Nonprofit organizations in Central Austin allow residents to give back throughout the year. Opportunities range from aiding the homeless, planting trees and working with animals to shelving books, clerical work and mentoring individuals.
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 512-451-4611 www.ageofcentraltx.org Twitter: @austinelderly
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. Volunteer opportunities vary. 3520 Executive Center Drive, Ste. 140, Austin 512-241-0420 www.txalz.org www.facebook.com/txalz
The Arc of the Capital Area provides programs and services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Volunteer opportunities include helping clients at the Arc of Arts Studio; assisting at monthly activities like movie night, bowling and coffee club; and volunteering at special events throughout the year. 4902 Grover Ave., Austin 512-476-7044 www.arcaustin.org Twitter: @arcaustin Facebook: www.facebook.com\thearcofthecapitalarea/
Assistance League of Austin is an organization of volunteers dedicated to addressing specific needs through nine philanthropic programs, including toy carts at Dell Children’s Medical Center, services for the elderly and clothing for Austin-area students. Volunteers must attend two training sessions before participating. 4901 Burnet Road, Austin 512-458-3716 www.alaustin.org Twitter: @alathrifthouse
Austin Animal Center shelters about 18,000 animals per year and prevents pet homelessness through a variety of programs. Volunteers help care for shelter animals, assist with adoptions and aid in prevention and awareness activities. 7201 Levander Loop, Austin 512-978-0500 www.austinanimalcenter.org www.facebook/austinanimalcenter
Austin Child Guidance Center works to improve the mental health of children through treatment and emotional-skills training. Volunteers play with children waiting for appointments, serve on fundraising planning committees and cultivate the healing garden. 810 W. 45th St., Austin 512-451-2242 www.austinchildguidance.org Twitter: @austinchildguid
Austin Humane Society is the city’s largest no-kill, nonprofit pet adoption center dedicated to saving Austin’s homeless cats and dogs, educating the community about responsible pet ownership and reducing pet overpopulation. Volunteers help with dog walking, the Cat Adoption Team, the foster care program and more. 124 W. Anderson Lane, Austin 512-646-7387 www.austinhumanesociety.org/volunteer/how/
Austin Humanists at Work is a group of secular volunteers who collect, sort and distribute basic living provisions to people who are homeless at monthly giveaways. ATXHAW is 100 percent volunteer based. Many of its volunteers also knit or crochet items to be given away—washcloths for the summer and hats and scarves for the winter. www.atxahh.com Twitter: @atxahh Twitter: @austinhumane
Austin LifeCare offers a variety of free services to families experiencing unplanned pregnancies, such as pregnancy tests, limited ultrasounds, resource and spiritual counseling, education and mentoring. Clients can obtain material assistance through the Earn-While-You-Learn program. Volunteer opportunities include peer counseling, office assistance and client mentoring. 1215 Anderson Lane, Austin 512-374-0055 www.austinlifecare.com
Austin Parks Foundation connects people to resources and partners to develop and improve parks. Volunteers participate in activities including erosion control, mulching, tree planting, eradicating invasive species and trash pickup. The online calendar shows coming events. 507 Calles St., Ste. 116, Austin 512-477-1566 www.austinparks.org Twitter: @austinparksfdn
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 512-961-6519 [email protected] www.austinpetsalive.org Twitter: @austinpetsalive
Austin Pregnancy Resource Center[/caption]
Austin Pregnancy Resource Center helps girls and women with unplanned pregnancies decide their options while giving accurate and factual information in a confidential and welcoming environment. The center offers free tests, sonograms and classes. Volunteer opportunities are listed on the website. 2717 Rio Grande St., Austin 512-476-7774 [email protected] www.austinprc.org Twitter: @aprc2717
Austin Public Library[/caption]
Austin Public Library volunteers help connect the community to library programs and services. Volunteer opportunities include reshelving books and other materials, facilitating conversational language programs, preserving Austin history and teaching technology skills to teens and adults. 800 Guadalupe St., Austin 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 180 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 512-374-6160 www.ausslcfriends.org
Austin Tenants’ Council protects tenants’ rights and educates the community on fair housing. Volunteers are needed who can objectively gather and report information about the availability of housing while posing as a prospective renter or homebuyer. 1640-B E. Second St., Ste. 150, Austin 512-474-1961 www.housing-rights.org
