DALLAS — BOUNCE Student Disaster Recovery, based out of in Dallas, has been named a recipient of the 42nd Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards, one of the State of Texas’ highest honors recognizing exemplary volunteer service. BOUNCE received the Rebuild Texas Disaster Impact Award, which recognizes organizations that do an exceptional job of utilizing volunteers to meet the needs of Texas communities during all phases of disaster – mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
Presented in collaboration with OneStar Foundation, the Governor’s Volunteer Awards celebrate Texans whose service demonstrates the power of volunteering to bring people together, address pressing community needs, and create lasting change. By sharing these stories, the awards aim to inspire more Texans to take action on the issues they care about and to see service as a bridge that connects individuals, neighborhoods, and communities.
“I am honored to recognize this year’s Governor’s Volunteer Awards recipients as Texans whose commitment to service is making a lasting difference,” said Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott. “Their dedication reminds us that service has the power to unite communities, uplift neighbors, and inspire others to step forward. These honorees represent the very best of Texas.”
BOUNCE mobilizes middle school, high school, and college students to support disaster recovery across Texas and beyond. Working with local partners, for the last 12 years, the organization has deployed youth volunteers to repair homes, rebuild community spaces, and support families recovering from storms and flooding. Teams come fully equipped with their own tools, transportation, and supplies, easing the burden on recovery organizations. Students perform significant tasks including roofing, demolition, flooring, painting, and home repair. After Hurricane Beryl, BOUNCE sent 82 volunteers to Jefferson County to assist families impacted by Hurricane Beryl and helped remodel a donated warehouse for recovery use. Since 2022, more than 880 students have served with remarkable dedication and teamwork.
"From the inception of BOUNCE, it has been our joy to have mobilized thousands of students to Restore Hope, Rebuild Communities, and Reflect Christ. Mobilizing students for hands-on construction service not only improves the quality of life for the residents we serve, but also changes the lives of the students we mobilize," said David Scott, Director at BOUNCE.
“By recognizing volunteers like BOUNCE, we hope to inspire others to get involved and discover how service can strengthen communities and empower individuals to lead,” said Chris Bugbee, President and CEO of OneStar. “These stories show that when people step up to serve, they not only meet community needs—they build connection, understanding, and hope.”
Award recipients are celebrated during National Volunteer Month in April at a special reception hosted at the Texas Governor’s Mansion, honoring their service and the ripple effect it creates throughout Texas communities.
To learn more about the Governor’s Volunteer Awards or how to get involved in volunteer service across Texas, visit onestarfoundation.org/governors-volunteer-awards.
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