Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation rescues orphaned, injured, and displaced wildlife and returns the majority to the wild. We also provide permanent care in large natural habitats to farmed and unreleasable wild animals. Among the latter are indigenous wildlife, non-native animals victimized by the pet trade and roadside zoos, and retirees from research facilities.

In addition, WRR offers assistance, on a limited basis, to homeless companion animals and feral cats and provides advice and assistance in dealing with human-wildlife conflicts in a nonlethal manner. WRR staff work to educate the public about more sustainable and appropriate relations with nature and wildlife.

We have received over 150,000 native wild animals since inception. Annually, we now have over 7,000 animals brought for rehabilitation and respond to over 10,000 phone inquiries and requests for help. Around 300 wild animals are permanent residents because they are unreleasable, and over 300 more farmed and companion animals have found refuge here at the WRR Sanctuary. Their sanctuary is composed of large enclosures, natural habitats, and minimal human contact. Twenty-two staff, as many as eighteen apprentices at a time, and over a hundred volunteers carry out our programs. We are accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS).

WRR began as the vision of a young woman in her mid-twenties in 1977 in San Antonio, Texas. Lynn Cuny saw that many wild animals suffered and died after encounters with humans and that many could be saved and, with help, returned to the wild. She also saw that some could not be released due to the nature of their injuries or other factors, and that they could live satisfactory lives in a sanctuary.

Demand for WRR services increased so rapidly that by 1980 it had to move from the Cuny home and backyard to a four-acre site outside of San Antonio. In 1986 it became necessary to move again, this time to a 21-acre facility.

In 1999 a large gift from an individual supporter enabled purchase of a 187-acre site in the Texas Hill Country northwest of San Antonio onto which WRR moved after several years of fundraising and construction. Through other large gifts, we have been able to expand our acreage to 212. This is our permanent home.
WRR rescues and cares for all wildlife, including native and non-native species. We believe that all animals — rare or common, regardless of species — are deserving of our care, attention, and respect.

Animals are living, breathing, feeling, wonderful entities. We refer to animals as “he/she” or “them/they,” or by species. The words “it” or “thing” are never used to refer to an animal, and “who” is used rather than “that.” If you do not know the gender, choose one: “he” or “she.” Even if your gender choice is wrong, it is more respectful than “it.”

WRR is not open to the public and does not use animals in education programs. We do not keep wild animals in captivity for the purpose of subjecting them to the stress of public display and crowds. The use of animals in this manner sends a message to the public that animals can or should be tamed or kept as “pets” or that they are objects for human diversion or recreation. Animals are not to be used for human entertainment.

We do not generally give advice to the public on how to raise or care for wildlife. It is illegal for people to do so without proper permits. We do not want the animals to suffer in well-intentioned, but inexperienced hands or become habituated to humans.

https://www.wildlife-rescue.org/get-involved/volunteer/

TreeFolks is the only charity in Central Texas promoting comprehensive urban forestry practices to public, private and government audiences.  Our programs work closely with schools, community organizations, government agencies and neighborhood groups to educate and involve Central Texans in tree planting and care.  During the 2012-2013 planting season, TreeFolks planted more than 70,000 trees and provided education services to over 10,000 individuals in Central Texas.  TreeFolks’ primary programs include:

NeighborWoods delivers free street trees to homeowners in the Austin Energy service area to plant in the right-of-way of their front yard.  This program enables individual citizens to save energy and positively impact the effects of urban “heat islands,” which typically lead to higher energy demands, air conditioning costs, air pollution/greenhouse gas emissions, and heat-related illness.

City Shade coordinates opportunities for citizens to participate in public tree planting and stewardship events to improve their communities.

Bastrop County Community Reforestation Program provides landowners recovering from the 2011 wildfire with information, free trees, and community planting support to accelerate recovery of the drought hardy loblolly pine tree to the Lost Pines ecosystem, restoring a major environmental feature of the region.

TreeFolks also hosts classes and workshops, maps Central Texas urban forests, distributes free, beautifully illustrated Tree Growing Guides and thousands of free saplings to educate Central Texans about tree selection, planting and care.  We implement these programs with a small staff of 4 full-time and 2 part-time employees, a host of volunteers and a governing Board of Directors.  Last year, our volunteers provided more than 30,000 volunteer hours to grow and care for Central Texas urban forests.

