Together, we can make a difference in mental health.
Caring for the mental health of Texans since 1857.
Together, we can make a difference in mental health.
Caring for the mental health of Texans since 1857.
Together, we can make a difference in mental health.
Caring for the mental health of Texans since 1857.
Our Mission
The Volunteer Service Council (VSC) has been a working partner of the Austin State Hospital for over 70 years and promotes a better quality of life for the patients the hospital serves. Our mission, to enrich the lives of children and adults receiving treatment for mental illness, is accomplished through community education, active solicitation of goods, services and donations, and provides support to programs and projects that fall outside the state budget.
Our Mission
The Volunteer Service Council (VSC) has been a working partner of the Austin State Hospital for over 70 years and promotes a better quality of life for the patients the hospital serves. Our mission, to enrich the lives of children and adults receiving treatment for mental illness, is accomplished through community education, active solicitation of goods, services and donations, and provides support to programs and projects that fall outside the state budget.
Our Mission
The Volunteer Service Council (VSC) has been a working partner of the Austin State Hospital for over 70 years and promotes a better quality of life for the patients the hospital serves. Our mission, to enrich the lives of children and adults receiving treatment for mental illness, is accomplished through community education, active solicitation of goods, services and donations, and provides support to programs and projects that fall outside the state budget.
Our Focus
Friends of ASH plays a pivotal role in transforming the lives of individuals at the Austin State Hospital. Through our dedicated efforts, we bring forth a wave of positive change by bringing normalcy and opportunities to the individuals.
Patient Support and Advocacy
The primary focus of Friends of ASH is to provide support and advocacy for the patients at Austin State Hospital, helping to increase their quality of life. This can include organizing activities, programs, and events that contribute to their well-being and enjoyment. Patients may engage in activities such as recreational therapy, art and music therapy, fun events and activities, going out into the community, or simply spending time with a volunteer for companionship and a sense of community.
Community Outreach and Education
Raising awareness about mental health issues and reducing stigma surrounding mental health. Friends of ASH organizes events and workshops aimed at educating the public about mental health, as well as providing resources for those seeking information or assistance. Through partnerships and community engagement we are able to spread awareness and create spaces for discussions to be had and knowledge to be shared.
Fundraising and Resource Allocation
Friends of ASH plays a role in fundraising efforts to support the programs, staff, individuals, and services offered by the mental health facility. We believe that through generous donations, fundraising initiatives, and increasing the receiving of resources a real person’s life can be changed. Every dollar is put to use to actively support the quality of life and services at Austin State Hospital.
Patient Support and Advocacy
The primary focus of Friends of ASH is to provide support and advocacy for the patients at Austin State Hospital, helping to increase their quality of life. This can include organizing activities, programs, and events that contribute to their well-being and enjoyment. Patients may engage in activities such as recreational therapy, art and music therapy, fun events and activities, going out into the community, or simply spending time with a volunteer for companionship and a sense of community.
Community Outreach and Education
Raising awareness about mental health issues and reducing stigma surrounding mental health. Friends of ASH organizes events and workshops aimed at educating the public about mental health, as well as providing resources for those seeking information or assistance. Through partnerships and community engagement we are able to spread awareness and create spaces for discussions to be had and knowledge to be shared.
Fundraising and Resource Allocation
Friends of ASH plays a role in fundraising efforts to support the programs, staff, individuals, and services offered by the mental health facility. We believe that through generous donations, fundraising initiatives, and increasing the receiving of resources a real person’s life can be changed. Every dollar is put to use to actively support the quality of life and services at Austin State Hospital.
Our Impact
With the help of volunteers and donations we are able to offer a source of comfort and support, creating a nurturing environment conducive to healing and recovery. Our program serves as a beacon of hope and gives life more meaning to those experiencing daily life within the hospital's walls. Our impact ripples through every aspect of the individuals’ journey, providing them with the tools, encouragement, fun they deserve to have purposeful lives.
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![A person is giving a red heart to another person.]()
Donations
DONATE NOWDonating to Friends of ASH provides crucial support for mental health initiatives, enabling the organization to enhance therapeutic programs, improve facilities, and offer additional resources for patients. Your contribution creates a positive impact on the well-being and recovery journeys of individuals receiving mental health care through the Austin State Hospital, fostering a healthier and more inclusive community. Your donation supports a better quality of life for the individuals and helps raise awareness on a topic that affects the lives of many.
