Senior and disabled resources
AGE of Central Texas serves older adults and family caregivers. The organization is currently offering virtual volunteer opportunities. Individuals can also write encouraging letters or create homemade cards to combat the loneliness that so many are feeling during the pandemic. 3710 Cedar St., Austin. 512-451-4611. www.ageofcentraltx.org
The Arc of the Capital Area provides education and education advocacy; employment, independent living services and dog therapy to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Volunteers help through the education program and during social services. 4902 Grover Ave., Austin. 512-476-7044. www.arcaustin.org
Drive a Senior-CTX enables older adults to live independently, avoid social isolation, age in place and enhance their quality of life by providing free transportation and other support services. There is no minimum time commitment for volunteers and services are coordinated online. Drives typically last between 30 minutes and two hours. To sign up to volunteer in a specific region of Central Texas, fill out an application on the website. 512-472-6339. www.driveasenior.org
Easterseals Serving Central Texas has been providing services to children and adults with disabilities and their caregivers since 1937. Volunteers can help with special events and fundraisers, clerical duties, camp and the gala committee. 8505 Cross Park Drive, Ste. 120, Austin. 512-478-2581. www.easterseals.com/centraltx
Family Eldercare was founded in 1982 with a mission to care for seniors by providing in-home care, training and information. The nonprofit's annual summer fan drive distributes free fans to home-bound seniors who cannot afford or do not have air conditioning. Volunteers can provide no-contact home deliveries of fans to clients and individuals with larger vehicles or trailers can help deliver fans to the nonprofit's distribution partners. These can be one-time or recurring opportunities. 512-459-6436. www.summerfandrive.org/volunteer
Meals on Wheels Central Texas offers homebound adults an array of holistic programs that help clients maintain their independence and age in place. Volunteers deliver meals and groceries by car and serve as companions for individuals with memory loss. 3227 E. Fifth St., Austin. 512-476-6325. www.mealsonwheelscentraltexas.org
Special Olympics Texas provides year-round sports and activities training and organizes athletic competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Volunteers can register with a specific team or delegation—as a coach, chaperone, driver or medical support—or for specific events, administrative tasks, communications, fundraising and outreach.13400 Immanuel Road, Ste. 1C, Pflugerville 512-835-9873. www.sotx.org
Housing support
Austin Habitat for Humanity builds and repairs homes and educates homebuyers. Volunteers work on homes and support ReStore, a discount home improvement store and donation center. 500 W. Ben White Blvd., Austin. 512-472-8788, ext. 100. www.austinhabitat.org
Austin Humanists at Work distributes personal care items to people experiencing homelessness and of limited means. Volunteers help with donation pickups and fundraising drives, and knit hats, scarves and washcloths. Address available upon request. 512-553-2117. www.austinhumanistsatwork.org
Austin State Supported Living Center, formerly Austin State School, provides aid and support to residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Volunteers serve as Campus Buddies to residents, work with the resident choir and participate on the Human Rights Committee. 2203 W. 35th St., Austin. 512-374-6048. www.ausslcfriends.org
Blackland Community Development Corp. builds, maintains and leases houses to families who earn less than 50 percent of the median family income in Austin. Volunteers help with beautification projects and repairing and cleaning recently vacated homes. 1902 E. 22nd St., Austin. 512-220-8751. www.blacklandcdc.org
Caritas of Austin works to prevent and end homelessness by providing safe places to live, access to healthy food, jobs that pay a reliable living wage and the opportunity to learn life skills. Volunteers can work in the organization’s community kitchen, provide administrative support to staff members or work with clients directly. 611 Neches St., Austin. 512-479-4610. www.caritasofaustin.org
Foundation Communities provides affordable housing to families and individuals with low incomes across the city. Volunteers work with clients and residents in a variety of ways, such as serving meals, providing free tax-preparation services, financial coaching and tutoring. 3000 S. I-35, Ste. 300, Austin. 512-610-7377. www.foundcom.org
LifeWorks is an advocate for youth and families seeking a path to self-sufficiency. The organization’s mission is to make youth homelessness rare, brief and nonrecurring. Volunteers host donation drives for items such as socks, toiletries and gift cards. Corporate volunteer opportunities are also available. Sooch Foundation Youth & Family Resource Center, 835 N. Pleasant Valley Road, Austin. 512-735-2400. www.lifeworksaustin.org
Mobile Loaves & Fishes is a social outreach ministry for individuals experiencing homelessness, providing food, clothing and other life-sustaining items every night of the year. Volunteers can serve on a food truck or at the organization’s Community First Village.9301 Hog Eye Road, Ste. 950, Austin. 512-328-7299 www.mlf.org/volunteer
