Area Volunteer Opportunities - December 2008

Area Volunteer Opportunities - December 2008

Written by William Gest and Staff Friday, 19 December 2008

AIDS Services of Austin responds to the HIV needs of the Austin area by providing services that enhance the health and well-being of individuals and the community in the face of an evolving epidemic. P.O. Box 4874, Austin, 78765 • 406-6163 • www.asaustin.org

American Cancer Society hopes to reduce the cancer mortality rate and cancer incidents through early detection, prevention and advocacy. Volunteer opportunities include the Road to Recovery and Reach to Recovery programs, assisting at health fairs, fundraising and office duties. 2433 Ridgepoint Drive, Ste. B, Austin, 78754 • 919-1800 www.cancer.org

American Red Cross of Central Texas ensures disaster planning, preparedness, community disaster education, mitigation and response, as well as assisting military members and their families in times of crisis. Volunteers perform a variety of services including assisting in disaster relief, case work processing and staffing shelters. 2218 Pershing Drive, Austin, 78723 • 928-4271, www.centex.redcross.org

Angel Food Ministries - Northwest Hills United Methodist Church is a nonprofit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing grocery relief and financial support to communities. Volunteers help with distribution and unloading of donated goods. 7050 Village Center Drive, Austin, 78731 • 345-1743, www.nwfeedingtheflock.com

Any Baby Can provides education, therapy and family support to needy families. Volunteers offer homework help, literacy training and childcare. 1121 E. Seventh St., Austin, 78702 • 334-4452 • www.abcaus.org

Austin Child Guidance Center works to improve the mental health of children through treatment and emotional skills training. Volunteers play with and evaluate children waiting for appointments. 810 W. 45th St., Austin, 78751 • 451-2242, www.austinchildguidance.org

Austin Children’s Museum teaches science and problem solving skills. Volunteers facilitate learning by working directly with children or behind the scenes. 201 Colorado St., Austin, 78701 • 472-2499 • www.austinkids.org

Austin Children’s Shelter provides care and shelter to abused and neglected children. Volunteers help by offering supervision, tutoring and positive interaction or by working in the office or kitchen. 804 Rio Grande, Ste. C, Austin, 78701 • 499-0090, www.austinchildrenshelter.org

Austin Dog Alliance is a rescue organization offering community education programs and pet therapy training. Its volunteers participate in youth activities, event coordinating, administrative tasks and marketing. 1705 Paseo Corto Drive, Cedar Park • 219-8793, www.austindogalliance.org

Austin Habitat for Humanity teams build quality houses for impoverished families. Volunteers assist in construction and do clerical tasks. 55 N. IH 35, Ste. 240, Austin, 78702 • 472-8788, www.austinhabitat.org

Austin Humane Society is the city’s largest no-kill, nonprofit pet adoption center dedicated to saving Austin’s homeless cats and dogs and education on responsible pet ownership and reducing pet overpopulation. 124 W. Anderson Lane, Austin, 78752 • 646-7387, www.austinhumanesociety.org

Austin Parks Foundation is committed to providing the resources and partnerships that create and sustain beautiful and active parks. It seeks to fill the gap between what needs to be done and what the City of Austin’s parks department can afford to do. 701 Brazos St., Ste. 170, Austin, 78701 • 477-1566, www.austinparks.org

Austin Partners in Education provides college and career readiness for Austin Independent School District students. Volunteers provide tutoring and lead study groups. 701 Brazos St., Ste. 480, Austin, 78701 • 637-0900, www.austinpartners.org

Austin Pregnancy Resource Center helps women with unplanned pregnancies sort through and decide their options while giving accurate and factual information in a confidential and welcoming environment. It offers free tests, sonograms and classes. 2717 Rio Grande St., Austin, 78705 • 476-7774 • www.austinprc.org

Austin Recovery is a substance dependence treatment center aiming to bring about the in-depth changes that are essential for overcoming addiction. 8402 Cross Park Drive, Austin, 78754 • 697-8500, www.austinrecovery.org