-
![A woman is covering a group of paper people with her hands]()
Volunteering
GET INVOLVEDVolunteering offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those struggling with mental health challenges. By dedicating your time and skills, you not only contribute to the enhancement of therapeutic programs but also become a source of support and comfort for individuals on their path to recovery, fostering a stronger, more compassionate community. Whether it’s a one-time activity or an on-going opportunity, your presence will have an impact providing renewed spirits, invaluable experiences and just plain fun.
Upcoming Events
Insights Art Show **Fiesta de La Primavera**
Sunday, March 30, 2025, 4-7pm at Ben Hur Auditorium
7811 Rockwood Ln., Austin, TX
Join us for a fun-filled evening benefiting the patients at Austin State Hospital! Enjoy live music by Mark and Brenda Ramsey, delicious food from Central Market, drinks from Twin Liquors, and an array of captivating art. This show will feature patient art as well as professional art from local artists. Come celebrate the power of art and its connection to mental health as well as supporting the patients at Austin State Hospital.
ASH Dash 5K Bunny Run 2025
Saturday, April 19, 2025, 8am at Austin State Hospital Campus
4110 Guadalupe St., Austin, TX
The ASH Dash 5K Bunny Run, the Friends of ASH's signature event to raise awareness and support for patient projects, is back! Over the past 17 years, the ASH Dash has welcomed thousands of runners, walkers, and volunteers the Saturday before Easter to support many services and programs not funded through the State of Texas.
Follow the Easter Bunny as you run, race, or walk for mental health on a course that winds through the hospital's tree-shaded grounds in historic Hyde Park and stay for an Easter egg hunt for all participants following the race. This is a family friendly race including our beloved four- legged family members. Please consider supporting us by becoming a registered participant or a sponsor.
ASH Art Rack
Future Dates Coming Soon
The ASH Art Rack represents the Visions of ASH program spotlighting the artworks of our talented patients and raising funds to assist in the purchase of art supplies and other recovery based programs. Buying this art helps to erase the negative stigma associated with mental illness and to enhance the quality of life of patients receiving treatment at the Austin State Hospital.
- Visit the Art Rack
- Pick out artwork that you like
- Click the button below, or in the right hand corner of our header to donate $10
- Take the art home
Are you a business interested in hosting our Art Rack?
Contact us today to discuss possibilities with our team.
Explore Unique Art Created by Patients of ASH
The importance of artistic expression in aiding the recovery of individuals with mental illness cannot be overstated. Programs centered around art provide patients with a platform to convey their thoughts and emotions, fostering healing through creative endeavors. We are thrilled to showcase remarkable works as part of our Visions of ASH Insights Art program, believing that you will discover a piece that resonates deeply with you.
-
![A person is giving a red heart to another person.]()
Donations
DONATE NOWDonating to Friends of ASH provides crucial support for mental health initiatives, enabling the organization to enhance therapeutic programs, improve facilities, and offer additional resources for patients. Your contribution creates a positive impact on the well-being and recovery journeys of individuals receiving mental health care through the Austin State Hospital, fostering a healthier and more inclusive community. Your donation supports a better quality of life for the individuals and helps raise awareness on a topic that affects the lives of many.
-
![A woman is covering a group of paper people with her hands.]()
Volunteering
GET INVOLVEDVolunteering offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those struggling with mental health challenges. By dedicating your time and skills, you not only contribute to the enhancement of therapeutic programs but also become a source of support and comfort for individuals on their path to recovery, fostering a stronger, more compassionate community. Whether it’s a one-time activity or an on-going opportunity, your presence will have an impact providing renewed spirits, invaluable experiences and just plain fun.
Upcoming Events
Insights Art Show
**Fiesta de La Primavera**
Sunday, March 30, 2025, 4-7pm
at Ben Hur Auditorium
7811 Rockwood Ln., Austin, TX
Join us for a fun-filled evening benefiting the patients at Austin State Hospital! Enjoy live music by Mark and Brenda Ramsey, delicious food from Central Market, drinks from Twin Liquors, and an array of captivating art. This show will feature patient art as well as professional art from local artists. Come celebrate the power of art and its connection to mental health as well as supporting the patients at Austin State Hospital.
ASH Dash 5K Bunny Run 2025
Saturday, April 19, 2025, 8am at Austin State Hospital Campus
4110 Guadalupe St., Austin, TX
The ASH Dash 5K Bunny Run, the Friends of ASH's signature event to raise awareness and support for patient projects, is back! Over the past 17 years, the ASH Dash has welcomed thousands of runners, walkers, and volunteers the Saturday before Easter to support many services and programs not funded through the State of Texas.
