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Plugged-In
The Entrepreneurs Foundation
Community Involvement Newsletter
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Thank you for subscribing to
Plugged-In,
the monthly
volunteer update & opportunity newsletter from the Entrepreneurs Foundation. A listing of current, Central
Texas volunteer opportunities can be found below. Quick links to these
opportunities as well as Featured Events, such as nonprofit fundraisers
or other special events, are in the right column.
If you
use the Plugged-In Newsletter
to find a volunteer opportunity, we would love to hear from you! Please
send an email to Shobie
Partos or call her at (512) 482-8894. You can also contact Shobie if
you need more information, or for help creating community involvement
activities for your company.
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CURRENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
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Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big
Brothers Big Sisters provided more than 74,000 hours of mentoring to
1,519 children in Central Texas throughout 2009 as well as $59,500 in
scholarship money to 94 Littles pursuing higher education. The
organization depends on donations to help recruit volunteers and reach
more children. Funding is used to conduct screening on volunteers to
ensure child safety; and provide on-going support for children, families
and volunteers to build and sustain long-lasting relationships.
Volunteer Opportunities
Be a part of something BIG! Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central
Texas is seeking adult volunteers to be friends and mentors to local
children. Enjoy everyday activities with your Little and remember what
it's like to be a kid again while making a difference in your community.
Middle School Mentoring
Bigs and Littles initially meet once a week in area middle and elementary
schools to talk and have fun. The match will eventually transition into
the community-based mentoring program and has the ability to participate
in activities at school and out in the community.
Community Based Mentoring
Bigs and Littles spend time together a few times a month for a minimum of
one year. They meet in their community to share fun activities,
stories and a little bit of themselves.
Hablas Espanol? Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas te necesita en
nuestro programa. Visita nuestra pajina para obtener mas information.
For more information visit www.bigmentoring.org or call (512) 472-5437.
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Bull Creek Foundation
Bull Creek Foundation is an all volunteer nonprofit doing
community service projects in the 32 square mile Bull Creek watershed in
NW Austin, which is bounded roughly by highways 2222, 620, 183 and Mesa
Drive.
Volunteer Opportunities
We have opportunities this Spring for volunteers to help us maintain and
improve the greenbelt and trails along Bull Creek. Our planned work days
are 9am - 12 noon
March 13, April 10, and May 15. Each outing will
concentrate on some combination of trash removal, vegetation management
(removal of exotics like ligustrum, nandina, chinaberry, and Chinese
tallow and thinning cedar), barb wire removal and trail maintenance
(moving vegetation back from trails, creek crossing repair, and erosion
control).
The meeting spot is at 5304 Old Spicewood Springs Rd Austin, TX
78731. The Google map location is http://tinyurl.com/prtkut
Let us know that you plan to come help by emailing a few days ahead of
each date to bullcreekvolunteers@gmail.com
Details are on our website.
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Cancer Connection
Cancer
Connection is a growing network of cancer survivors and their family
members providing emotional support in a variety of ways to those
currently living with cancer. We have partnered with St. David's
Community Health Foundation to place volunteers in area St. David's and
Seton hospitals. Our volunteers can also be found in the infusion
rooms at Southwest Regional Cancer Center and Texas Oncology providing
emotional support for cancer patients and their families.
Upcoming Events
Volunteer Training
Cancer Connection needs volunteers to participate in one-on-one matching
with people and family members currently living with cancer. Our
next volunteer training will be held May 7 and 8. To volunteer,
please apply online at www.thecancerconnection.org or contact us at (512) 342-0233.
Volunteer Opportunities
One-On-One Matching Program
Volunteers provide one-on-one mentoring support for cancer patients and
their loved ones through phone calls, emails and/or visits.
Hospital Visitation Program
Volunteers provide visits with patients and their loved ones who are
receiving care and treatment for cancer at area hospitals.
Oncology Center Visitation Program
Volunteers provide refreshments, information and emotional support for
individuals receiving treatments at local oncology centers.
To learn more about Cancer Connection, please visit our website or
call Roni Ann Kendall at (512) 342-0233.
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Capital Area Food Bank
In its 28th year of service, the Capital Area Food Bank of
Texas (CAFB) currently provides food and grocery products to more
than 350 Partner Agencies in 21 Central Texas counties. In 2008, CAFB
distributed more than 17 million pounds of food. The CAFB service area
covers 19,064 square miles in Central Texas.
Volunteer Opportunities
17th Annual Austin Reggae Festival
Friday, April 16, 3-10pm, Saturday, April 17 &
Sunday, April 18 Noon-10pm
Location: Auditorium Shores (Riverside Drive at S. 1st Street)
Description: Join thousands of reggae fans at this three-day
festival and enjoy great music, vendors, and fun. Advanced tickets are
$12.50 per day. Tickets at the gate are $15. Proceeds benefit the Capital
Area Food Bank. Visit www.austinreggaefest.com for more details.