Autism Society of Central Texas is an affiliate of the Autism Society of America with a mission to improve the lives of all affected by autism. Volunteers are used in many different ways including fundraising events and community opportunities. 4902 Grover Ave., Ste. 201, Austin 512-479-4199 www.austinautismsociety.org Twitter: @autismatx
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 512-476-9151, ext. 106 www.balletaustin.org Twitter: @balletaustin
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 the community and families in a variety of ways such as cleaning, painting and gardening. 1902 E. 22nd St., Austin 512-220-8751 [email protected] www.blacklandcdc.org Twitter: @blacklandcdc
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area—Administrative offices in the Austin area (serving Bastrop as well) offer programs and services to promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. Volunteers assist with daily power-hour tutoring, homework help, and general after school activities such as fine arts, sports and science, technology, engineering and math. 5407 N. I-35, Ste. 400, Austin 512-444-7199 [email protected] www.bgcaustin.org Twitter: @bgcaustin
Breast Cancer Resource Center is a nonprofit providing guidance, education, and assistance to thousands of local women whose lives have been disrupted by breast cancer. BCRC’s volunteer program offers diverse opportunities that directly affect the lives of those touched by cancer. 601 E. 15th St., Austin helpline: 512-524-2560 Spanish: 512-796-5808 www.bcrc.org
Caritas of Austin[/caption]
Caritas of Austin supports individuals on their journey out of crisis and homelessness toward self-sufficiency through housing, food, education and employment services. Volunteers can serve lunch daily to more than 300 clients in the community kitchen, help with special events or provide administrative support to staff. 611 Neches St., Austin 512-479-4610 www.caritasofaustin.org Twitter: @caritasofaustin
CASA of Travis County[/caption]
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 512-459-2272 www.casatravis.org/volunteer Twitter: @casatravis
The Christi Center offers hope after the death of a loved one by providing support networks, community education and therapeutic activities that are free, ongoing and peer-based. Volunteers help support those who are grieving in our community. 2306 Hancock Drive, Austin 512-467-2600 www.christicenter.org Twitter: @christicenter
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 docents are trained extensively to give tours to children, school groups and adult groups. The Contemporary Austin-Laguna Gloria, 3809 W. 35th St., Austin The Contemporary Austin-The Jones Center, 700 Congress Ave., Austin 512-458-8191 (Laguna Gloria), 512-453-5312 (The Jones Center) www.thecontemporaryaustin.org Twitter: @contemporaryatx
Dell Children‘s Medical Center volunteers are pictured in this photo.[/caption]
Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas is the only dedicated pediatric hospital and Pediatric Level I Trauma Center in Central Texas. Dell Children’s, a member of the Seton Healthcare Family, is part of Ascension, the nation’s largest nonprofit health system and the world’s largest Catholic health system. Volunteers provide assistance to patients, families and staff of Dell Children’s Medical Center through one four-hour shift each week. 4900 Mueller Blvd., Austin 512-324-0161 www.dellchildrens.net Twitter: @dellchildrens
Down Syndrome Associationof Central Texas[/caption]
Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas provides education, support and resources to individuals with Down syndrome, their families, professionals and the community while building public awareness and acceptance of the abilities of individuals with Down syndrome. Volunteers can help with events such as walks, galas and fun runs. They can also work directly with individuals with Down syndrome in recreational programs. 3710 Cedar St., Box 3, Ste. 287, Austin 512-323-0808 www.dsact.org/volunteer
Drive a Senior—West Austin assists older adults in maintaining their quality of life and independence. Volunteers provide transportation, home repairs and companionship to the elderly. To volunteer, fill out an application on the website. 2601 Exposition Blvd., Austin 512-472-6339 [email protected] www.driveasenior.org
Easter Seals Central Texas, originally chartered as the Texas Society for Crippled Children, has been providing services to children and adults with disabilities and their caregivers since 1937. Volunteers help with special events and fundraisers, clerical duties, camp and the gala committee as well as several other event committees. 8505 Cross Park Drive, Ste. 120, Austin 512-478-2581 www.centraltx.easterseals.com
