Give/Get Involved
Volunteer at ESP
Volunteers are the heartbeat of ESP. From building one-on-one relationships with Members to supporting programs, camps, events, and other initiatives, volunteers help create the joyful, transformative experiences that define our community.
Whether you serve once or return week after week, you’ll be welcomed, trained, and supported by an incredible team, and you’ll leave knowing you made a real difference in someone’s day, and often, in their life.
Volunteer Opportunities
ESP offers volunteer opportunities across our communities and programs. Opportunities vary by location and season, but all volunteers receive training, background checks, and ongoing support.
Community-Based Volunteer Opportunities
What it Means to Volunteer at ESP
Volunteering at ESP is about relationships first.
Volunteers are thoughtfully matched with Members and experiences where they can best connect, encourage, and support. You will be guided by trained staff, equipped with the tools you need, and surrounded by a community that believes fun, connection, and purpose go hand in hand.
Many volunteers describe ESP as more than a place to serve. It becomes a place where they belong.
Two Ways to Serve at ESP
Direct Service | Be a Buddy
Direct service volunteers serve as buddies alongside ESP Members during programs and experiences. Buddies build meaningful relationships while encouraging participation, fun, and connection. Volunteers must be 14 years or older to serve as a buddy.
Indirect Service | Support the Mission
Indirect service opportunities support the broader work of ESP and can often be done with groups, families, or teams. This may include serving at family dinners, welcoming families, helping with snacks and popsicles during summer programs, assisting with fundraising events, supporting administrative tasks, or serving on a committee or board.
Every role plays a part in creating transformative experiences for ESP Members and their families.
Who is a volunteer?
Students
High school and college students between the ages of 14 -24 serve as buddies, event volunteers, camp support, and program helpers gaining leadership experience while building meaningful relationships. 12-13 year olds are welcome to join our leadership development program over the summer where they become volunteers in training and learn how to serve before they are approved to be a buddy.
Adults & Families
Adults, parents, and families volunteer together across programs, events, and operational roles. Whether you’re serving solo or as a group, there’s a place for you. Families of all ages can volunteer as long as adult/chaperone is present.
Corporate Teams
Corporate groups volunteer together through hands-on service projects, program support, and special events—experiencing The Joy Exchange firsthand as they build team connections and create meaningful impact for ESP Members and families.
The Benefits of Long-Term Volunteering at ESP
Leadership
Build confidence, responsibility, and real-world experience through consistent service and relationship-based roles.
Empathy
Develop a deeper understanding of ability, connection, and human dignity through shared experiences.
Problem-Solving
Learn to adapt, communicate, and support others in dynamic, real-life environments.
Community
Build a long-term relationship with other like-minded volunteers, often building friendships for life outside of ESP!
The Buddy System
At the core of ESP volunteering is our Buddy System.
Volunteers often serve alongside Members in consistent, relationship-based roles creating trust, familiarity, and friendship over time. With a standard 2:1 Member-to-Buddy ratio, volunteers are never alone and always supported by trained staff.
This approach allows volunteers to focus on what matters most: showing up, building relationships, and creating moments of joy.
To explore additional volunteer opportunities, please email [email protected]
Additional Volunteer Opportunities at ESP
Java Joy
- Event support and setup
- Customer engagement alongside Joyristas
- Community pop-ups and corporate events
Family & Community Events
- Family Dinners
- Family Dance
- Jolly Jubilee
- Fall Festival
Signature Events & Fundraising
- Big Hearts Gala – ESP’s signature black-tie celebration supporting transformative experiences
- Big Hearts Talent Shows – Member talent showcase hosted in each ESP community
- Big Jump (Athens, GA) – An adrenaline-filled skydiving fundraiser
- Big Hoops (Rome, GA) – A high-energy basketball competition
- Big Ball Fore All (Athens, GA) – A premier golf tournament with celebrity athletes and community leaders
- Big Voyage (Savannah, GA) – A coastal yacht-hop experience supporting ESP Savannah
Photography & Videography
Event photography and videography
To explore additional volunteer opportunities, please email [email protected]
Ready to Transform Lives?
Your time, presence, and willingness to connect help make transformative experiences possible every day at ESP.