Austin State School - Volunteer Services Council is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with mental retardation. Volunteers befriend residents and assist with classes and special events. 2203 W. 35th St., Austin, 78703 • 374-6048 • www.aussvsc.org

Austin Zoo & Animal Sanctuary is a pleasant Hill Country zoo where the people of Austin can learn about the animals close up, spend some time outdoors getting exercise and have fun. Volunteers help out with office tasks, groundskeeping and some animal care, depending on experience. 10807 Rawhide Trail, Austin, 78736 • 288-1490 • www.austinzoo.org

Ballet Austin is a company committed to bringing the art of dance to thousands, including those who might not otherwise have the opportunity. Ballet Austin maintains a multifaceted approach to dance education. 501 W. Third St., Austin, 78701 • 476-9151 • www.balletaustin.org

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas pairs volunteers with young people in need of mentoring and positive role models. 1400 Tillery St., Austin, 78721 • 472-5437 • www.bbbscentraltx.org

Bikes for Goodness Sake Foundation provides bike-shop quality bikes to kids in need to give joy in the way that only a bicycle can. 12530 Research Blvd., Austin, 78759 • 680-8659 • www.bikesfgs.org

Blue Santa brings cheer to families that 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 Parks and Recreation and Austin Energy. 4101 S. Industrial Drive, Ste. 260, Austin, 78744 • 220-2583, www.bluesanta.org

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area - Lanier High School Unit offers programs and services to promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. 1201 Payton Gin Road, Austin, 78758 • 983-8607, www.besomebodytosomebody.org

Breast Cancer Resource Center - Austin is a grass roots, nonprofit organization created by breast cancer survivors. The center serves women with breast cancer, their families and support systems, women who have questions about screening and biopsy and others in the community who are concerned about breast cancer issues. Park St. David’s, 900 E. 30th St., Ste. 108, Austin, 78705 • 544-0900, www.bcrc.org

Brown Santa is a community service organization of the Travis County Sheriff’s Office. The goal is to provide assistance to families in need in the unincorporated areas of Travis County. 15400 Long Vista Drive, Ste. 101, Austin, 78728 • 247-2682, www.brownsanta.org

Cancer Connection was formerly named CanCare Austin. It is a growing network of cancer survivors and their family members offering hope and companionship for individuals and families affected by cancer. Volunteers visit cancer patients and their family members at hospitals and oncology centers providing refreshments, information and emotional support. 3710 Cedar St., Ste. 213, Austin, 78705 • 342-0233, www.thecancerconnection.org

Capital Area Food Bank works to end hunger in the Austin area. Volunteers ensure donated food is suitable for distribution. 8201 S. Congress Ave., Austin, 78745 • 282-2111, www.austinfoodbank.org

Caritas of Austin seeks to establish a continuum of services for impoverished people to link them with the tools they need to obtain self-sufficiency. Volunteers work to provide food and life skills training to clients. 611 Neches St., Austin, 78701 • 479-4610 • www.caritasofaustin.org

CASA of Travis County, Inc. recruits, screens, trains and supervises volunteers to provide guardian ad litem representation for abused and neglected children to help them reach a safe and permanent home. 6330 E. Hwy. 290, Ste. 350, Austin, 78723 • 459-2272, www.casatravis.org

Catholic Charities of Central Texas volunteers work in a wide variety of programs that serve the needs of at-risk communities. Volunteers work in several capacities, including the food pantry and mentoring programs. 1817 E. Sixth St., Austin, 78702 • 651-6100 • www.ccctx.org

Celebration of Love works with area school districts and volunteers to give food and gifts to those in need. It also includes the Foreman-Phillips Reaching Out Center, which hosts a food pantry that is open every Friday from 2-5 p.m. 15630 Vision Drive, Ste. V, Pflugerville • 251-4800, www.celebrationoflove.org

Center for Child Protection advocates for victims of abuse or witnesses to violent crimes. Volunteers help with direct care for children and perform support tasks. 8509 FM 969, Bldg. 2, Austin, 78724 • 472-1164, www.centerforchildprotection.org