Emancipet is a nonprofit on a mission to make high-quality spay/neuter and veterinary care affordable and accessible to all pet owners. The organization manages an expanding national network of high-quality, low-cost clinics; offers customized training and consulting programs to animal welfare organizations nationwide; and guide public policy that improves the lives of pets in underserved communities. Volunteers assist with general office support and customer service. Clinic locations are in East Austin, Central Austin, Pflugerville and mobile units throughout Austin. 7010 Easy Wind Dr. Ste. 260, Austin TX 512-587-SPAY (7729) www.emancipet.org Twitter: @emancipet
Foundation Communities is a nonprofit organization providing affordable, quality housing to families and individuals with low incomes across the city. Volunteers can work with clients and residents in a variety of ways such as serving meals, providing free tax preparation services, financial coaching, tutoring in the after-school program and more. 3036 S. First St., Austin 512-610-7377 www.foundcom.org Twitter: @foundcom
Front Steps works to end homelessness in Austin. It manages the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless, the Recuperative Care Project and a housing program. Volunteers help clients in the computer lab, distributing hygiene products and more. Those interested in volunteering must be 18 or older and can fill out an application online. 500 E. Seventh St., Austin 512-305-4174 www.frontsteps.org
Girlstart volunteers are pictured here.[/caption]
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 512-916-4775 www.girlstart.org Twitter: @girlstart
Goodwill Central Texas provides numerous volunteer opportunities including rebuilding computers and tutoring in high school and GED classrooms. 1015 Norwood Park Blvd., Austin 512-637-7100 www.goodwillcentraltexas.org Twitter: @austingoodwill
Greyhound Rescue Austin is an all-volunteer and nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing greyhounds in Austin. 2805 W. Fresco Drive, Austin 512-288-4480 www.greyhoundrescueaustin.com
Helping Hand Home for Children[/caption]
Helping Hand Home for Children provides residential treatment, therapeutic foster care and adoption services for abused and neglected children. Volunteers read to children, help with homework, or lead and assist games and activities. The organization accepts volunteer applications two times a year. The group’s website describes the application process and due dates. 3804 Avenue B, Austin 512-600-6053 [email protected] www.helpinghandhome.org Twitter: @helpinghandhome
Helping the Aging, Needy and Disabled Inc. is licensed by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services and has provided personal assistance services in clients’ homes for over 40 years. Its personal care attendants assist with activities of daily living so clients may continue to maintain their independence at home. Volunteers help the nonprofit with special events, assist case managers and clients with home maintenance activities and yard work, and assist in home safety and social visits. 1640-B E. Second St., Ste. 200, Austin 512-477-3796 www.handcentraltx.org Twitter: @handcentraltx
Keep Austin Beautiful, a nonprofit service organization, has provided resources and education to engage citizens in building more beautiful communities since 1985. Volunteers work on service projects, including creek and road cleanups. The website lists the latest volunteer opportunities. 55 N. I-35, Ste. 215, Austin 512-391-0617 www.keepaustinbeautiful.org Twitter: @kab_austin
KMFA Classical 89.5 is a nonprofit, listener-supported public radio station that recognizes how classical music inspires and restores the human spirit. Volunteers are needed to assist with mailing, events and projects. 3001 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin 512-476-5632 www.kmfa.org Twitter: @kmfaclassical
LIVESTRONG was founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and cyclist Lance Armstrong. The organization provides practical information and tools for people with cancer to live life on their own terms and unites people to fight cancer. LIVESTRONG offers both volunteer and internship opportunities. 2201 E. Sixth St., Austin 877-236-8820 www.livestrong.org Twitter: @livestrong
Meals on Wheels Central Texas—Greater Austin Area[/caption]
Meals on Wheels Central Texas—Greater Austin Area makes and delivers meals to homebound members of the community, including those age 60 and older. Volunteers deliver meals by car. 3227 E. Fifth St., Austin 512-476-6325 www.mealsonwheelscentraltexas.org Twitter: @mealsonwheels
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 and accomplishes this mission by delivering food every night of the week. Volunteers help organize, prepare and deliver meals. Opportunities at the Community First! Village may include gardening and prepping micro-homes. 903 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin 512-328-7299 www.mlf.org/volunteer Twitter: @mobileloaves
Out Youth[/caption]
Out Youth serves youth of all sexual orientations and gender identities ages 12-23 with programs designed to promote overall well-being, leadership development, health and education, and ease the transition into adulthood. Volunteers can serve in roles at all levels of the organization. 909 E. 49 1/2 St., Austin 512-419-1233 www.outyouth.org