Volunteers Requested: 175-200 volunteers per day
Volunteer Duties: This festival volunteer opportunity is open to
individuals 18 YEARS & OLDER. Complete instructions and
training will be provided at the beginning of each shift.
Volunteer Benefit: Volunteers get into the festival for free after
their scheduled shift.
Festival entrance: Collect admission fee, monetary donations and
food donations. Greet and thank the public for their support. 30
volunteers needed per shift
Food collection: Transfer donations to boxes, stack on pallets,
and help load into our trucks. During peak times, volunteers may be
needed to help direct people to the shortest entrance line. 10
volunteers needed per shift
Festival raffle: Roam the festival grounds selling raffle tickets
to attendees. 10 volunteers needed per shift
For more information please contact Rene Carlin, Volunteer Resources
Manager, at rcarlin@austinfoodbank.org
or 684-2541.
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Care Communities
The mission of The Care Communities is to provide
practical and compassionate support, through Care Teams, for persons
living with AIDS or Cancer. The Care Communities has Care Teams in
Travis, Williamson, Bastrop & Hayes counties.
Volunteer Opportunities
Care Team member
Be the part of a Care Team of 4 - 7 persons who will provide support,
such as light housecleaning, shopping, meal preparation, yard work,
laundry and also companionship. The Care Team is matched with a Care
Partner (one with cancer of AIDS). Each Care Team member is asked to give
four hours a month to helping the Care Partner after going through a
volunteer training.
Businesses or Corporations
If there is a group at your business or corporation that would like to do
a Day of Service for someone living with Cancer or AIDS --- Spring House
cleaning, major yard clean up, etc., let us know.
Office Support
Provide data entry, newsletter preparation, call volunteers for monthly
hour reports, print volunteer manual, etc.
Volunteer Training
The volunteer training will be held on Sunday, March 28 from
1:30pm - 4:30pm at the TCC offices, 4315 Guadalupe, Suite 303. To
RSVP for the training, email Roger Temme.
For more information about The Care Communities, check out TCC website. If you want to have a presentation to
your place of business, neighborhood association, or faith community
email the Outreach Coordinator, Roger Temme,
or call him at 459-5883. Become a fan of The Care Communities on
Facebook today! Thank you very much!
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CASA
CASA of Travis County exists to promote and protect the
best interest of children who have been abused or neglected, by training
volunteers to advocate for them in courts, schools and our community to
help them find safe, permanent and loving homes.
Volunteer Opportunities
CASA Volunteers
CASA connects children living in foster care, due to abuse and neglect,
with community volunteers. Volunteers speak up for the best interest of
children as life-altering decisions are made in the court system. CASA
volunteers research the case, talk with all involved, and build a
trusting relationship with the child. Volunteer advocates make quarterly
reports to the court on what they believe is best for the child,
helping the judge make the most informed decision possible. CASA
volunteers commit to spending 15-20 hours per month on one case for at
least one year. The scheduling of volunteer activities is flexible, and
each volunteer is paired with a staff professional who supports and
guides them. For more information about becoming a CASA Volunteer please
visit our website or contact Volunteer Coordinator, Melia
Graber, at 512-459-2272.
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Central Texas Discover Engineering
The Central Texas Discover Engineering Committee's mission
is to encourage school children in central Texas to pursue technology
careers by providing role models from the local engineering community.
Diverse groups of engineers provide hands on experiments that demonstrate
teamwork and logical processes while discussing their jobs and the
reasons they chose engineering.
Volunteer Opportunities
Discover Engineering Week
BE A MATH & SCIENCE HERO: Volunteer for Discover Engineering!
Discover Engineering Week is an international
initiative that aims to help children discover the world of engineering
through classroom visits and fun, hands-on activities.
In Central Texas, Discover Engineering reaches 15,000 students each year
to open a new world of science, technology, engineering, and math.
Classroom visits to regional elementary, middle, and high schools starts
on Discover Engineering Week (Feb 14 - 20) and continues throughout the
rest of the spring semester. Volunteers may choose the school they
wish to visit or can be assigned based on geographical or grade
preferences.
Visits involve a simple, hands-on activity, discussion about the
importance of engineers in society, and goods for students and
teachers. Volunteers DO NOT need to have a background in math and
science to be effective presenters. The Central Texas Discover
Engineering Teams matches volunteers to schools and provides training to
anyone interested.
