Help better the community in a variety of ways year-round at one of these local organizations. From helping families in need to caring for animals, this guide includes several volunteer opportunities. This list is noncomprehensive.





Elderly and disabled resources


1. AGE of Central Texas-Adult Day Care Center Austin


serves older adults, adults with memory loss disorders and family caregivers. Volunteers assist with activities during the work week; there are also group opportunities.
3710 Cedar St., Austin
512-451-4611
www.ageofcentraltx.org








2.The Arc of the Capital Area


provides case management and programming to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Volunteers help with education programs, daily pickup and drop-off and special events.
4902 Grover Ave., Austin
512-476-7044
www.arcaustin.org





3. Austin State Supported Living Center


provides aid and support to residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Volunteers serve as Campus Buddies, work with the resident choir and participate on the Human Rights Committee, which protects residents’ rights through impartial review.2203 W. 35th St., Austin
512-374-6160
www.ausslcfriends.org





4. Drive a Senior-West Austin


provides free transportation and other support services to older adults. Drives typically last from 30 minutes-2 hours.
2601 Exposition Blvd., Austin
512-472-6339
www.driveasenior.org





5. Easter Seals Central Texas


has provided 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
512-615-6830
www.centraltx.easterseals.com





6. Meals on Wheels Central Texas


offers homebound older adults and people with disabilities an array of holistic programs. Volunteers can deliver meals, groceries or pet food by car; grocery shop for clients; and serve as companions for individuals with memory loss.
3227 E. Fifth St., Austin
512-476-6325
www.mealsonwheelscentraltexas.org





7. Youth2Seniors


is a youth-based organization that creates intergenerational programs designed to pair youth and seniors within the community. Youth volunteers work on community service projects and art classes. Adult volunteers help lead activities.
Locations vary
512-961-7805
www.youth2seniors.org





Housing/helping the homeless


8. Austin Habitat for Humanity


builds affordable homes, performs critical home repair, and provides financial counseling. Volunteers have the opportunity to participate in home repair, new home construction, or assist at one of the organization’s two ReStore locations.
500 W. Ben White Blvd., Austin
512-472-8788, ext. 100
www.austinhabitat.org/volunteer





9. Austin Humanists at Work


collects and distributes personal care items once a month in Central Austin to people experiencing homelessness and of limited means. Volunteers help with donation pickups and fundraising drives and knit hats, scarves and washcloths.
11900 Metric Blvd., Ste. J172, Austin
512-553-2117
www.austinhumanistsatwork.org





10. Austin Tenants Council


protects tenants’ rights and educates the community on fair housing. Volunteers serve as fair housing testers who gather and report information on housing availability while posing as prospective renters or homebuyers across Austin.
512-474-7006
www.housing-rights.org





11. Blackland Community Development Corp.


builds, maintains and leases houses to families who earn less than 50 percent of the median family income. Volunteers help with beautification projects and repair and clean recently vacated homes. They are also encouraged to contribute their professional skills—such as architecture, accounting or IT.
1902 E. 22nd St., Austin
512-220-8751
www.blacklandcdc.org








12. Caritas of Austin


works to prevent and end homelessness in the Austin area. Volunteers work in the organization’s community kitchen, provide administrative support to staff members and work with clients directly.
611 Neches St., Austin
512-479-4610
www.caritasofaustin.org





13. Foundation Communities


provides affordable, attractive 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 and financial coaching, and serving as tutors.
3036 S. First St., Austin
512-610-7377
www.foundcom.org





14. Front Steps


works to provide a pathway home for those experiencing homelessness by promoting community awareness and offering emergency shelter, affordable housing, recuperative medical care and supportive services. Volunteers help with the hygiene and mail desk, the resource desk, the computer lab, dinner service and administration duties. Orientation is offered twice a month.
500 E. Seventh St., Austin
512-305-4174
www.frontsteps.org








15. Mobile Loaves & Fishes


is a social outreach ministry for individuals experiencing homelessness. The nonprofit provides food, clothing and other items every night of the year. Volunteers serve on a food truck or at the organization’s Community First! Village, master-planned development designed for individuals coming out of chronic homelessness.
9301 Hog Eye Road, Ste. 950, Austin
512-328-7299
www.mlf.org/volunteer





Education/Children


16. Austin Child Guidance Center


works to improve the mental health of children through early diagnosis and treatment. Volunteers play with children waiting for appointments, help with fundraising efforts and cultivate its Children’s Healing Garden.
810 W. 45th St., Austin
512-451-2242
www.austinchildguidance.org





17. Austin Partners In Education


connects the community and the classroom by placing volunteers right beside students. Through their Math Classroom Coach and Mentoring programs, APIE has seen significant growth in students’ test scores and, most importantly, their self-confidence. Locations vary.
512-637-0900
www.austinpartners.org





18. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas


works to match children ages 6 to 16 with caring adults who serve as mentors, advocates, resources and guides. Volunteers commit to meeting with their "Littles" three to four times a month for a minimum of one year. The organization serves around 1,000 children in Travis, Williamson and Hays counties annually. 4800 Manor Road, Bldg. K, Austin
512-472-5437
www.bigmentoring.org








19. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area


offers programs and services to help children succeed academically, develop leadership skills and build healthy habits at its 33 local clubs. Volunteers assist with daily power-hour tutoring, homework and general after-school activities, such as fine  arts, sports and math.
Administrative office: 6648 Ed Bluestein Blvd., Austin
512-444-7199
www.bgcaustin.org








20. CASA of Travis County


educates volunteers to serve as court-appointed special advocates for those in the child welfare system. Volunteers spend time with these children; communicate regularly with family, caregivers, teachers and therapists; participate in case meetings; determine the children’s best interests; and present information and opinions to a judge in court. No special education, experience or background is needed.
7600 Chevy Chase Drive, Austin
512-459-2272
www.casatravis.org





21. Communities in Schools Central Texas


surrounds students with a support network, empowering them to stay in school. Volunteers meet with students weekly to serve as reading buddies, mentors or tutors. There are also opportunities to volunteer at special events throughout the year, such as career fairs, interview help sessions and parent’s night.
3000 S. I-35, Austin
512-462-1771
www.ciscentraltexas.org





22. Explore Austin


provides a leadership-based outdoor adventure curriculum coupled with social-emotional learning components and long-term mentoring to youth from low-income communities.
2201 E. Sixth St., Austin
512-320-8899
www.exploreaustin.org





23. Girlstart


encourages and empowers girls in science, technology, engineering and math fields. Volunteers are most needed at the nonprofit’s one-day events, where they help with setting up, leading activities, interacting with families, cleaning up and inspiring children to get involved with STEM subjects.
1400 W. Anderson Lane, Austin
512-916-4775
www.girlstart.org





24. 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 to ease the transition into adulthood. Volunteers serve in roles at all levels of the organization.
909 E. 49th 1/2 St., Austin
512-419-1233
www.outyouth.org





Health Services











25. 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.
7719 Wood Hollow Drive, Ste. 157, Austin
512-241-0420
www.txalz.org





26. 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 assist class instructors at seasonal recreational programs, and there are also volunteer opportunities at the Buddy Walk in October.
3710 Cedar St., Ste. 287, Austin
512-323-0808
www.dsact.org/volunteer








27. 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 sign in attendees, set up rooms for classes, pass out equipment and provide balance spotting for participants.
5555 N. Lamar Blvd., Ste. L121, Austin
512-464-1277
www.powerforparkinsons.org





28. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas


provides housing and support services for families while their children are hospitalized or enduring outpatient treatment. Individual and group volunteer opportunities include preparing meals, sponsoring meals, cleaning and hosting drives to collect household items.
1315 Barbara Jordan Blvd., Austin
512-472-9844
www.rmhc-ctx.org





29. Mothers Milk Bank Austin’s


mission is to save babies’ lives by providing prescribed, pasteurized human donor milk. Volunteers can work in milk-processing labs under the supervision of staff to safely carry out a variety of tasks that make donated human milk safe for the infants in neonatal intensive care units.
5925 Dillard Circle, Austin
512-494-0800
www.milkbank.org





Animals/the environment











30. Austin Animal Center


is the city’s no-kill shelter providing care for 16,000 animals each year. Volunteer opportunities include socializing dogs and cats, comforting animals in the ICU, marketing and media, laundry and more. Volunteers are required to attend a training session and commit to six hours a month, but members of the public are welcome to walk socialized “green-dot” dogs without any required training.
7201 Levander Loop, Bldg. A, Austin 512-978-0500
www.austintexas.gov/department/aac








31. Austin Humane Society


is a nonprofit, no-kill shelter that operates programs to save Austin’s homeless cats and dogs, engage the community about pet ownership, serve animals and people in times of crisis, and prevent future homelessness through spaying and neutering. Volunteer opportunities range from walking dogs, socializing cats, assisting in the clinic, photographing animals, fostering pets and helping with fundraising and events.
124 W. Anderson Lane, Austin
512-646-7387
www.austinhumanesociety.org





32. 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 in ongoing projects, which are hosted on the first Saturday of each month.
1023 Springdale Road, Ste. 4B, Austin
512-477-1566
www.austinparks.org





33. Austin Pets Alive!


is a nonprofit animal rescue group that maintains comprehensive programs designed to save animals at risk for euthanasia. Volunteers can help by providing a range of services—from laundry and animal transport in the shelter to assisting in the organization’s thrift stores or working in medical positions.
1156 W. Cesar Chavez St., Austin
512-961-6519
www.austinpetsalive.org





34. Emancipet


is a nonprofit that works to make veterinary care affordable and accessible to all pet owners and manages a national network of clinics. Volunteers can greet clients in clinics and support the organization’s event, marketing and customer service teams. Clinic locations are in East Austin, Central Austin, Pflugerville and mobile units throughout Austin.
7010 Easy Wind Drive, Ste. 260, Austin
512-587-7729
www.emancipet.org