Central Texas SPCA is a no-kill shelter that provides care for homeless animals. Volunteers assist with direct animal care and adoption. 909 S. Bagdad Road, Leander • 260-7722 • www.centraltexasspca.org

Charity Craft Volunteer Network volunteers create handmade quilts, toys and other items for those in need. 9725B Anderson Mill Road, Austin, 78750 • 219-0321, www.charitycraftcenter.org

Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas is the only dedicated pediatric hospital in Central Texas. Volunteers provide assistance to patients, families and staff and take part in fundraising and community outreach. 4900 Mueller Blvd., Austin, 78723 • 324-0161 • www.dellchildrens.net

Easter Seals Central Texas was originally chartered as the Texas Society for Crippled Children. Since 1937, Easter Seals Central Texas has been providing services to children and adults with disabilities and their caregivers. 1611 Headway Circle, Bldg. 2, Austin, 78754 • 478-2581, http://centraltx.easterseals.com

El Buen Samaritano Episcopal Mission has fulfilled a unique role in Austin as a provider of integrated health care, emergency food, advocacy, leadership, development and basic education for working-poor Hispanic families since 1987. 7000 Woodhue Drive, Austin, 78745 • 439-0700, www.elbuen.org

Faith in Action Caregivers - Northwest assists older adults in maintaining quality of life and independence. Volunteers provide transportation, home repairs and companionship to the elderly. 10633 Lake Creek Parkway, Austin, 78750 • 250-5021, www.faithinactioncaregivers.org

Family Link is a nonprofit organization devoted to linking children who need homes with foster and adoptive parents in Central Texas. 8700 Manchaca, Unit 604, Austin, 78748 • 945-8953, www.familylinkkids.com

Foundation for the Homeless mobilizes the resources of the community of faith to alleviate homelessness in the spirit of compassion, hope and love. P.O. Box 28006, Austin, 78755 • 453-6570, www.foundationhomeless.org

Friends of the Austin Public Library is a group of volunteers dedicated to supporting the Austin Public Library. Its purpose is to increase the number of citizens who take an interest in the library’s activities, to promote reading and literacy in the community and to raise awareness of its digital resources. P.O. Box 2287, Austin, 78768 • 296-4088, www.austinlibrary.org/site/PageServer?pagename=friend_main

Girlstart volunteers work to encourage girls to pursue interests in math, science and technology through after-school programs and mentorship. 1400 W. Anderson Lane, Austin, 78757 • 916-4775 • www.girlstart.org

Goodwill Industries of Central Texas volunteers work in retail locations performing stocking and customer service duties. 1015 Norwood Park Blvd., Austin, 78753 • 637-7100, www.austingoodwill.org

Hands on Central Texas is a program of United Way Capital Area that strengthens communities through meaningful volunteer action. The organization provides more than 400 volunteer opportunities and projects including Days of Service and Volunteer Leadership. 2000 E. Martin Luther King Drive, Austin, 78702 • 225-0388, www.handsoncentraltexas.org

Heart House Austin is a free after-school program dedicated to providing a safe haven and academic support to low-income children and encouraging them to become good citizens. 7224 Northeast Drive, Austin, 78723 • 929-8187 • www.hearthouse.org

Helping Hand Home for Children provides therapeutic foster care for abused and neglected children. Volunteers read to children or help with homework. 3804 Avenue B, Austin, 78751 • 459-3353 • www.helpinghandhome.org

Hill Country Community Ministries is a nonprofit corporation that provides food, clothing and financial assistance for people in crisis or poverty in southwest Williamson and northwest Travis counties. 1005 Lacy Drive, Leander • 259-0360 • www.hccm.org

Hospice Austin provides compassionate, end-of-life care for patients and their families. Volunteers assist staff in caring for patients. 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Ste. 100, Austin, 78759 • 342-4700, www.hospiceaustin.org