To volunteer and/or to schedule a volunteer training: http://centexeweek.org/user/register
For more info: 512.323.6773 ext 103
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Center for Child Protection
The Center for Child Protection provides help, hope, and
healing to children who are victims of sexual assault, severe physical
injury, or who are witnesses to violent crime. The Center is the only
nonprofit agency in Travis County involved in the investigation of crimes
against children. It is the "first stop" in the child abuse
investigation process, offering a pioneering approach in which
investigating agencies collaborate to place a child's best interests first.
All services, both investigative and therapeutic, are offered to children
and their protective caregivers free of charge.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Orientation
The Center for Child Protection's Volunteer Orientation is on April 5
and we would love for you to be a part of it! The orientation is the
first step for anyone wishing to work with the Center. You'll learn more
about how the Center serves the children of Travis County and how you can
help with our various volunteer roles. Attendees must register by
emailing Volunteer Coordinator Melissa Soliz or calling her
at (512) 472-1164.
Project Graduation
Help the Center for Child Protection create "Life Kits" for
teenagers who are aging out of foster care. At 18, many teens in foster
care must begin a new life for themselves without the benefit of support.
Basic household items-a "Life Kit" -will help these teens get
started on the path to success. The Center estimates serving more than 80
teenagers this year. Each teen will receive the following items: 11x13
frame for diploma, twin size sheet set, twin size blanket/comforter,
towel set (2 bath towels, 2 hand towels, and 2 washcloths), full size bed
pillow, casual plastic plates, bowls, and cups (service for 4), casual
silverware set (service for 4), pots and pans set, clock radio with
alarm, toaster, iron, desk lamp, laundry basket, kitchen utensil set
(serving spoons, can opener, measuring cups, etc.), and a small
calculator. You can also volunteer at our Graduation Celebration. Find
out more by visiting our website or by contacting our Program
Coordinator, Collin Cook at 512-472-1164 or by email at ccook@centerforchildprotection.org.
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Family Connections
FamilyConnections
is a non-profit organization committed to improving the development of
young children and building a strong foundation for their success by
educating and supporting the adults in their lives - parents, child care
providers, teachers and community leaders. Our overarching goal is
to prevent child abuse and neglect.
Volunteer
Opportunities
Celebration of Families Event
On Saturday, May 1st FamilyConnections' 17th Annual Celebration of
Families will be held at Palmer Events Center. The 2010 theme, Connecting
with Nature, will focus on the critical importance of children engaging
with the natural world. This is a fun 1 day volunteer opportunity that
allows our volunteers to work with families in a variety of ways: arts
and crafts area, moon walk, rock wall, outdoor activities, information
table, car seat inspections and event set up and break down.
Volunteers must be 18 years or older. Credit will be offered for
community service hours as well as t--shirts and prize drawings.
Parents of Newborns Project
The Parents of Newborns Project provides parenting education, support and
resources to families within 48 hours after childbirth at six hospitals
in Austin. Volunteers help to support the optimal mental and physical
health of parents and infants and to encourage positive parent-infant
interactions. Volunteers also provide information and support to
mothers and their families, through working in the community to promote
awareness of postpartum adjustment and depression. Volunteers can choose
to work from home or at the hospitals. Hours and dates are flexible.
Introductory volunteer training is provided.
For more information contact Angelica Fox, ( 512 ) 478-5725 x 205, afox@FamilyConnectionsOnline.org
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Family Eldercare
Family
Eldercare provides essential services for elders, adults with
disabilities, and those who care for them. They rely on us for help with
the details of daily life, so that they may live at home as long as
possible with dignity and independence.
Volunteer Opportunities
Guardian Advocate or Money Management Volunteer
Help prevent exploitation and abuse of elders and adults with
disabilities by volunteering as a guardian advocate or money management
volunteer. Our clients include disabled adults and elders who often have
no family and few friends in the area. Volunteers are matched with
clients and work with the care manager to visit and advocate for the
client. Minimum of 4-6 hours/month, flexible schedule/location, no
experience necessary, training provided. Please contact Faith to
get involved.
In-Kind Donations
Team Fan Drives
Assemble your team to raise fans and funds for the 20th Annual Summer Fan
Drive! Start planning your company contest, bake sale, bbq, online drive...or
challenge another company or group to raise fans/funds! See our website
for more ideas! Bring your Team's donation to Fan Fare Friday for a great
day of free live music with KXAN and KGSR broadcasting live all day.
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Front Steps
Front
Steps is the nonprofit organization that manages the Austin Resource
Center for the Homeless (ARCH), the Central Texas Recuperative Care
Program, and the Keep Austin Housed AmeriCorps Program, as well as
transitional and permanent housing programs. Its mission is to provide a
pathway home through shelter, affordable housing, and community
education. Front Steps is currently requesting contributions of several
basic, essential items for our clients in Case Management who are moving
into permanent housing. Specific items needed include furniture, linens,
kitchen appliances and cooking ware, cleaning supplies, and any other
much-needed household items.