Donation requests:

• 3 collapsible folding tables to take to tree planting and educational events
• 40 rock bars for breaking through hard ground to plant trees
• New, high-capacity, color laser workgroup printer
• GPS unit for collecting data about trees in the field
• iPad for collecting volunteer data at events
• Gift cards to HEB or other grocery stores to buy refreshments for volunteers
• Gift cards to Home Depot, McCoys Building Supply or other hardware stores to buy tools
• Cash to help us provide more educational services to the community, especially schools
• Join our monthly giving program at www.treefolks.org/sustaining

TreeFolks volunteer opportunities:

Event staff

TreeFolks participates in community events like Austin Earth Day, Austin Arbor Day, Tree Talk Winter Walk and many others.  Volunteers staff our TreeFolks table, talk to the public about trees and our programs, teach kids about trees, take pictures and help with event logistics.

Tree planting and tree care volunteers

Attend tree planting and tree care events to plant, mulch and water trees in Central Texas parks and preserves and private properties receiving reforestation services in Bastrop County.

TreeFolks office and yard maintenance

Our office is a house located in a large, grassy field that needs frequent mowing.  We would appreciate volunteers who enjoy mowing, gardening, or painting to help maintain and improve the yard and office.

Board and committee members

In the next few years, TreeFolks will likely recruit 3 to 5 new members for our Board of Directors and Fundraising Committee.  If you have talent to share and are interested in raising money for a good cause, strategic planning, or nonprofit governance you may wish to apply for a position on our Board or volunteer on our Fundraising Committee.

TreeFolks’ volunteer opportunities are posted online at www.treefolks.org/volunteer-opportunities or if you have a special skill that you’d like to contribute you can contact us at volunteer@treefolks.org or (512) 443-LEAF.

Audio and video produced by Michael Lee

The Mission:
Through faith in action, Austin Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build HOMES, COMMUNITIES and HOPE.

The Need:
Austin is experiencing an affordable housing crisis. Rent and home prices continue to climb beyond the reach of many working families. More than 60,000 Austin residents live in substandard housing, and more than 50 percent of Austin renters are housing cost-burdened – forced to spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing. Austin Habitat for Humanity helps working families realize the dream of homeownership, achieve financial stability and build thriving communities.

What We Do:

• New Home Construction
• Home Repair
• Community Development and Neighborhood Revitalization
• Housing Counseling
• Homebuyer Education
• Foreclosure Counseling and Intervention
• Green Building

How to volunteer:
We build and repair homes almost exclusively with volunteer labor. Whether you’re a skilled craftsperson or a novice who has never picked up a hammer, building with Habitat can be a life-changing experience both for you and our homeowners. Don’t worry, if you don’t know how to build a house or repair a home…we’ll teach you everything you need to know! For more information on how to get involved with Austin Habitat for Humanity, visit the volunteer section of the website here.

“It shows real faith in humanity when complete strangers become builders, not just of homes, but of new lives.”
– Habitat Homeowner

Austin Animal Center is the largest municipal shelter in Central Texas, providing services to around 23,000 animals annually.  Last year alone our volunteers donated almost 49,000 hours to help meet the needs of those animals.  Our volunteers are an integral part of providing core services to our shelter pets, assistance to the customers that visit us and engaging & educating the community through outreach efforts.  Volunteers add that special human connection to the everyday lives of our animals through walking & exercising dogs, socializing cats, assisting the Veterinary Services team and much more.  AAC volunteers receive animal behavior training specially designed for the shelter environment, and have the opportunity to apply their own individual skills and experience toward mentoring and leadership roles as well.

Donation requests:

• Treats for dogs & cats, rawhide chews for dogs
• Towels, animal bedding, fleece material for making animal beds
• Dog & cat toys of all types, “Kong” toys for dogs
• Grooming supplies, brushes

Some Austin Animal Center Volunteer Opportunities:

Dog Wellness

Dog Wellness volunteers train the dogs to have good manners, take them for walks and reinforce house-training skills.  We provide Dog Behavior Training classes for the volunteers to help equip them with the knowledge and resources necessary to safely perform their jobs.  Socialization and exercise are key to creating positive emotional and physical health for the dogs while they are in our care.

