AGE of Central Texas—Adult Day Care Center Austin serves older adults, adults with dementia and family caregivers throughout the Central Texas region through five programs. Volunteers assist with and lead engaging activities for participants. Volunteers must apply and be approved.
3710 Cedar St., Austin 78705
512-451-4611
www.ageofcentraltx.org
Twitter: @austinelderly
The Arc of the Capital Area provides individualized services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Volunteer opportunities include helping clients at the Arc of Arts Studio and assisting at monthly socialization activities, such as movie night and bowling night, and volunteering at special events, among others.
4902 Grover Ave., Austin 78756
512-476-7044
www.arcofthecapitalarea.org
Twitter: @thearcofthecap
Austin Habitat for Humanity aims to end the cycle of poverty and holds the belief that everyone deserves a decent and affordable place to live. Through faith in action, its goal is to empower community members and give them better control of their futures through homeownership. Volunteers assist in construction or do clerical tasks.
500 W. Ben White Blvd., Austin 78704
512-472-8788
www.austinhabitat.org
Twitter: @austinhabitat
The Austin Harmony Project is a nonprofit whose mission is to enrich the lives of adults with developmental disabilities through art, music and community. Volunteers can help with daily art and music sessions.
1806 W. Stassney Lane, Ste. 106, Austin 78745
512-394-5394
www.theaustinharmonyproject.org
Austin Pets Alive is a nonprofit animal rescue group committed to promoting and providing the resources, education and programs needed to eliminate the killing of homeless companion animals in Austin. The center is run almost entirely by volunteers.
1156 W. Cesar Chavez St., Austin 78703
www.austinpetsalive.org
[email protected]
Twitter: @austinpetsalive
Austin Public Library needs volunteers to shelve books and other materials. Volunteers are also needed for conversational language, marketing and technology programs; archival projects; and clerical duties. Bilingual volunteers are especially needed. The library needs volunteers for all branches.
800 Guadalupe St., Austin 78701
512-974-7443
http://library.austintexas.gov/volunteer
Twitter: @austinpubliclib
Austin State Supported Living Center, formerly Austin State School, provides aid and support to more than 190 residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Volunteers visit with residents as well as assist with resident activities and campus improvement projects.
2203 W. 35th St., Austin 78703
512-374-6160
www.ausslcfriends.org
Austin Zoo & Animal Sanctuary is a Hill Country zoo and rescue sanctuary where people can learn about animals up close, spend time outdoors, get exercise and have fun. Volunteers help with office tasks, laundry duties, help clean habitats and help with animal food preparation.
10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin 78736
512-288-1490
www.austinzoo.org
Twitter: @theaustinzoo
Ballet Austin[/caption]Ballet Austin is a company wholly committed to sharing the art of dance, including with those who might not otherwise have the opportunity. Volunteers help with special events, the front desk, education and ushering.
501 W. Third St., Austin 78701
512-476-9151, ext. 106
www.balletaustin.org
Twitter: @balletaustin
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas pairs volunteers with children in need of mentoring and positive role models. Men and Spanish-speaking volunteers are especially needed.
1400 Tillery St., Austin 78721
512-472-5437
www.bigmentoring.org/volunteer
Twitter: @bigmentoring
Capital Area Food Bank of Texas[/caption]Capital Area Food Bank of Texas is the largest hunger-relief charity in Central Texas, serving more than 48,000 people each week. Volunteers are always needed to help prepare food donations for distribution, assist with the mobile food pantry, help at the St. John’s Community Food Center and more. Visit www.austinfoodbank.org/volunteer for a complete list of volunteer opportunities.
8201 S. Congress Ave., Austin 78745
512-282-2111
www.austinfoodbank.org
Twitter: @cafbtx
CASA of Travis County speaks up for children who have been abused or neglected by empowering the community to volunteer as advocates for them in the court system.
7701 N. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 301, Austin 78752
512-459-2272
www.casatravis.org
Twitter: @casatravis
The Contemporary Austin reflects the spectrum of contemporary art through exhibitions, commissions, education and its collection. Volunteers help with visitor relations, education, exhibitions, the art school and clerical tasks. Volunteer guides are trained extensively to give tours to children, school groups and adult groups.
The Contemporary Austin—Laguna Gloria, 3809 W. 35th St., Austin 78703
The Contemporary Austin—The Jones Center, 700 Congress Ave., Austin 78701
512-458-8191 (Laguna Gloria)
512-453-5312 (The Jones Center)
www.thecontemporaryaustin.org
Twitter: @contemporaryatx
Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas is the only dedicated pediatric hospital in Central Texas. Volunteers provide assistance to patients, families and staff and participate in community outreach.
4900 Mueller Blvd., Austin 78723
512-324-0161
www.dellchildrens.net
Twitter: @dellchildrens
Drive a Senior—Northwest Austin, serving Northwest Austin, Cedar Park and Leander, assists older adults in maintaining their quality of life and independence. Volunteers provide transportation, home repairs and companionship for the elderly. To volunteer, fill out an application on the website.
10633 Lake Creek Parkway, Austin 78750
512-250-5021
www.driveasenior.org
Drive a Senior—Southwest Austin assists older adults in maintaining their quality of life and independence. Volunteers provide transportation, home repairs and companionship for the elderly. To volunteer, fill out an application on the website.
3801 Capital of Texas Hwy., E240-77, Austin 78746
512-364-6501
www.driveasenior.org
El Buen Samaritano is an outreach ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas committed to helping Latino and other families in Central Texas lead healthy, productive and secure lives through high-quality and affordable health care, education and financial security services.