The Salvation Army is Central Texas’ largest provider of emergency shelter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Volunteer projects include providing crayons, coloring books and movie night baskets for children in shelter. During the holiday season, volunteers sort and distribute gifts at the Christmas warehouse and work as bell ringers at area malls.4700 Manor Road, Austin. 512-605-1410. www.salvationarmyaustin.org
Education and helping children
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas matches children 6 and older with caring adults who serve as mentors, advocates, resources and guides. Volunteers commit to meeting with their littles three to four times a month.4800 Manor Road, Bldg. K, Austin. 512-472-5437. www.bigmentoring.org
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area offers programs and services to help children succeed academically, develop leadership skills, and build character and healthy habits. Volunteers assist with daily tutoring, homework and general after-school activities at area schools. Administrative office: 6648 Ed Bluestein Blvd., Austin. 512-444-7199. www.bgcaustin.org
Breakthrough Central Texas helps students become the first in their family to earn a college degree. The nonprofit works with students from sixth grade through college graduation, offering advising, out-of-school experiences and programs to build leadership skills. Volunteers become college application coaches, reviewing essays and college applications in Austin and Manor school districts.1050 E. 11th St., Austin. 512-692-9444. www.breakthroughctx.org
CASA of Travis County empowers volunteers to serve as court-appointed special advocates for children in the child welfare system. Volunteers spend time with the children; communicate regularly with family, caregivers, teachers and therapists; participate in case meetings; and present information and recommendations to a judge in court. No special training, experience or background is needed. 7600 Chevy Chase Drive, Austin. 512-459-2272. www.casatravis.org
Communities In Schools Central Texas works inside K-12 schools in partnership with teachers and administrators to address immediate student needs. The organization’s mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Volunteer opportunities are available at area schools to meet with students as a mentor, tutor or reading buddy. Volunteer applications are being accepted for the 2021-22 school year. 3000 S. I 35, Ste. 200, Austin. 512-462-1771. www.ciscentraltexas.org
Explore Austin uses mentoring and outdoor adventure to empower youth from predominantly low-income communities. Through a six-year leadership-based adventure curriculum coupled with social-emotional learning components and long-term mentoring, the organization strengthens the well-being of each participant, their families and the community. 1111 W. 24th St., Ste. 201, Austin. 512-320-8899. www.exploreaustin.org
Girlstart encourages and empowers girls in STEM fields. Girlstart offers virtual and remote opportunities, including writing inspirational notecards, the Women in STEM online series, and remote materials prep for program kits. 1400 W. Anderson Lane, Austin. 512-916-4775. www.girlstart.org
Helping Hand Home for Children provides residential treatment, therapeutic foster care and adoption services for abused and neglected children. The organization is currently accepting volunteer applications online for future, in-person volunteer opportunities.3804 Avenue B, Austin. 512-459-3353. www.helpinghandhome.org
Out Youth services youth, young adults, and adults of all sexual orientations and gender identities with programs designed to promote overall well-being, leadership development, health and education. Volunteers serve in roles at all levels of the organization. 909 E. 49 1/2 St., Austin. 512-419-1233. www.outyouth.org
Health services
Alzheimer’s Texas seeks to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, and to enhance care and support for those with the disease, their families and caregivers. Volunteers help facilitate support groups, plan special events, represent the nonprofit at health fairs, and serve as advocates and social media ambassadors. Virtual opportunities are also available.7719 Wood Hollow Drive, Ste. 157, Austin. 512-241-0420. www.txalz.org
Autism Society of Texas is an affiliate of the Autism Society of America that connects families and individuals to resources and support throughout the state. Volunteers help with programming for individuals with autism and special events. 300 E. Highland Mall Blvd., Ste. 205, Austin. 512-479-4199, ext. 4. www.texasautismsociety.org
Breast Cancer Resource Center is a nonprofit that connects people affected by breast cancer to resources and a diverse community of survivors and current patients. Its programs and services are free. Volunteer opportunities range from receiving calls from the nonprofit’s hotline after office hours, to delivering vital resources to a client’s doorstep. Volunteer applications can be filled out online. 4807 Spicewood Springs Road, Bldg. 1, Ste. 110, Austin. 512-524-2560. www.bcrc.org/volunteer
Hospice Austin is a nonprofit that provides care to any person with a life expectancy of six months or less. Volunteers provide companionship to patients and their loved ones, offer bereavement support, help in the organization’s administrative offices and spread community awareness. The organization welcomes volunteers with special skills such as acupuncturists, musicians and pet therapy volunteers.4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin. Hospice Austin’s Christopher House: 2820 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Austin. 512-342-4700. www.hospiceaustin.org