PeopleFund creates economic opportunity and financial stability for underserved people by providing access to capital, education and resources to build healthy small businesses. Our People2People volunteers are matched with small-business owners to assist with various aspects of operating the business. 2921 E. 17th St., Bldg. D, Ste. 1, Austin 512-220-3775 www.peoplefund.org Twitter: @peoplefund
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas provides housing and support for families of critically ill children. Volunteers prepare meals and perform administrative duties. Volunteers are also needed to staff the Ronald McDonald Family Rooms in area hospitals. 1315 Barbara Jordan Blvd., Austin 512-472-9844 www.rmhc-ctx.org Twitter: @rmhcctx
Royal Family Kids Camp serves abused and neglected children ages 7-11. Volunteers serve as camp counselors and staff, and assist with birthday parties, camp registration and welcome home dinners. 2700 Northland Drive, Austin 512-930-1886 www.austin.royalfamilykids.org
SafePlace’s mission is to lead in ending sexual assault and exploitation and domestic violence through prevention, intervention and advocacy for change. Volunteers work directly with families and individuals as well as provide assistance through indirect service in clerical or administrative roles. They accompany survivors to court, answer hotline calls, plan children’s birthday parties, deliver toys to SafePlace for clients for the Holiday Giving Program and more. P.O. Box 19454, Austin 512-267-7233 www.safeaustin.org/spvolunteer Twitter: @safeplace_atx
The Salvation Army volunteers assist—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 the Rock the Red Kettle Concert and other fundraising activities. 501 E. Eighth St., Austin 512-634-5921 www.salvationarmyaustin.org Twitter: @salarmyaustin
Samaritan Health Ministries is a clinic serving uninsured families. Samaritan Health Ministries has multiple, flexible volunteer opportunities inside and outside the clinic. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. The clinic needs administrative/office Support, Spanish interpreters, medical volunteers, physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and licensed vocational nurses. The website has a complete listing. 512-331-5828 www.theshm.org
Scottish Rite Theater is an Austin community and children’s theater that collaborates with various community groups to produce or host theater events for the whole family. Volunteers assist with box office, ushering and other event production tasks. 207 W. 18th St., Austin 512-472-5436 www.scottishritetheater.org Twitter: @srtaustin
Ten Thousand Villages of Austin provides vital, fair income to people living in developing nations by marketing their handicrafts and telling their stories in North America. The organization works with artisans who would otherwise be unemployed or underemployed. This income helps pay for food, education, health care and housing. The store is run almost entirely by volunteers, who also can help Ten Thousand Villages through customer service. 4803 Burnet Road, Austin 512-440-0440 www.tenthousandvillages.com/austin Twitter: @austinvillages
United Way for Greater Austin[/caption]
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 and more. 2000 E. MLK Jr. Blvd., Austin 512.472.6267 [email protected] www.uwatx.org/volunteer Twitter: @uwatx
We Are Blood and United Tissue Resources (formerly The Blood Center of Central Texas) is the exclusive provider and guardian of the community blood supply for approximately 39 medical facilities in the 10-county service area of Central Texas. Volunteers assist on blood drives, serve refreshments in donor centers, provide office support and transport blood product in the center’s vehicles. 4300 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin 512-206-1266 www.weareblood.org Twitter: @weareblood
YMCA of Austin—Town Lake 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 and policy. 1100 W. Cesar Chavez St., Austin 512-542-9622 Volunteers call 512-322-9622 www.austinymca.org Twitter: @tlymca
Youth2Seniors is a youth-based organization that creates intergenerational programs designed to pair youth and seniors within the community. Volunteer opportunities and programs are available for adults and children age 2 and older. Youth participants and senior citizens work side by side on community service projects and in art classes. Adult volunteers help lead art classes and other Youth2Seniors activities. Events are held at various Austin-area assisted living facilities; exact locations can be found online. 512-961-7805 [email protected] www.youth2seniors.org
This guide is not a comprehensive list of all area organizations that need volunteers. If your organization is not included, please email us at [email protected], and we will add it to our online list.