In-Kind
Donations
Additionally, Front Steps is now proud to announce the development of our
first ever women's group, CIRCLE, which stands for Community, Integrity,
Resiliency, Confidence, Leadership, and Empowerment. Front Steps is
dedicated to providing support to homeless women through a series of
classes, with a specific curriculum designed to help women who are not
only living unsheltered, but are also in need of emotional aid.
Because of the urgent need for in-kind donations for the population this
group serves, Front Steps is asking for donations of shampoo/conditioner,
bar soap with plastic travel containers, Q-Tips travel packs, plastic
toothbrush holders, razors, deodorant, Chapstick, lotion, plastic water
bottles, and lined journals. There is also the need for food and drinks
for the group.
If you would like to donate these items, please contact Dawn at dperkins@frontsteps.org
or 305-4174. Thank you for helping us restore hope to those who need it
the most!
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Foundation Communities
Foundation Communities (foundcom.org) is a local Austin
nonprofit specializing in long term affordable housing three of which
(Spring Terrace, Skyline Terrace, Garden Terrace) are supportive housing
apartments specifically for low income adults, many of whom are battling
homelessness. We have developed a model of service-enriched housing that
enables families with low incomes to permanently improve their
educational and financial standing.
Volunteer Opportunities
Supper Club
Host a Supper Club with a group of friends and make a huge impact in the
life of low-income Austin Adults. This is the prefect volunteer
opportunity for a church, civic group, friends, any group at all!
By hosting a supper club you would provide residents at the Terrace
properties with an opportunity for fun, community building events while
providing a nutritious "home" cooked meal.
Times and dates are flexible, for more information please contact Chris
Alberts at 512-610-4008 or christopher.alberts@foundcom.org
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Goodwill Industries of Central Texas
We provide job-related services and opportunities for
people with barriers to employment. We envision a world where every
person has access to meaningful work.
Volunteer Opportunities
Youth Mentor
Goodwill is proud to launch a new program, designed to assist youth
in overcoming disadvantages and avoiding delinquency. The overall goal of
the Goodwill GoodGuides program is to help youth build career plans and
skills, and prepare for school completion, post-secondary training and
productive work by providing structured and supportive relationships with
trusted adult mentors. It targets youths, ages 12-17, who are atrisk for
dropping out of school, facing legal troubles, or are at risk for
delinquency due to issues such as abuse, disability, drug or alcohol
dependence, or gang membership. Community members that are interested in
becoming a volunteer mentor or know of a youth who would benefit from
this program can email Chris Jacobi or call him at 512-748-2721.l
GreenWorks
Goodwill is always in need of volunteers to participate in the
de-manufacturing of donated computers that will be resold or recycled.
Dates and times are flexible, and groups of up to 30 people are welcome.
Job Source
Volunteers with Job Source offer assistance for people seeking entry into
the workforce who have a disadvantaging condition such as limited access
to employment, education, housing or health care. Such assistance
includes resume critiquing, computer training,
If you are
interested in volunteering please e-mail us
to get an application.
Through our "Do Good" volunteer program, we
offer fun, hands-on opportunities to get involved and make a meaningful
impact in the community. We assess your interests and match your
strengths to existing projects. Whether you are an individual interested
in getting more involved in the community or a group looking to build team
dynamics, Goodwill has much to offer.
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Heart House
Heart House is a free afterschool program dedicated to
providing a safe haven and academic support to low-income children and
encouraging them to become good citizens.
Volunteer Opportunities
Technology Tribe
A weekly computer skills class for elementary-aged children at both our
North and South sites. We are looking for enthusiastic adults who
can support this offering in one or more of the following roles: plan
and/or support computer activities, directly lead small groups of
students in activities and recruit volunteers for additional support.
These classes occur Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30-5:30.
Technology Tribe is a great way to help kids learn key computer concepts
while preparing them for success in the future!
Summer Activity Leader
Looking for individuals to lead various summer activities for Camp Heart
House June 14-Aug 6. Commitments vary depending on what kinds of
activities you would like to plan or sign-up to lead. Examples from
summer past include: Mad Science, EnviroKids, and Computer Wizards.
General Program Support
Volunteer at our afterschool program Mon-Fri anytime between 2:30-6pm. To
find out more about our program and general volunteering, please visit www.hearthouse.org
If you are interested in participating in our unique activities, please
contact our Program Director, Monica Armendariz at marmendariz@hearthouse.org
or (512) 929-8187.