Humane Society of Williamson County was founded in 1979 and provides innovative programs and services to eliminate pet overpopulation and to improve the lives of pets and people in Williamson County. Minimum volunteer age is 10. 10930 E. Crystal Falls Parkway, Leander • 260-3602 • www.hswc.net

Keep Austin Beautiful works to beautify and enhance the environment of the community. Volunteers work in service projects, including creek and road cleanups. 105 W. Riverside Drive, Ste. 230, Austin, 78704 • 391-0617, www.keepaustinbeautiful.org

Knowbility is a nonprofit organization supporting the independence of people with disabilities by promoting the use and improving the availability of accessible information technology. 3925 W. Braker Lane, Ste. 3, Austin, 78759 • 305-0310, www.knowbility.org

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center was founded by Lady Bird Johnson and Helen Hunt in 1982 to protect and preserve North America’s native plants and natural landscapes. The Wildflower Center offers volunteer opportunities in the garden, festivals, educational programs and the gift store. 4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin, 78739 • 232-0102 • www.wildflower.org

Lance Armstrong Foundation was founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong. The LAF provides practical information and tools people with cancer need to live life on their own terms and unites people to fight cancer. P.O. Box 161150, Austin, 78716 • 279-8383 • www.livestrong.org

Lifeworks - Alliance of Youth and Family helps individuals, youth and families by providing support, safety, shelter and counseling for individual and family unit success. 8913 Collinfield Drive, Austin, 78758 • 324-6870, www.lifeworksweb.org

Literacy Austin provides instruction for basic literacy and English as a Second Language to adults, ages 17 and older, who read below the fifth-grade level. 2222 Rosewood Ave., Austin, 78702 • 478-7323, www.literacyaustin.org

Make a Wish Foundation of Austin grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Volunteers assist in wish granting, fundraising and event planning. 2224 Walsh Tarlton Lane, Ste. 200, Austin, 78746 • 329-9474, www.centralandsouthtexas.wish.org

Meals on Wheels - Greater Austin area makes and delivers nutritious meals to housebound members of the community. Volunteers deliver meals by bike or car. 3227 E. Fifth St., Austin, 78702 • 476-6325, www.mealsonwheelsandmore.org

Miracle League at Town & Country is a league for special needs children that allows them to play baseball. P.O. Box 200277, Austin, 78720 • 335-7434, www.austinmiracleleague.com

Mobile Loaves & Fishes St. Louis 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. It accomplishes this mission by delivering food every night of the week. 7601 Burnet Road, Austin, 78757 • 454-0384 • www.mlfnow.org

P.A.W.S. of Austin (Protection for Animal Welfare Services) prevents cruelty to all animals by promoting humane standards through education and example, to provide care and shelter for homeless animals, aid in the reduction of domestic animal overpopulation and aid in the enforcement of laws, including the investigation of animal cruelty and abuse. 7202 South Brook, Austin, 78736 • 288-9856 • www.pawsofaustin.org

People’s Community Clinic was founded in 1970. It is a nonprofit, primary healthcare facility whose purpose is to provide high quality medical, counseling and health education services at reasonable costs to individuals and families in the Austin area. 2909 N. IH 35, Austin, 78722 • 478-4939 • www.austinpcc.org

Pflugerville Independent School District volunteers can help mentor, read to students, act as guest speakers and participate in after-school programs. 1401 W. Pecan St., Pflugerville • 594-0090 • www.pflugervilleisd.net

Planned Parenthood is dedicated to helping people make informed, private decisions in matters of sexuality, reproduction and parenthood. 201 E. Ben White Blvd., Bldg. B, Austin • 275-0171, www.plannedparenthood.org/ppaustin

Rays of Hope Austin is dedicated to financial empowerment for low-income families, community building and renewable energy education and advocacy. It creates pathways to self-sufficiency for struggling homeowners and informs the public about the benefits, both financial and environmental, of renewable energy. P.O. Box 500181, Austin, 78750 • 577-9296, www.raysofhopeaustin.com