35. Keep Austin Beautiful


provides resources and education to engage citizens in building more beautiful communities. Volunteers can participate in service projects to clean, preserve and beautify Austin’s green spaces and waterways. Upcoming events include Keep Austin Beautiful Day on April 13, a countywide service day featuring thousands of volunteers working at more than 100 sites.
55 N. I-35, Ste. 215, Austin
512-391-0617
www.keepaustinbeautiful.org/volunteer-opportunities





36. The Trail Foundation


is dedicated to protecting, enhancing and connecting the Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail on Lady Bird Lake. The foundation works in partnership with the city to add resources the city is not able to provide. On the second and third Saturday of each month, volunteer activities at public events include tree mulching, wildflower seeding and planting. There are also specialized opportunities to lead volunteer days and help with ecological restoration.
855-448-7245
http://www.thetrailfoundation.org





The Arts


37. The Ballet Austin Guild


supports and promotes Ballet Austin and its commitment to excellence in dance through fundraising, community, and education. Through the Guild, volunteers can help with community and education programs  and special events.
501 W. Third St., Austin
512-476-9151
www.balletaustinguild.com








38. The Contemporary Austin


reflects the spectrum of contemporary art through exhibitions, commissions, education and its collection. Volunteers can help with visitor relations, education, exhibitions and clerical tasks. The Contemporary Austin’s art school is currently accepting applications for teen and adult volunteers for children’s classes this summer.
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








39. The Health Alliance for Austin Musician


provides access to affordable health care for Austin’s low-income, underinsured working musicians with a focus on prevention and wellness. Volunteer opportunities are open year-round and include taking donations at concerts, helping out at community events and assisting HAAM staff in the office.
3010 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 200, Austin
512-541-4226
www.myhaam.org





40. KMFA Classical 89.5


is a nonprofit, listener-supported public radio station that recognizes how classical music inspires and restores the human spirit. Volunteers can assist with mailing, events and projects.
3001 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin
512-476-5632
www.kmfa.org





Community Support


41. Assistance League of Austin


is a nonprofit 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.
4901 Burnet Road, Austin
512-458-3716
www.alaustin.org





42. Goodwill Central Texas


dedicated to empowering people to work through education and job training, retail stores, business services and community partnerships. Volunteers can assist at various locations; opportunities include helping the organization’s tutoring program, offering professional expertise as a career consultant and disassembling computers.
1015 Norwood Park Blvd., Austin
512-637-7179
www.goodwillcentraltexas.org










43. 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 primarily needed for “food rescue runs,” where they use their own car to pick up food from donor businesses and deliver it to an organization with a charitable program.
512-831-3654
www.keepaustinfed.org





44. The SAFE Alliance


is a merger of Austin Children’s Shelter and SafePlace and works to stop abuse by providing safety, stability and healing to survivors of sexual violence. Volunteers can help by engaging in recreational activities, tutoring, or by assisting in light office and facility projects.
4800 Manor Rd., Bldg. A, Austin
1515 Grove Blvd., Austin
512-267-7233
www.safeaustin.org





45. The Salvation Army


is a Christian ministry that provides services to anyone, regardless of religion or beliefs. Volunteers can provide gifts to children living in shelters and assist with events such as the annual luncheon on May 17 and the celebrity golf tournament in November. During the holiday season, volunteers sort and distribute gifts at the Christmas warehouse, work as bell ringers at area malls and serve meals at shelters.
512-605-1410
www.salvationarmyaustin.org





46. Skillpoint Alliance


provides hands-on training in the health care and construction industries to individuals in the Austin area. The organization’s mission is to ensure every resident in the area has access to a successful career path. Volunteers are needed with experience in the electrical, HVAC and nursing industries to provide knowledge and answer students’ questions.
8868 Research Blvd., Ste. 505, Austin
512-323-6773
www.skillpointalliance.org





47. Ten Thousand Villages of Austin


provides income to people living in developing nations by marketing their handicrafts and telling their stories in North America. The store is run almost entirely by volunteers, who can also help Ten Thousand Villages through customer service.
4803 Burnet Road, Austin
512-440-0440
www.tenthousandvillages.com/austin








48. United Way for Greater Austin‘s


mission is to  fight poverty in the local community with a goal to make volunteering accessible to everyone. An arm of the agency, Austin Volunteers, coordinates work for thousands of volunteers annually. Opportunities range from one-time projects to those requiring more of a time commitment. Upcoming community-wide events include the Spring Day of Caring on April 12 and Family Volunteer Day on May 4.
2000 E. Martin Luther King  Jr. Blvd., Austin
512-472-6267
www.volunteer.uwatx.org








49. We Are Blood


(formerly the Blood Center of Central Texas) is the exclusive provider and guardian of the community blood supply for approximately 40 medical facilities in the 10-county service area of Central Texas. Volunteers can assist with blood drives, serve refreshments in donor centers, provide office support and transport blood products using the center’s vehicles.
4300 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin
512-206-1266
www.weareblood.org





50. The YMCA of Austin


is dedicated to building programs for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Volunteer opportunities at the YMCA’s Town Lake branch include youth sports coaching, helping with community events and programs, child care support, cleaning and greeting.
1100 W. Cesar Chavez St., Austin
512-542-9622
www.austinymca.org