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Humane Society of
Williamson County
The Humane Society of Williamson County is a
not-for-profit, no-kill animal shelter and has been dedicated to
eliminating pet overpopulation and to improving the lives of the pets and
people in our community for the past 30 years. We offer low-cost
spay/neuter clinics twice a week as well as low-cost vaccination clinics
once a month as a service to the public.
Volunteer Opportunities
In order to provide all of the necessary services and programs, HSWC
depends on the hard work and dedication of its volunteers. Come be a
valued member of our team by volunteering!
Volunteers assist in dog/cat socializing, dog walking, off-site adoption
events, admin support, fostering, and committee work in addition to so
many other areas. Volunteers must be at least 8 years old. Children ages
8-15 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. We ask that our volunteers
commit to at least 4 hours a month for 6 months. To volunteer, please
call 512/260-3602 or email us for orientation dates
and further information.
HSWC is also seeking volunteers to assist in our Fundraising/Event
Planning Committee. Please contact the volunteer coordinator at volunteer@hswc.net
for further information and to sign-up to help!
In-Kind Donations
In-kind donations directly benefit our animals and our shelter. A
detailed wish list can be found on our website. We
also collect aluminum beverage cans for recycling income.
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Junior Achievement of Texas
JA implements programs that create dynamic interactions
between business volunteers and students to promote active learning that
brings theory to life. JA's unique approach integrates program materials,
training, and support. JA builds the bridge between education and
business.
Volunteer Opportunities
Teach Entrepreneurship in the classroom! Volunteer to teach JA Titan
in the classroom in Round Rock or South Austin. Students learn how to run
their own companies and compete virtually against other student teams.
Volunteers commit to teach 8 sessions of 45 minutes over the course of a
semester. All training and material provided free of charge.
For more information contact ckempff@jacentex.org or visit us at www.jacentex.org
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Keep Austin Beautiful
Keep Austin Beautiful provides resources and education to
inspire individuals & the Austin community toward greater
environmental stewardship.
Volunteer Opportunities
Bird Garden Seeding
A fun, bird-lover, volunteer opportunity that has come up - help with a
Bird Garden seeding activity on the nature center grounds from 10am to
10:30am. Volunteers will plant hummer/songbird mix of wildflower seeds
along the pond trail where the chimney swift tower is located. The area
is fairly small so it won't take a lot of time. The ground will already
be prepared as much as possible.
When: Saturday, March 6, 10am-10:30am
Where: Austin Nature and Science Center, 301 Nature Center Drive
Contact: Alice Nance alice.nance@ci.austin.tx.us
It's My Park Day
March 6, 2010
Last year, 2,500 volunteers attended more than 60 projects at parks all
over town. Projects, led by neighborhood groups, individuals, and
organizations, ranged from simple pruning and painting to highly technical
drainage control improvements. Some groups attracted additional
volunteers by including live music, an educational component, a picnic,
or other activities.
It's My Park Day has three major purposes:
· To get much needed park work done
· To expand the volunteer base for future projects at
your park and others
· To grow park leaders by providing an accessible way
to get started
Lead a Project:
All It's My Park Day projects are led by volunteers. Guidance,
volunteer recruitment, tools, and tee shirts will be provided. You
provide the enthusiasm and ideas.
Date and Time: All day on Sat, March 6th
Location: Parks throughout Austin
Contact: You'll find all the volunteer information at: http://connect.austinparks.org/site/GetTogether?gettogether=activity_splash&cal_activity_id=1020
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Lemonade Day Austin
Lemonade Day is a fun, free, city-wide educational program designed to
teach kids how to become entrepreneurs by helping them run their own
lemonade stand on the first Sunday in May (May 2, 2010). Best of all,
kids get to make and keep their own money.
Children that register for Lemonade Day will receive a backpack and
information booklets that outline the steps needed to start a business.
They will learn everything from setting a budget and finding investors to
saving money and donating a portion back to the community.
In Austin last year, close to 2,500 youth registered for Lemonade Day,
sold over 158,000 cups of lemonade and donated close to $38,000 to their
favorite charities.
In 2010, our goal is to reach 10,000 youth in the Austin area! Don't
miss the opportunity to be part of the fun! Visit our website to learn more and email Leigh Christie or
call her at 512-289-9831 to sign up.
Volunteer Opportunities
We especially welcome volunteers who desire to see young
people actively and positively engaged in their communities. We will need
your help to:
- Stuff
backpacks
- Distribute
materials
- Spread the
news about Lemonade Day by distributing materials to
local schools, clubs or youth organizations
- Register
youth to participate at special events
- Mentor a
child
who wants to participate in Lemonade Day but who does not have a
caring adult to assist him/her in the process
- Do you
blog? Tweet? Are you on Facebook? Help us spread the word
about Lemonade Day online!
