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.org3. 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.org4. 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.org5. 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.com6. 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.org7. 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.orgHousing/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/volunteer9. 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.org10. 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.org11. 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.org13. 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.org14. 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/volunteerEducation/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.org17. 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.org18. 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.org21. 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.org22. 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.org23. 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.org24. 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.orgHealth 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.org26. 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.org28. 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.org29. 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.orgAnimals/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.org32. 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.org33. 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.org34. 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-opportunities36. 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.orgThe 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.org40. 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.orgCommunity 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.org42. 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.org44. 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.org45. 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.org46. 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.org47. 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
