Volunteer work?

I live a bit northwest of you so I can't speak for experience in Houston but, please consider this in lieu of Red Cross - I have done this type of volunteer work before and it's by far the most rewarding work, far better than any experience you will find with the other. You can help kids as well as adults and share directly with them. There's usually training classes for the volunteers, you meet with the therapists to learn their goals for the clients and what they want you to do, and work with the clients. I spent most of my time as a back rider for very young children with a multitude of issues...quite rewarding to see a child who was never to walk or sit up on her own actually ride the horse without me behind her with her almost full body brace removed. There's a special bond between the clients and the horses. I did work with adults but I'm rather small and it was easier for me to handle the kids. Here's a place I found near Houston, by all means, please check it out: http://www.sire-htec.org/newSite/default.shtm

good luck

Carol