Cat Behavior

Our Cat Behavior volunteers socialize cats and kittens to help them feel more comfortable in their surroundings.  Many cats are very sensitive to change, and the shelter environment can add stress or anxiety to their lives.  Volunteers reassure them, providing stability during this transition.  They also help staff maintain clean kennels throughout the day and replenish resources like food, water & bedding.

Customer Greeter

We encourage all volunteers to engage customers during their volunteer shift, helping to match potential adopters to a pet that fits their household & lifestyle.  The Customer Service Greeter position is more stationary, assisting customers as they enter the facility.  We rely on these volunteers to inform customers of the adoption process, advise on searching for lost pets and answer general enquiries.

Surgical Pack Preparation & Surgery Technician Assistant

These are two exciting opportunities for volunteers interested in gaining experience working in the fast-paced environment of shelter medicine.  Surgical Pack Preparation involves the careful organization and sterilization of surgical packs needed for the next day’s spay/neuter surgeries.  The Surgery Technician Assistant has the critical task of assisting surgery technicians with preoperative exams, preparing surgery suites, and recovering and monitoring patients post-surgery.  Training is provided by surgical Veterinary Technicians.

Austin Animal Center has volunteer opportunities to match a variety of interests and skill-sets.  We provide the necessary training to help ensure that volunteers feel comfortable and safe performing their jobs.  Youth are also welcome to apply to volunteer!  All youth 13 & 14 years old must have an adult guardian also volunteer with them.  15 & 16 year olds can volunteer on their own, but an adult parent or guardian must attend orientation with them.  Visit AustinAnimalCenter.org for more information on how to get involved, or contact us at animalservicesvolunteers@austintexas.gov or 978-0533.  We look forward to having you join our team!

Video and audio produced by Mike Lee

Foster Angels works with caseworkers from various agencies to find out which children are most in need and to get that help to those children as quickly as possible.  Foster Angels receives requests from the children which we are able to fulfill within 48 hours or less, whenever possible.  These foster children are in desperate need of assistance, whether it be clothing, a bed to sleep on, medicine, food, birthday parties, or opportunities to build self-esteem and self-confidence.  Almost each day of the year, we are assisting children in some area of need.

Dozens of caseworkers have voiced support and recognized the true necessity for this program to aid foster children, often commenting, “What did we do before Foster Angels?” That answer, sadly, is that many children suffered unnecessarily.

Foster Angels is unique in that 100% of all donations go directly to foster children in the Central Texas area.  In order to sustain our vital program we are in need of financial donations from the community.  You can find out more about giving at http://fosterangelsctx.org/.

Video and audio produced by Mike Lee

These programs are designed to:

• Engage local youth in volunteer opportunities within their community.
• Youth will have opportunities to participate as team members or leaders.
• Leaders will be given increased mentor and leadership opportunities.
• Enhance the lives of senior citizens by providing them with the opportunities to share and work with local youth.
• Unite youth with Seniors to partner together and build a two-way relationship.

As an organization, Youth2Seniors has 5 primary focus areas:

1. Intergenerational Art – participants range from 5-95+ in art classes that are held in assisted living facilities. Topics range from fine arts to crafts. Seniors and youth sit side-by-side, but work on their own projects. Classes are led by an experienced art teacher and encourage interaction between participants.
2. Bear H.U.G.s – our Bears Handmade by United Generations program is a unique giving program. Youth and Seniors work together to make stuffed animals that are then distributed to children in foster care/emergency shelters and seniors with dementia. This program is being expanded to include additional giving opportunities.
3. Quarterly Events – throughout the year we sponsor several events including dance recitals, trick-or-treating, Easter visits, and more.
4. Special Projects – each year the Youth2Seniors board selects two special projects to complete such as remodeling activity rooms, creating computer labs in assisted living facilities, etc.
5. Intergenerational Day – this annual event is a combined fundraiser and community awareness day. Participants do everything from test their age IQ, go through an aging experience, build a family tree, make crafts, read stories with residents and much more. We also raise funds through a silent auction during this event.