Livestrong fights to improve the lives of people affected by cancer. The organization gives patients the resources and support they need to fight cancer head-on. The local organization offers year-round internship and volunteer opportunities.623 W. 38th St., Ste. 300, Austin. 877-236-8820. www.livestrong.org
Mothers’ Milk Bank at Austin’s mission is to save babies’ lives by providing prescribed, pasteurized donor human milk. Volunteers opportunities include scrubbing in and processing milk in the lab, labeling life-saving bottles of donor milk and helping with administrative tasks. 5925 Dillard Circle, Austin. 512-494-0800. www.milkbank.org/other-ways-to-support
Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas aims to create healthier communities by providing comprehensive reproductive and related health care services, delivering science-based education programs and serving as an advocate for reproductive justice in Texas. Volunteer opportunities include community outreach, event support and ongoing administrative projects in Planned Parenthood’s office. 201 E. Ben White Blvd., Austin. 512-275-0171. www.ppgreatertx.org
Power for Parkinson’s offers free fitness, dance and singing classes to people living with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners. The aim of the classes is to slow or reverse the effects of the disease and improve overall well-being. Volunteers assist with signing in attendees, setting up the room for classes, passing out equipment as well as balance spotting for participants. Classes were put on hold due to the pandemic but will resume in the next few months at up to nine Austin-area locations. 512-464-1277. www.powerforparkinsons.org
Regarding Cancer provides support to those with cancer and their caregivers by matching newly diagnosed patients with a trained, peer survivor of the same cancer. Trained volunteers visit with patients undergoing infusion room treatment in outpatient clinics.P.O. Box 204451, Austin. 512-213-4993. www.regardingcancer.org
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas provides housing and support services for families while their children are hospitalized or enduring outpatient treatment, with the goal of keeping families close to each other. The Ronald McDonald House has individual and group volunteer opportunities, including preparing meals, cleaning, helping with special events or hosting drives to collect household items.1315 Barbara Jordan Blvd., Austin. 512-472-9844. www.rmhc-ctx.org
Animals and the environment
Austin Animal Center is a city-run no-kill shelter. Volunteers are required to attend a training session and commit to six hours a month. The nonprofit is operating services and opportunities by appointment only.7201 Levander Loop, Bldg. A, Austin. 512-978-0500. www.austintexas.gov/department/aac
Austin Humane Society is a no-kill shelter that operates programs to save homeless cats and dogs, engage the community about pet ownership, and prevent future homelessness through spaying and neutering. Volunteer opportunities range from walking dogs, socializing cats, assisting in the clinic, fundraising and helping at events. 124 W. Anderson Lane, Austin. 512-646-7387. www.austinhumanesociety.org
Austin Parks Foundation partners with the community to make public parks, trails and green spaces better through volunteerism, programming, advocacy and financial support. Volunteers can participate in the It’s My Park Day event, held in March and November each year, as well as ongoing projects the first Saturday of every month. P.O. Box 6160 Austin, TX 78762. 512-477-1566. www.austinparks.org
Austin Pets Alive is an animal rescue group that creates programs to save animals at risk of euthanasia. Volunteer opportunities include assisting in the medical clinic, or fostering cats or dogs. There are at-home opportunities such as data entry and digital marketing as well as helping in the nonprofit’s thrift stores. 1156 W. Cesar Chavez St., Austin. 512-961-6519. www.austinpetsalive.org
Keep Austin Beautiful engages citizens in building more beautiful communities. Volunteers participate in service projects to clean, preserve, and beautify green spaces and waterways. Events include Keep Austin Beautiful Day.55 N. I-35, Ste. 215, Austin. 512-391-0617. www.keepaustinbeautiful.org/volunteer-opportunities
The Trail Foundation protects, enhances and connects the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. The foundation works to add resources to improve the natural areas around Lady Bird Lake. Volunteers help with restoration and land management work. P.O. Box 5195, Austin, 78763. 855-448-7245. www.thetrailfoundation.org
The arts
The Contemporary Austin reflects the spectrum of contemporary art through exhibitions, commissions, education and its collection. Volunteers lead tours and help with visitor relations and clerical tasks. Individuals age 13 and up can volunteer at The Contemporary’s art school. The Contemporary Austin-Laguna Gloria, 3809 W. 35th St., Austin. 512-458-8191. The Contemporary Austin-The Jones Center, 700 Congress Ave., Austin. 512-453-5312. www.thecontemporaryaustin.org
The Health Alliance for Austin Musicians provides access to affordable health care for Austin’s low-income, underinsured working musicians with a focus on prevention and wellness. Volunteers help at community events and assist HAAM staff. 3010 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 200, Austin. 512-541-4226. www.myhaam.org