7000 Woodhue Drive, Austin 78745
512-439-0700
www.elbuen.org
Girlstart volunteers work to encourage girls to pursue interests in science, technology, engineering and math through after-school programs, summer camps and community events.
1400 W. Anderson Lane, Austin 78757
512-916-4775
www.girlstart.org
Twitter: @girlstart
Hospice Austin has provided compassionate medical, emotional and spiritual care for terminally ill people and their loved ones in Central Texas for the past 35 years. Regardless of ability to pay, it offers extensive services, including expert pain and symptom management, an inpatient facility, and volunteer and bereavement services in Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson counties. Volunteers visit or read with patients, run errands, and provide a calm and compassionate presence for families.
4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Ste. 100, Austin 78759
512-342-4700
www.hospiceaustin.org
Ladies of Charity Lake Travis Thrift Shop, part of the Saint Vincent de Paul charities, sells donated clothing, housewares, linens, toys, jewelry, furniture, antiques and one-of-a-kind finds. Volunteers are needed to work in the store, whose profits support charities in the Lake Travis area.
1508 S. RR 620, Ste. 105, Lakeway 78734
512-263-0314
www.laketravisthrift.com
Lifelong Friends Pet Adoption[/caption]Lifelong Friends Pet Adoptions is a no-kill, privately run animal shelter located in Lago Vista. Dogs and cats looking for forever homes are housed at the shelter. Volunteers are needed to assist with dog and cat caretaking, fundraising, adoption counseling and off-site events.
20803 FM 1431, Lago Vista 78645
512-267-6876
www.lifelongfriends.org
Make a Wish Foundation of Central and South Texas grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Volunteers assist in wish-granting, fundraising and event planning. The nonprofit is also looking for Spanish-speaking volunteers.
2224 Walsh Tarlton Lane, Ste. 200, Austin 78746
512-329-9474
www.cstx.wish.org
Twitter: @makeawishcstx
Mobile Loaves & Fishes is a social outreach ministry for the homeless and indigent working poor. Its mission is to provide food, clothing and dignity to those in need. It accomplishes this mission by delivering food every night of the week. Volunteers help prepare and deliver meals.
903 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin 78746
512-328-7299
www.mlf.org
Twitter: @mlfnow
The Salvation Army volunteers assist in many ways—with holiday events, acting as bell ringers, serving meals at shelters and distributing gifts at the Christmas warehouse as part of the Angel Tree program. Volunteers are also needed to assist with the annual luncheon in April, the annual golf tournament in the fall and other fundraising activities. (Georgetown only: There is a need for more volunteers as well at the Georgetown food pantry)
501 E. Eighth St., Austin 78701
512-634-5921
www.salvationarmyaustin.org
Twitter: @salarmyaustin
Service Corps Organization of Retired Executives[/caption]SCORE, or Service Corps Organization of Retired Executives, provides business advice to startup entrepreneurs and growing businesses using more than 11,000 volunteers in the nation’s largest network of free expert business mentors. Volunteers are needed to provide confidential counseling to SCORE clients.
5524 Bee Caves Road, Bldg. M, Ste. 100, Austin 78746
512-928-2425
www.austin.score.org
Special Olympics Texas provides year-round sports training and competition opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Volunteers do not need any special skills and can choose to help at competitions or fundraisers, become a coach, be a Fan in the Stands or help in the office. Volunteers are also encouraged to come the day of an event to provide assistance.
1804 Rutherford Lane, Austin 78754
512-835-9873
www.sotx.org
Twitter: @SOTexas
Susan G. Komen Austin provides local support, outreach and national research in the fight against breast cancer. Volunteers are needed to help with Race for the Cure, special events, public policy, public relations, community outreach and more.
5508 Parkcrest Drive, Ste. 203, Austin 78731
512-473-0900
www.komenaustin.org
Twitter: @komenaustin
The Texas Youth Hotline provides 24/7 crisis intervention and information and referral to at-risk youth, runaways and parents via phone, text and chat. Volunteers train to become advocates through a combination of classroom training and monitoring sessions. The hotline is in need of new volunteers to work three-hour weekend shifts.
512-929-6877
www.texasyouth.org
Therapy Pet Pals of Texas Inc. provides pet therapy to patients and residents in nursing homes and health care facilities in the Austin area. Volunteers and their dogs or cats must attend qualifying and training classes held in Austin four times a year, but volunteers can serve throughout Central Texas. Visit the website to register and get more information about the application process.
3930 Bee Caves Road, Ste. C, Austin 78746
512-347-1984
www.therapypetpals.org
United Way for Greater Austin works with communities of volunteers that include individuals, businesses and other nonprofit groups. The agency coordinates nearly 10,000 volunteers annually to serve the needs of residents in Travis County and 10 surrounding counties. Volunteers may choose from hundreds of opportunities that include working with students, nursing home residents, environmental groups and the homeless, supporting already-planned corporate or municipal events.
512-382-8611
www.uwatx.org/volunteer
Twitter: @uwatx
YMCA of Austin—Southwest Branch puts Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body. YMCA’s purpose is to enhance the lives of people in the community by providing programs, activities and facilities that develop and maintain opportunities. Volunteers help with special events, coaching, maintenance, mentoring, policy and more.
6219 Oakclaire Drive, Austin 78735
512-891-9622
www.austinymca.org
Twitter: @southwestYMCA
This guide is not a comprehensive list of all area organizations that need volunteers. If your organization is not included, email us at [email protected], and we will add it to our online list.