Follow the Easter Bunny as you run, race, or walk for mental health on a course that winds through the hospital's tree-shaded grounds in historic Hyde Park and stay for an Easter egg hunt for all participants following the race. This is a family friendly race including our beloved four- legged family members. Please consider supporting us by becoming a registered participant or a sponsor.
ASH Art Rack
Future Dates Coming Soon
The ASH Art Rack represents the Visions of ASH program spotlighting the artworks of our talented patients and raising funds to assist in the purchase of art supplies and other recovery based programs. Buying this art helps to erase the negative stigma associated with mental illness and to enhance the quality of life of patients receiving treatment at the Austin State Hospital.
- Visit the Art Rack
- Pick out artwork that you like
- Click the button below, or in the right hand corner of our header to donate $10
- Take the art home
Are you a business interested in
hosting our Art Rack?
Contact us today to discuss possibilities with our team.
-
![A person is giving a red heart to another person.]()
Donations
DONATE NOWDonating to Friends of ASH provides crucial support for mental health initiatives, enabling the organization to enhance therapeutic programs, improve facilities, and offer additional resources for patients. Your contribution creates a positive impact on the well-being and recovery journeys of individuals receiving mental health care through the Austin State Hospital, fostering a healthier and more inclusive community. Your donation supports a better quality of life for the individuals and helps raise awareness on a topic that affects the lives of many.
-
![A woman is covering a group of paper people with her hands.]()
Volunteering
GET INVOLVEDVolunteering offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those struggling with mental health challenges. By dedicating your time and skills, you not only contribute to the enhancement of therapeutic programs but also become a source of support and comfort for individuals on their path to recovery, fostering a stronger, more compassionate community. Whether it’s a one-time activity or an on-going opportunity, your presence will have an impact providing renewed spirits, invaluable experiences and just plain fun.
Upcoming Events
Insights Art Show **Fiesta de La Primavera**
Sunday, March 30, 2025, 4-7pm at Ben Hur Auditorium
7811 Rockwood Ln., Austin, TX
Join us for a fun-filled evening benefiting the patients at Austin State Hospital! Enjoy live music by Mark and Brenda Ramsey, delicious food from Central Market, drinks from Twin Liquors, and an array of captivating art. This show will feature patient art as well as professional art from local artists. Come celebrate the power of art and its connection to mental health as well as supporting the patients at Austin State Hospital.
ASH Dash 5K
Bunny Run 2025
Saturday, April 19, 2025, 8am at Austin State Hospital Campus
4110 Guadalupe St., Austin, TX
The ASH Dash 5K Bunny Run, the Friends of ASH's signature event to raise awareness and support for patient projects, is back! Over the past 17 years, the ASH Dash has welcomed thousands of runners, walkers, and volunteers the Saturday before Easter to support many services and programs not funded through the State of Texas.
Follow the Easter Bunny as you run, race, or walk for mental health on a course that winds through the hospital's tree-shaded grounds in historic Hyde Park and stay for an Easter egg hunt for all participants following the race. This is a family friendly race including our beloved four- legged family members. Please consider supporting us by becoming a registered participant or a sponsor.
ASH Art Rack
Future Dates Coming Soon
The ASH Art Rack represents the Visions of ASH program spotlighting the artworks of our talented patients and raising funds to assist in the purchase of art supplies and other recovery based programs. Buying this art helps to erase the negative stigma associated with mental illness and to enhance the quality of life of patients receiving treatment at the Austin State Hospital.
- Visit the Art Rack
- Pick out artwork that you like
- Click the button below, or in the right hand corner of our header to donate $10
- Take the art home
Are you a business interested in hosting our Art Rack?
Contact us today to discuss possibilities with our team.
Explore Unique Art Created by Patients of ASH
The importance of artistic expression in aiding the recovery of individuals with mental illness cannot be overstated. Programs centered around art provide patients with a platform to convey their thoughts and emotions, fostering healing through creative endeavors. We are thrilled to showcase remarkable works as part of our Visions of ASH Insights Art program, believing that you will discover a piece that resonates deeply with you.
Questions?
Send us a Message
Take Action
Volunteer your energy and resources to bring inspiration and hope to those who need it.
Questions?
Send us a Message
Take Action
Volunteer your energy and resources to bring inspiration and hope to those who need it.
All Rights Reserved | Friends of Austin State Hospital
Website by EGS Marketing Solutions
All Rights Reserved | Friends of Austin State Hospital
Website by EGS Marketing Solutions
All Rights Reserved | Friends of Austin State Hospital