Ronald McDonald House of Austin provides housing and support for families of critically ill children. Volunteers prepare meals and perform administrative duties. 1315 Barbara Jordan Blvd., Austin, 78723 • 472-9844, www.rmhc-austin.org

Royal Family Kids Camp services abused and neglected children ages 7 to 11. 2700 Northland Drive, Austin • 930-1886 • www.austin.rfkc.org

RRISD Partners in Education Foundation generates and distributes resources to Round Rock Independent School District. 1311 Round Rock Ave., Round Rock • 464-5113, http://schools.roundrockisd.org/educationfoundation

SafePlace prevents domestic and sexual violence and provides help for victims. Volunteers work directly with clients or provide indirect service. 1515 Grove Blvd., Austin, 78741 • 267-7233 • www.safeplace.org

The Salvation Army volunteers work in a variety of programs that assist the needy, including social services, character building activities and collecting donations. 501 E. Eighth St., Austin, 78767 • 476-1111, www.salvationarmyaustin.org

Scottish Rite Learning Center of Austin, Inc. provides dyslexic individuals with a proven research-based, multi-sensory approach for learning the basic language skills of reading, writing and spelling, through the ongoing charitable commitment of the Scottish Rite Masons. 12871 N. US 183, Ste. 105, Austin, 78750 • 472-1231, www.scottishritelearningcenter.org

Sierra Club is an organization with a mission to explore, enjoy and protect the wild places of the earth; to practice and promote the responsible use of the earth’s ecosystems and resources; to educate and enlist humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment; and to use lawful means to carry out these objectives. P.O. Box 4581, Austin, 78765 • This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , www.texas.sierraclub.org/austin

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation provides support for cancer patients as well as research. Volunteers help organize fundraising. 3508 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 300, Austin, 78704 • 473-0900, www.komenaustin.org

Texas Advocacy Project provides free legal services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault throughout the state of Texas. P.O. Box 833, Austin, 78767 • 476-5377 • www.women-law.org

Texas Youth Commission volunteers serve as mentors to arrested youth and help them develop healthier attitudes towards themselves and others. 4900 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, 78751 • 424-6130, www.tyc.state.tx.us

The Arc of the Capital Area provides individualized services to people with developmental disabilities. Volunteers befriend these people and become someone they can count on and share their lives with. 2818 San Gabriel, Austin, 78705 • 476-7044, www.arcofthecapitalarea.org

United Way Capital Area addresses critical social issues by bringing people and resources together to create opportunities for individuals, families and neighborhoods to prosper. 2000 E. MLK Jr. Blvd., Austin, 78702 • 472-6267, www.unitedwaycapitalarea.org

United Way of Williamson County helps local nonprofits and community programs. 1111 N. IH 35, Ste. 220, Round Rock • 255-6799, www.unitedway-wc.org

Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter provides care for homeless animals. Volunteers assist with animal care and adoption. 1855 S.E. Inner Loop, Georgetown • 943-3322 • www.wilcopets.org

Williamson County Symphony Orchestra, formed in 2002, travels around the county playing affordable concerts for citizens. Volunteers are needed to assist at performances. 1007 Green Meadow Drive, Round Rock • 789-5073, www.williamsoncountysymphonyorchestra.org

YMCA of Austin - Northwest Branch puts Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all by enhancing the lives of men, women, boys and girls in the Austin community. 5807 McNeil Drive, Austin, 78729 • 335-9622 • www.austinymca.org

Represents opportunities to volunteer with an organization that provides services to the homeless

Indicates organizations that help homeless children. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, 1.2 million children are homeless on any given night. The federal law, McKinney Vento, Sec. 725, and the Texas Education Agency state plan for homeless children and youth consider children and youth who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence homeless.

For more volunteer opportunities, visit www.impactnews.com/volunteerguide

While Community Impact attempted to include all area organizations that accept volunteers, this list may not be comprehensive. If you were inadvertently left off, please e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and we will do our best to include you next year.