What makes us unique:

Programs are of no cost to any participants. Fundraising is kept completely separate from our programs. We have no paid staff or facilities. Approximately 80% of our funding goes directly into our programs. Programs are truly inclusive of all ages (for youth and seniors). We have frequent active participants from age 3-97 years old. Some programs range from the ages of 0-104. Offerings are scalable and unique to each engagement. Programs will provide equal benefits to youth and seniors.

2012 Highlights:

• 500+ people served in Travis, Williamson & Hays County
• 150 bears were made and distributed to local police departments, 3 children’s shelters, and seniors with dementia.
• Participants in our giving program made stockings for 20 children in shelters.
• Programs included infants up to 103 years old
• 25 Art classes held
• Completed a ‘make-over’ of a local activity room including new furniture and supplies.
• Youth2Seniors successfully sponsored a proclamation to have Intergenerational Month recognized by Governor Perry for the State of Texas
• 1st ever Intergenerational Day raises over $5,000.

2013 Goals:

1. Make and distribute 500 bears in our Bear H.U.G.s program
2. Increase our art programs
3. Hold the biggest Intergenerational Day yet in October 2013
4. Select a low income assisted living facility for our annual special project

How Building a bear turned into an ongoing relationship with kids from helping hands home and seniors at the pavilion.

How YOU can get involved:
We have needs for two types of volunteers. Our adult volunteers help facilitate our events or donate other skills to the organization. We also need youth participants (ages 0-18) to participate in our programs. In order to find out more about how you may get involved, visit our website or email us at volunteer@youth2seniors.org.

Men and women in the earliest stages of recovery share a common need for ongoing emotional, spiritual, and informational support throughout their journey towards long-term wellness. Our 110+ Peer Support Volunteers provide this support by introducing Recoverees to the following Recovery programs before they discharge from professional treatment:

• Back-to-Basics – an accelerated introduction to a 12-step program for those living with substance use issues
• Dual Disorders Recovery Achievers (DDRA) – an accelerated 12-step program for those living with substance use and mental health conditions.
• Cross Talk – informal group sessions of mutual support and sharing
• Teen and Young Adult Cross Talk – informal group sessions of mutual support and sharing for teens and young adults
• Family Cross Talk – informal group sessions of mutual support and sharing for family members and friends of those living with substance use issues

Through this process, Peer Support Volunteers “Give to Keep”™ – we GIVE the message of recovery TO others in an effort to KEEP our own recovery intact.

Located in a newly renovated, 7,000  sq. ft. Peer Recovery Support Center, Communities for Recovery offers Austin’s Recovery Community access to vital resources that help in maintaining long-term recovery. These include:

• Peer Recovery Coaching – mentoring and guidance that helps lower barriers for Recoverees seeking Employment, Housing, Education, Job Skills Training, and Transportation. Through this process, the Recoveree learns to develop a self-guided, individualized recovery plan, thereby lowering the incidence of relapse.
• Computer Access and Training Lab – an open access computer lab with internet and printing services. Communities for Recovery offers regular training workshops on résumé and cover letter writing, interview skills, and Microsoft Office Suite proficiency.
• Career Closet – a professional clothing resource that provides apparel, shoes, and accessories for men and women.
• Recovery Café – a fully-furnished café with Wi-Fi connectivity and recovery resources available.
• “Give it Forward” Recovery Library – education and recovery literature available free-of-charge.
• Meditation Room and Large Programming Rooms
• Access to community facilitated mutual support groups, such as Cocaine Anonymous (CA), Opiate Addicts Anonymous (OAA), Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA), SMART Recovery, and Celebrate Recovery

Because they have similar life experiences, the Peer Support Volunteers and Peer Recovery Coaches at Communities for Recovery have the unique ability to inspire trust, maintain confidences, and use what they have learned from their own journeys to demonstrate that

PREVENTION WORKS. TREATMENT IS EFFECTIVE. PEOPLE RECOVER.

Video and audio for post produced by Mike Lee.

People’s Community Clinic’s (PCC) mission is to improve the health of medically underserved and uninsured Central Texans by providing high quality, affordable healthcare. PCC delivers care with respect and dignity to people with little or no health insurance, without exclusion.

The Clinic has offered services continuously since 1970, and is one of the longest-running clinics for primary care in America. It is locally managed, privately and publicly funded, and focuses on meeting the healthcare needs of uninsured and underserved residents in the Greater Austin area, as well as surrounding counties.

