Disclaimer: Transition Notice for Volunteer Opportunities
Thank you for reaching out to Austin State Hospital. We are currently in the transition phase of moving into our new hospital building. During this period, volunteer opportunities are limited to group volunteering within our children’s unit, as other units are still settling into the new environment. For safety reasons, we are unable to accommodate individual volunteers at this time.
We encourage you to stay connected for future opportunities as we anticipate increased availability in the coming months once the transition is complete. In the meantime, you can still support our mission by
donating or participating in
upcoming events such as the Insights Art Show and ASH Dash Bunny Run.
We appreciate your understanding and continued support of Austin State Hospital.
The Volunteer Services Council (VSC)’s purpose is to enrich the lives of adults and children receiving treatment for mental illness at Austin State Hospital by engaging through community education, active solicitation of goods, services and donations. We also provide support to programs and projects that fall outside the state budget.
Volunteer Opportunities
We have short term and long term volunteer opportunities that include the following:
Art-Related Committees
We have two committees of volunteers who are committed to helping with art events that showcase the artworks of our talented patients and raising funds to assist in the purchase of art supplies and other recovery based programs.
Art Show
This is an annual event showcasing patient art as well as donated art from professional artists. The next event is March 30, 2025. The committee meets once a month leading up to the show.
Art Rack
This is a mobile rack full of patient art. Businesses volunteer their space so the art rack can be showcased and patient art purchased. Volunteers needed to help locate businesses and help with the set up and take down of the rack.
Oral History Committee
The VSC is partnering with Baylor University to collect and share the human histories of life, work, and recovery in the Austin State Hospital. Volunteer to support historical preservation efforts of Austin State Hospital by creating a pathway to share the oral histories of the people of Austin State Hospital.
Grab Your Friends, Family or Colleagues and Share Your Talents
Make a difference in the lives of our patients by becoming involved with our Sparks of Life Program, offering volunteer groups the opportunity to interact with patients with music, dance, art, seasonal parties, BINGO and much more. The interaction between our patients and volunteers is an important element in a positive recovery. Medical studies show that individuals who laugh regularly and are mentally engaged have much faster recoveries.
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.
Qualifications to be a Sparks of Life group volunteer are simple – have the desire to make a difference. Group volunteer and patient interactions decreases anxiety, exercises the mind and enhances the quality of life.
Contact Community Relations at
512-419-2330 for more information.
Pet Partners Training
Volunteer as a Pet Partner and enhance the quality of life for patients at the Austin State Hospital (ASH). You and your four-legged friend can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and encourage communication and interaction for patients receiving treatment at ASH.
The Pet Partners program is a 7-week no cost training program that prepares dogs and their handlers for volunteer work at ASH. Pet Partners visit our campus to provide companionship and joy to patients and staff.
All volunteers are submitted to a criminal background check and must have a negative TB test result.
How to become a Pet Partner Volunteer
A.S.H. holds trainings twice a year. Class size is limited and applicants are considered on a “first come” basis.
Making an Impact
Volunteers play a role in the lives of our patients and is an important element in a positive recovery. Whether it’s a one-time group activity or an on-going opportunity, your presence will have an impact.
Activity Guidelines
- CONFIDENTIALITY FORM: Due to the confidentiality of our patients, all participants will be required to sign a confidentiality form.
- AGE REQUIREMENT: 18 years old is the minimum age for participation.
- NO CAMERAS or cell phones are allowed on the unit.
Dress Code
- Please do not wear tank tops or shirts which are revealing.
- Please limit any clothing with messages supporting the use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or violence.
- For safety, please wear closed toe shoes
Suggested Activities for Sparks of Life Groups
Karaoke; dances to teach the patients; group games such as charades, talent spotlight, and
trivia contests; table games such as dominoes, checkers, and cards; simple BINGO with simple prizes; women only parties with nail polishing and beauty activities; outdoor sports activities including volleyball, basketball, badminton, or lawn bowling; and theme parties throughout the year. Please don’t feel limited to these suggestions. They are just to serve as a guide.
