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
Event Sponsorships
Help us build community support for the ASH Dash 5K Bunny Run and Insights Art Show. We are looking for individuals, and potentially a sponsorship committee, to help connect Friends of ASH with businesses and organizations interested in sponsoring these annual events.
Insights Art Show
Our annual Insights Art Show showcases artwork created by Austin State Hospital patients alongside donated works from professional artists. Join us for the next Insights Art Show on
February 21, 2027.
Committee Member
Join a Friends of ASH committee to help support the mission. We are looking for serious and committed community members who want to volunteer more consistently and closely with the team.
Volunteer at Austin State Hospital: Committees and Groups
Make a difference in the lives of our patients by becoming involved as a volunteer at Austin State Hospital. There are three ways in: join a committee, Sparks of Life Program (bring an organized group), or train with your dog through Pet Partners. Each path asks for real commitment. Here's what each one involves, what ASH requires, and how to apply.
Current Volunteer Opportunities in Austin TX
There are currently no openings for individual volunteers or internships at Austin State Hospital. Individual inquiries are restricted, and anyone who wants to take part on their own is asked to join one of our committees or organize a group.
Join a Friends of ASH Committee
Individual volunteers take part through one of our four committees:
- Finance
- Fundraising
- Partnership and Sponsorship
- Communications
Committee work is an ongoing nonprofit volunteer role in Austin, TX, for people ready to stay involved over time. Every committee member completes ASH's volunteer process before starting.
Know which committee fits you? Fill out the form
Group Volunteering for Weekend Patient Activities
Through our Sparks of Life program, groups of 5 to 7 people host parties or activities for patients. Visits are primarily scheduled on weekends.
Space is limited. We give priority to organized groups that bring something fun and well planned to campus. Gather friends, family, or colleagues and choose an activity you can lead with confidence.
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. Group volunteer and patient interactions decreases anxiety, exercises the mind and enhances the quality of life.
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.
OUR MISSION
“To improve the quality of life for the patients of Austin State Hospital and the staff who serve them.”
Friends of ASH - the Volunteer Services Council of Austin State Hospital - enriches patients’ lives through community education, volunteer support, and fundraising for programs that fall outside the state budget.
Monthly Meetings
Second Wednesday of every month
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Hybrid format - join in person on the ASH campus, or virtually via Microsoft Teams.
Prospective members are encouraged to attend two meetings before joining the board
What We Fund
State funding covers clinical treatment and core hospital operations. Friends of ASH funds the extras that bring dignity, joy, and connection to daily life at ASH, like:
- Holiday, birthday, & seasonal celebrations for patients
- Art supplies and the annual Insights Art Show
- Off-campus outings - bowling, museums, state parks, & more
- The Pet Partner therapy dog program
- Community-reintegration support (state IDs, records, job help)
- Spiritual care resources and recreational programming
- Staff appreciation and morale events
Annual Financial Commitment
Board and council members make a personal financial contribution at a level that is meaningful to them, and encourage others to do the same. In recent years that has included a request of about $50 per member to help fund patients’ holiday gifts.
Every member is also asked to actively take part in at least one Council fundraising activity each year - such as the Insights Art Show, the ASH Dash 5K/Bunny Run, or the Christmas Adopt-A-Unit campaign.
Every gift, large or small, goes directly toward the programs the state budget doesn’t cover.
Committees to Serve On
Finance
Oversees the Council’s financial health by monitoring the annual budget and reviewing funding requests from ASH staff. Members also coordinate the annual audit, tax filings, and financial statements with the Council’s CPA.
Marketing/Communications
Manages the Friends of ASH website, social media, and newsletters to keep members and the community informed. This committee also creates the flyers and donation appeals that support recruitment and every major campaign.
Community Partnerships & Sponsorships
Solicits corporate and individual sponsors to help fund signature events like the Insights Art Show, the ASH Dash 5K/Bunny Run, and Christmas Adopt-A-Unit. Members cultivate donor relationships and coordinate sponsor recognition.
Recruitment
Identifies, interviews, and onboards prospective board members and volunteers through the Council’s vetting process. This committee helps match new members to the committee where they’ll have the most impact.
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
If you're ready to commit as a committee member, a group, or a Pet Partner team, contact Volunteer Coordinator Bernaddette Watkins:
- Phone: 512-419-2323 or Email: bernaddette.watkins@hhs.texas.gov
You can also complete our volunteer interest form.
Not able to commit right now? You can still donate to support ASH patients or attend an upcoming Friends of ASH event.
