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Southwest Austin has many charities and nonprofits that need volunteers throughout the year. There are volunteer opportunities available for any level of time commitment. Here is a list of some local charities that are accepting volunteers.
American Red Cross serves Austin and the surrounding areas with disaster relief, and CPR and first-aid training. Volunteer opportunities include helping families impacted by home fires, connecting military families to their loved ones overseas, office administration support, public affairs, and social media. 2218 Pershing Drive, Austin 78723 512-928-4271 www.redcross.org/austin Twitter: @centexredcross
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
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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 78752 512-646-7387 www.austinhumanesociety.org Twitter: @austinhumane
Austin Partners In Education provides college- and career-readiness activities for Austin Independent School District students. Volunteers provide tutoring and lead study groups. 8000 Centre Park Drive, Ste. 220, Austin 78754 512-637-0900 www.austinpartners.org Twitter: @AustinPartners
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
Bake A Wish is a local network of volunteers who bake cakes for Austin children and adults in need. Volunteers bake and deliver cakes. No formal experience is necessary, but cake bakers must be able to make buttercream frosting, use a pastry bag to pipe a simple border, write legibly on a cake and maintain requirements for food safety. Because the organization works with protective agencies, all volunteers must have a valid driver’s license and pass a background check. P.O. Box 300491, Austin 78709 www.bakeawishaustin.org [email protected] Twitter: @bakeawishaustin
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
Blue Santa brings Christmas cheer to families who might not otherwise have gifts and food. The organization was started by the Austin Police Department in 1972 and includes the Texas National Guard, the Austin Fire Department, Austin Water and Austin Energy. 4101 S. Industrial Drive, Ste. 260, Austin 78744 512-974-BLUE (2583) www.bluesanta.org
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area—Ann Richards Girls Club offers programs and services to promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. Those interested in volunteering weekly to help with tutoring, homework help, activities such as arts, crafts and music classes can start applying in January. 2206 Prather Lane, Austin 78704 512-444-7199 www.bgcaustin.org Twitter: @bgcaustin
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
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, provide administrative support to staff or work directly with clients. 611 Neches St., Austin 78701 512-479-4610 www.caritasofaustin.org Twitter: @caritasofaustin
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
Divine Canines provides free therapy dog services to more than 40 sites throughout Austin and Central Texas, including school reading programs, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and a Wounded Warrior Project at Fort Hood. The organization is looking for dog owners who would like to train their dogs to become therapy dogs. 2407 S. Congress Ave., Ste. E-401, Austin 78704 512-655-DOG5 www.divinecanines.org
Drive a Senior—South 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. 205 E. Monroe St., Austin 78704 512-445-5552 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
The Foster Angels of Central Texas Foundation’s mission is to improve the lives of children in foster care, ensuring that each child has his or her basic needs met, and provide life-enriching and life-enhancing experiences whenever possible. The foundation serves 30 counties. Volunteers can participate in seasonal programs such as assembling gift boxes, school backpacks and Christmas gifts.
P.O. Box 152575, Austin 78715
512-732-2329
www.fosterangelsctx.org
Twitter: @fosterangels
Foundation Communities is a nonprofit organization providing affordable, quality housing to families and individuals with low incomes. 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 78704 512-610-7377 www.foundcom.org Twitter: @foundcom
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center was founded by former first lady Lady Bird Johnson and Helen Hayes in 1982 to conserve, restore and create healthy landscapes. The Wildflower Center offers volunteer opportunities in the gardens, festivals, educational programs, a store and the new family garden. 4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin 78739 512-232-0102 www.wildflower.org/volunteer Twitter: @wildflowerctr
LifeWorks helps individuals, youth and families by providing counseling, education and housing. Volunteers are needed to help with maintenance, tutoring, Project Holiday Help and more. 3700 S. First St., Austin 78704 512-735-2400 www.lifeworksaustin.org Twitter: @lifeworksaustin
SafePlace’s mission is to lead efforts 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 78760 512-267-7233 www.safeaustin.org/spvolunteer Twitter: @safeplace_atx
St. David’s South Austin Medical Center Auxiliary provides specialized and emergency healthcare services. Adult and high school volunteers help out with various tasks such as working at the volunteer office, selling merchandise at the gift shop and operating the golf cart service that goes from the parking lot to the main entrance. Persons accepted for volunteering are required to pass a background check and complete TB blood testing and immunization. 901 W. Ben White Blvd. Austin, 78704 512-791-4708 www.stdavids.com/connect-with-us/volunteering Twitter: @stdavidssouthSustainable Food Center is in charge of the SFC Farmers Market and creates opportunities for individuals to make healthy food choices and participate in a vibrant local food system. Volunteer opportunities include clerical duties, school garden mentors, chef demos, child care and working in the information booth at the farmers market. 2921 E. 17th St., Bldg. C, Austin 78702 512-236-0074, ext. 114 www.sustainablefoodcenter.org Twitter: @sfclocal
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
Tapestry Dance Company is a professional nonprofit dance organization. Volunteers help with opportunities ranging from light clerical office projects to special events assistance to repairs and maintenance. 4544 S. Lamar Blvd., Bldg. 250, Austin 78704 512-474-9846 www.tapestry.org Twitter: @tapestrydance
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
