’d love to hear from you.
Click HERE to to download the job description and use the button below fill out an interest form!
Our Team
Emily Smith
Executive Director
Emily graduated with a Public Relations degree from the University of Central Oklahoma, and has called Lubbock home since 2008. She is married to Scott, who’s in the mortgage business, and she has a lively crew with their kids: Gray, Mac, Ryder, and our grown-up bunch, Bryce, Montine, Alyssa, and Zach.
Emily has been with the Volunteer Center on and off since 2009 and rejoined the team in 2024, and she couldn’t be happier to turn her passion for volunteering into her day job! Before that, she spent 9 years building a real estate business.When she is not working she is busy with PTA board duties, traveling, enjoying great food, or just hanging out with her favorite people.
Hanne-Lise Parker
Engagement Director
Hanne-Lise grew up in Austin & came to Lubbock after highschool to attend Texas Tech University. She has deep roots in West Texas. Her Great Grandfather, Dr. M.C. Overton moved to Lubbock in 1901 - where he would be one of the first physicians in the area. She met her husband Jay & they moved a couple times before returning to Lubbock in 2010 and made Lubbock their forever home. Since then she's been involved in several volunteer programs including The Junior League of Lubbock and National Charity League. PTA is a BIG passion of Hanne-Lise & she has served in many roles including President of all three schools that her kiddos have attended. When she's not at work you will find her cheering on her daughter and son from the stands, rooting for the Red Raiders or sitting on a beach!
Kayla Thrasher
Communications and Operations
Kayla was born and raised in Lubbock. After graduating from Coronado High School, she went on to get her degree at Texas Tech University. There she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Electronic Media and Communication. Kayla started as an intern at the Volunteer Center, and now works full time doing all things communications and operations. As a Lubbock native, she is excited to give back to the city and help it thrive.
In her down time, Kayla enjoys traveling and all things outdoors with her husband, Brandt, and her dog, Colt.
Doak Sexton
Operations Assitant
Doak is a student at Lubbock Christian University pursuing a degree in Law Studies and plans to graduate in 2029. Born and raised in Lubbock, he recently graduated from Coronado High School, where he served in various student leadership roles. Doak has been involved with the Volunteer Center of Lubbock through the Summer Fellow program, Youth for Impact, and the HYPE program.
At Lubbock Christian University, he is active in the Honors College, Alpha Chi Delta, and Student Senate. In his free time, Doak enjoys playing golf, exploring cultural experiences, and connecting with friends.
As the Operations Assistant, Doak is eager to serve the Volunteer Center and help ensure that all aspects of VCL function smoothly. He is thankful to be a part of such an outstanding team, where he knows he will gain many long-lasting skills.
Our Board of Directors
Cory Powell
TTU Office of Campus Access & Engagement
President
Clifton Wilkinson
AT&T
Vice President
Brandi Price
Atmos Energy
Past President
Rina Teel
Teinert Construction
Secretary
James Conwright
Vista Bank
Treasurer
Shelly Bratcher
Shelly Bratcher Consulting
Terra Gunter
Meals on Wheels
Liz Huffman
Law Office of Elizabeth Huffman
Kelsey Johnson
UMB Bank
Cole Kuczmarski
H-E-B
Joey Marcades
United Supermarkets
Tyler McDonald
Western Bank
Mary Moore
Texas Tech University
Duston Nixon
Raider Roofing
John Shanklin
McCleskey Law Firm
Keegan Stewart
Lubbock Christian University
Tiffany Vasquez
Bubba’s 33
Rose Wilson
Community Volunteer
Youth Board Members:
Brynn Borthwick (2025-2026)
Monterey High School
Ava Wheatley (2025-2026)
Lubbock Christian School
Financials
Interested in volunteering, partnering, or leading?
Join an engaged community by helping people to find their purpose and act on it. Whether you want more information or want to partner with us, simply fill out the form below to get connected with a Volunteer Center of Lubbock representative.
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