The SIMS Foundation helps members of the music community and their families access affordable mental health and substance use recovery services. Volunteers primarily help at live music events, spreading the word about SIMS. 3010-B S. Lamar Blvd., Austin. 512-472-1008. www.simsfoundation.org
Community and family support
Any Baby Can partners with families to overcome obstacles and achieve well-being. Programs meet clients where they are—virtually, at home, work or school—and help them build stability, develop skills and navigate systems so children and families reach their full potential. Any Baby Can offers a variety of volunteer opportunities throughout the year. 6207 Sheridan Ave., Austin. 512-454-3743. www.anybabycan.org
Assistance League of Austin is a volunteer organization that offers a variety of philanthropic programs, including a toy cart providing gifts to children at Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas. Other programs include providing new clothing, toiletries and school supplies to children from Austin ISD schools and area shelters. Volunteers must attend an orientation and training session, which are currently being offered by appointment only due to COVID-19. 4901 Burnet Road, Austin. 512-458-3716. www.alaustin.org
Central Texas Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief charity in Central Texas. Volunteers help prepare food donations for distribution, deliver food to mobile food pantries, lend a hand in the kitchen and garden, and provide nutrition education. 6500 Metropolis Drive, Austin. 512-282-2111. www.centraltexasfoodbank.org
Dress for Success Austin is a career center that’s goal is to help women secure employment and career advancement. The center offers virtual volunteer opportunities, including career consulting and mentorship programs. 701 Tillery St., Ste. A-5, Austin. 512-389-3723 https://austin.dressforsuccess.org
Goodwill Central Texas is dedicated to transforming generations by empowering people through education, career training and work. Volunteer opportunities include mentorship, tutoring, career guidance, or disassembling computers for resale and recycling. 1015 Norwood Park Blvd., Austin. 512-637-7179. www.goodwillcentraltexas.org
Keep Austin Fed is a food rescue organization that works to reduce hunger and help the environment by providing surplus food to those in need. Volunteers are needed for “food rescue runs”—using their own cars to pick food up from donor businesses and deliver it to designated partner organizations that have charitable feeding operations. 3903 S. Congress Ave., Ste. 40760, Austin. 512-831-3654. www.keepaustinfed.org
Manos de Cristo provides basic needs assistance to low-income individuals in the form of food, clothing, dental care and educational development. Volunteers help in the food pantry and clothes closet, plan and work at events, complete administrative details, maintain the grounds and tutor. Volunteer dentists are also needed. 4911 Harmon Ave., Austin. 512-477-7454. www.manosdecristo.org
The SAFE Alliance has a mission is to stop abuse for everyone. It is a merger of Austin Children’s Shelter and SafePlace, both longstanding human service agencies serving the survivors of child abuse, sexual assault and exploitation, and domestic violence. Volunteer opportunities during the pandemic involve off-site projects. 4800 Manor Road, Bldg. A, Austin. 1515 Grove Blvd, Austin. 512-267-7233. www.safeaustin.org
Skillpoint Alliance provides free hands-on training in the construction and manufacturing industries. The organization’s mission is to ensure every resident in the area has access to a successful career pathway. Volunteers are needed with experience in the electrical, HVAC, manufacturing, plumbing or nursing industries to provide career advice and offer job opportunities.8868 Research Blvd., Ste. 505, Austin. 512-323-6773. www.skillpointalliance.org
Ten Thousand Villages of Austin is a fair-trade, nonprofit retail store providing income and opportunity to artisans in developing countries by marketing their handicrafts and telling their stories. Store volunteers welcome customers, provide information about the store’s mission, create displays, complete transactions and help with events.4803 Burnet Road, Austin. 512-440-0440. www.tenthousandvillages.com/austin
United Way for Greater Austin brings people, ideas and resources together to fight poverty in the local community. United Way mobilizes thousands of volunteers annually, and opportunities range from one-time projects to those requiring more significant time commitments. 2000 E. MLK Jr. Blvd., Austin. 512-472-6267. https://volunteer.uwatx.org
We Are Blood is the guardian of the community blood supply for more than 40 medical facilities in Central Texas. Volunteers assist with blood drives, serve refreshments in donor centers, provide office support and transport blood donations using the center’s vehicles. 4300 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin. 512-206-1266. www.weareblood.org
The YMCA of Austin is dedicated to building programs for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Volunteer opportunities include youth sports coaching, helping with community events and programs, child care support, cleaning and greeting. Town Lake YMCA, 1100 W. Cesar Chavez St., Austin. 512-542-9622. East Communities YMCA, 5315 Ed Bluestein Blvd., Austin. 512-933-9622. www.austinymca.org