Special Events
Volunteers (volunteer groups welcome!) are needed in February to register
kids at the following special events:
March 7 10am-5pm
Austin Kite Festival, Zilker Park
March 13-14 All day! March 20-21 All day!
Star of Texas Fair & Rodeo
March 27 11am
Alamo Kids Club, Alamo Draft House South Lamar
March 27-28 All day!
Mamacent's Consignment Sale, Palmer Events Center
For information about volunteering at similar events in March and April,
or to receive more information about volunteering email Leigh Christie.
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March of Dimes
The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy
and baby health. With chapters nationwide, the March of Dimes works to
improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth
and infant mortality.
Volunteer Opportunities
We are always looking for volunteers to help with clerical work in
our office, special projects and events, as well as on-site at March for
Babies on May 8. For volunteer information, contact the Austin
Division at 512-477-3221.
Upcoming Events
March for Babies
Join us at Auditorium Shores on May 8, 2010 at 9:30am for March
for Babies. When you walk in March for Babies, you give hope to the
more than half a million babies born too soon each year. The money you
raise supports programs right here in Central Texas that help moms have
healthy, full-term pregnancies- And it funds research to find answers to
the problems that threaten our babies. Expect to run into some old
friends and make new ones! The March of Dimes spends 76¢ of every dollar
you raise in March for Babies on our mission. Join a team or start a team
at marchforbabies.org.
For more information and to get involved, contact Jori Renouf at
512-477-3445 or jrenouf@marchofdimes.com.
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MiniDonations
MiniDonations is an innovative not-for-profit committed to easy,
affordable philanthropy, accessible to everyone, regardless of age
or budget.
Imagine shopping for groceries, enjoying a meal at your favorite
restaurant or filling-up at a convenience store. We all make hundreds of
purchases like these every year.
Now, imagine if even a fraction of those purchases were rounded up to
the nearest dollar and the difference given to charity. How much change
could we make? Quite a lot!
The MiniDonations social giving platform encourages easy,
collaborative, and transformational giving wherever you shop. Your online
giving profile is like a charity piggy bank, which, when compounded with
your social network, adds up to tremendous change. The MiniDonations
portal ties it all together, letting you see how a donation travels from
wallet to charity and shows the effectiveness of the entire community's
donations.
Volunteer Opportunities
Skills-based volunteerism
Be part of the next big thing in philanthropy! As a software company, we
have unique volunteer opportunities including:
Software Engineering (Java/C++/Ruby on Rails) for our Point of Sale
Donation Web Service, Social Networking Platform, Database management and
Reporting Engines
We also have a need for grant identification and writing as well as legal
services including trademarking, terms of use, IP protection and privacy
policy.
For more information please email Emiliano Lozano
or call at 512-773-9031.
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Mothers' Milk Bank
The Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin is a non-profit organization whose
mission is to accept, pasteurize and dispense donor human milk by
physician prescription primarily to premature and ill infants.
Volunteer Opportunities
Join our Pour Team
Work in teams of 3-4 with milk bank staff and volunteers to pour donated
milk for pasteurization. The defrosted milk is pooled, mixed,
poured into containers, and pasteurized. This job involves
standing, lifting flasks full of milk and wearing cool medical garb that
makes you feel like you have a medical degree!
Milk Logger
Does tallying data make your heart sing? Like to count and add things?
Come log frozen donated milk into our data tracking system. Help us count
precious bags of frozen milk!
Be a Milk Donor!
Are you a breastfeeding mom with extra milk to share with premature
infants in need? Consider becoming a milk donor and provide a lifesaving
gift to an infant who needs milk packed full of nutrients and antibodies.
Call the milk bank today to find out more, (512) 494-0800.
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Open Door Preschools
The mission of the Open Door is to provide a quality, inclusive
preschool program to children of diverse abilities and backgrounds in a
safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment that promotes respect and
acceptance.
Volunteer Opportunities
Many volunteer opportunities are available at both locations of Open Door
Preschools. (Central - 1717 W 10th St and East - 3804 Cherrywood Rd.)
Duties include working with children, group volunteer work on our playgrounds,
administrative duties, garden maintenance and assisting teachers with hot
lunch preparation. Please e-mail comeaux@opendoorpreschool.org
for more information or visit our website at www.opendoorpreschool.org.
Upcoming Events
Spring Children's Concert: Threadgill's World Headquarters at 301 W.
Riverside Dr. will host Open Door's Kids' Jamboree on April 24.
This free event from 10:00am to 1:00pm will feature a pirate-themed
scavenger hunt, music from The Telephone Company and kid-friendly hip-hop
rhymes by Big Don. All proceeds will benefit Open Door Preschools, which
integrates children from diverse backgrounds and with special needs into
an exemplary early childhood education program. Details are available at www.opendoorpreschool.org.