PCC provides a broad array of primary health and wellness services—prenatal, pediatric and adult care; specialized adolescent care; immunizations; testing and screenings; social work and mental health services; nutritional counseling; and chronic disease management. The Clinic also maintains onsite pharmacy and lab services, allowing “one stop shopping” for our 10,000 patients.

PCC has pioneered a healthcare model that provides the right care, at the right time, in the most cost- efficient way. This approach emphasizes preventive care delivered by a consistent primary care team, which includes a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant supported by a nurse and medical assistant. In addition, the support of social workers, health educators, and a nutritionist enable the medical team to treat the “whole person”. By engaging each patient as a full partner in his or her own care, PCC fosters long-term good health.

Donation Requests:

Nebulizers
Gently used children’s books
Breast pumps by Ameda and Medela

Get Involved!

The Young Professionals for People’s (YPP) is a group of up and coming professionals from the Austin area that get together in support of People’s Community Clinic. YPP holds quarterly networking events at fabulous locations around Austin.

YPP’s next event will be Tuesday, October 2nd from 5:30 to 7:30pm at Black Star Co-op Pub and Brewery, located at the intersection of Airport Boulevard and North Lamar. Black Star will be serving up original hand-crafted brews and locally sourced farm-fresh delights. This is a great opportunity to learn about the work of our clinic, and have some fun as well.

Learn More about YPP: http://www.austinpcc.org/donate/ypp/
Become a Member: http://www.austinpcc.org/donate/join-the-ypp/
Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/YPPAustin

Audio and video produced by Mike Lee

The Texas Book Festival is a nonprofit organization that celebrates authors and their contributions to the culture of literacy, ideas, and imagination. In its 17-year history, the Festival has connected readers with the nation’s most accomplished writers, contributed more than $2.5 million to Texas public libraries, and reached more than 40,000 children in economically disadvantaged Central and South Texas schools, providing many with the first book of their own.

The Festival and related programs are all made possible by generous support from sponsors, donors, and more than 1,000 volunteers. Thanks to their dedication, the Festival has always been free and open to the public. Donors also help the Festival bring books to life for children in low-income schools through the Reading Rock Stars program, and promote creative writing among middle and high school students via the Annual Fiction Contest.

The Texas Book Festival has evolved into one of the premier literary events in the country, hosting more than 200 Texas and nationally known authors. Every year, more than 40,000 visitors participate in the weekend of author readings and presentations, panel discussions, book signings, and musical entertainment at the State Capitol in Austin.

This year’s Festival is October 27 and 28 is presented by HEB. The much-anticipated announcement of the more than 200 authors appearing at the Festival will be made on September 12 at the home of First Lady Laura Bush, a former librarian and an ardent advocate of literacy, who helped establish the Festival in 1996.

How to get involved

Volunteer

With more than 1,000 volunteers, the Texas Book Festival is working hard to make this year’s Festival the most exciting yet. There are many volunteer positions available, from helping with book signings, to escorting authors, and selling merchandise. For detailed information about the opportunities available and how to sign up, go to this link on the Festival website.

Skip to the front of the line with the FAST PASS

Every contribution to the Texas Book Festival helps us promote literature and literacy in Texas. Once you become a member, you’ll receive a membership card in the mail, and should bring it with you to the Festival to claim your benefits. At the $100 “Friend” level, members receive FAST PASS privileges, which allow you to avoid long lines by giving immediate access to certain sessions and signings, in addition to numerous other benefits. Please see our website for even more details about the various member levels and benefits. All contributions are tax-deductible.

Attend the Gala

Be part of an insiders’ literary evening and support the Festival and its sponsored programs at the same time by attending the First Edition Literary Gala on Friday, Oct. 26. Enjoy a cocktail party and dinner with three headline Festival authors. Tables for 10 are available at $5,000 and up, with different amenities at each level. A limited number of individual seats will be available for $500 after September 5th. For more information, contact Lisa Jones at 512-477-4055 or by sending her an email.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities, email Texas Book Festival Executive Director Lidia Agraz or complete the sponsorship response form online.

Videos courtesy of Texas Book Festival; audio segments produced by Mike Lee