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Phoenix House
Phoenix House in Austin provides substance abuse prevention,
intervention and treatment services for area youth. We work to reclaim
the lives of youth and their families by providing quality services.
Volunteer Opportunities
Currently we are seeking a part time volunteer music director to work
with our youth in guitar, drums, song writing as a expression of their on
going recovery. Experience with recording equipment would be helpful.
In-Kind Donations
We collect Box Tops for Education
Out door tables, chairs, benches and picnic tables
We are in need of a 8x8 area of cement being poured and a small area of
asphalt work.
More information can be obtained by contacting Laurie DeLong at Phoenix
House at 440-0613 x 4741, email or by visiting our website.
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Urban Roots
Urban Roots, a program of YouthLaunch: Urban Roots is a
youth development program that uses sustainable agriculture as a means to
transform the lives of young people and increase the access of healthy
food in Austin. Youth age 14-17 work on our farm, take their bounty to
market, and also receive workshops on everything from cooking classes to
public speaking. We donate 40% of our harvest to local hunger relief
organizations such as Meals on Wheels, Capital Area Food Bank, Caritas,
and Safe Place.
Volunteer Opportunities
Urban Roots relies on community volunteers to help us maintain the farm
and grow our veggies! You can volunteer on the farm on Tuesday or
Thursday mornings in March. Farm volunteers spend a few hours outside
helping with planting, harvesting, and other farm chores. For more
information or to sign up, please visit
www.youthlaunch.org/programs/urbanroots.php.
In-Kind Donations
Canning supplies The equipment needed for us to hold a canning
workshop with our youth.
Pint jars, Water bath canning package (such as this one: www.canningpantry.com/21qtwabacapa.html), Bayou
Classic Dual High Pressure Gas Burner Cooker With Extension Legs (like
this one: www.cooking.com/products/shprodde.asp?SKU=380855)
Cooking supplies 12 knife sets; 12 cutting boards; 12 measuring
cups; 12 mixing bowls; 12 mixing spoons; 5 baking pans
Other 5 five gallon buckets, 2 Wheelbarrows, 1-2 Garden
carts (wooden), 1 broom, 1 Chainsaw, 1 Weed eater, Basic Tools (hammer,
screwdriver set, drill set, wrenches, etc...), Seeds
If you have questions about the Urban Roots program or would like more
information, please contact Leigh Gaymon-Jones at 512-342-0424, x113 or lgaymon-jones@youthlaunch.org
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United Way 1 Hour for Kids Program
The 1 Hour for Kids initiative brings together eight
nonprofits that specialize in providing mentors and turors to vulnerable
youth. These eight organizations work with kids in different ways, but
all of their programs have shown the positive effect of connecting youth
to supportive adults.
Volunteer Opportunities
1 Hour for Kids
The 1 Hour for Kids seeks to recruit 400 new volunteers, specifically for
middle school students. Why focus on middle school students? Middle
school is a critical juncture in any student's life. During middle
school, kids are going through major life and academic changes. Gaps in
educational achievement increase rapidly. The middle school years are
exactly when we need to be there to help. Yet adults tend to volunteer
heavily with elementary school students, while the number of volunteers
drops sharply for middle school.
Help middle school students with academic subjects, or just be a positive
role model. You can meet in one-to-one or group settings. One hour a week
is not a lot of time, really. But it can change the world for those
students.
Learn more about how you can be connected to the most rewarding volunteer
experience of your life at www.1HourForKids.org.
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LunaFest
LUNAFEST®:
Short Films By, For, About Women®, benefiting the Breast Cancer Fund.
FEATURED EVENT 
LunaFest
LUNAFEST®, the touring film festival dedicated to promoting awareness
about women's issues, highlighting women filmmakers, and bringing women
together in their communities, will be hosted by LUNA at La Zona Rosa in
Austin on March 7, 2010.
This unique film festival highlights women as leaders in society,
illustrated through nine short films by women filmmakers. The films range
from animation to fictional drama, and cover topics such as women's
health, motherhood, body image, sexuality, cultural diversity, and
breaking barriers.
All proceeds from LUNAFEST will benefit the Breast Cancer Fund. To date,
LUNAFEST, which is created and funded by LUNA®, has raised over $200,000
for Breast Cancer Fund and over $478,000 for other women's non-profit
organizations.
WHEN: March 7, 2010
6:30pm
Pre-Party w/Raffle featuring The Paul Glasse Group
Films
to follow
WHERE: 612 W. 4th Street
Austin, TX 78701
TICKETS:$15 in advance; $20 at the door; $10 Student Price
Available to purchase at www.gettix.net
CONTACTS: Whitney Nelson, LUNA Field Marketing Manager 512-423-2384
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Samaritan Counseling
Center
The Samaritan Counseling Center is a nonprofit
organization that has been saving lives, healing emotional wounds and
giving hope to Central Texas families for more than 35 years. The
nonprofit center offers a range of affordable and accessible counseling services
from early childhood to elder years to prevent and treat abuse, develop
healthy life skill and strengthen individuals and families. The Samaritan
Center works with children, adults, couples, families, older adults,
veterans, military families and the clergy.
8th Annual Central Texas Ethics in Business Awards
(April 22, 2010)
Samaritan Center and Concordia University Texas are once again
collaborating to recognize individuals and organizations in Central Texas
that are exemplars of ethical practice and to encourage a dialogue about
business ethics in our community through the 8th Annual Samaritan Center
Ethics in Business Award program. Established in 2002 by the Samaritan
Counseling Center, the Central Texas Ethics in Business Award annually
honors organizations and individuals who have been nominated and
demonstrate outstanding ethical practices.
In addition to acknowledging exceptional business practices, the
Ethics in Business Award program also provides an educational opportunity
to develop our community's future leaders. Award researchers are business
undergraduate students from Concordia University who are studying ethical
practices by organizations and individuals. They engage potential
candidates in a relatively rigorous research and interview process to
gather a thorough understanding of nominees' values and practices. The
student researchers then generate reports from which an independent
selection committee reviews the findings and selects recipients to be
honored at the award dinner.
Volunteer Opportunities
Needed - a group of 4-6 volunteers to serve on the Ethics in Business
event committee. These volunteers are needed leading up to and
including the night of the event, April 22, 2010. Experience is not
necessary but appreciated to help with media relations, sponsorship,
logistics, organizing and implementing a silent auction. Proceeds from
the event support Samaritan Center programs such as Hope for Heroes - No
charge counseling for those who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan and
their families.
Congratulations to the following businesses and individuals for being
nominated for the 2009 Central Texas Ethics in Business Awards, a
prestigious nomination recognizing outstanding leadership and exceptional
business practices. Thank you for consistently upholding the highest
level of ethical practices and doing the right thing in business in our
community.
Business Category
Flynn Construction
360deg Balance (Rehabilitation)
ABC Home and Commercial Services
Capital Metro
Gavurnik Contractors LLC
Hastings Communications Services
Ernie Reye's World Martial Arts
PMB Helin Donovan
Moman Architects
Blackhawk Healthcare
The Barr Company
Fox Service Company
Individual Category
Rina Hartline- Centerpoint Energy
Leslie Rhode - KXAN
Corey Gaskill - Southwest Securities
Laurie Loew - Give Realty
Dr. Steve Larson
Carmina Eaton - State Farm Insurance
Arnold Garcia-America - Austin American Statesman
Whit Pennock - Pastor Leander Church of Christ
Karen Sage - Asst. District Attorney
Dennis Fagan - Fagan Photography
Jeri Muhich - AAA Storage
Mark Hester - Wellness Lifestyle Solutions
Nonprofits
Center of Child Protection
Communities In Schools
Austin Partners in Education
Austin Children's Shelter
KLRU-TV
The Serving Center in Round Rock
mobile loaves and fishes
The miracle foundation
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SafePlace
SafePlace exists to end sexual and domestic violence.
Nationally recognized for its innovative and effective programs, we have
been providing women, children and men a place of safety, compassion and
empowerment in Austin, Texas since 1974.
FEATURED EVENT
SafePlace Field Day & Festival
April 10, 2010 11:00am - 4:00pm at Fiesta Gardens Park
On Saturday, April 10th the "SafePlace Field Day &
Festival" returns with ridiculous team relays and a fantastic
festival to raise awareness and funds for SafePlace programs and
services. This exciting event will bring the community together to enjoy
silly team competitions and activities for the whole family.
Relay teams will compete for the coveted Field Day & Festival
traveling trophy while stumbling through events such as the Dizzy Bat
Race, the Wacky Dress-up Relay and Water Balloon Toss. The
afternoon will also include live performance groups, carnival games, a
children's area, art activities, a dog friendly area and a variety of
local food favorites.
So pull up your tube socks and get your sweatbands ready! Get your
friends, families and co-workers energized to raise funds while having a
great time as we work toward a community free of rape, sexual abuse and
domestic violence. Go to www.safeplacefieldday.org to register your relay or
fundraising team or to make a donation.
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Contact Information
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Entrepreneurs Foundation of Central Texas
Shobie Partos
Program Manager
(512) 482-8894
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