The Helpers Are Still Here
When things feel overwhelming, both in the world and in my own heart, I refocus by reminding myself:
I will use my vote.
I will stay informed.
I will care deeply about what’s happening far away and where I live.
I will invest my time where I can make a difference.
I do my best to channel fear, anger, and heartbreak into compassion and action, especially in my own community. I can’t fix everything but I can show up here. We all can.
Below are a few Austin organizations doing real, meaningful work right here in the Mueller area or through “at home” opportunities. If you’ve been looking for a place to volunteer, donate, learn, or simply feel more empowered, this list might be a nice place to start.
Austin Creative Reuse
What they do / who they help
Austin Creative Reuse diverts usable creative materials from landfills and turns them into community resources. With a diversion rate of over 96%, they’ve kept more than two million pounds of materials out of landfills while hosting workshops, events, and volunteer programs.
How to get involved
Volunteer at the reuse center
Donate materials
Attend workshops and events
Austin Parks Foundation
What they do / who they help
Austin Parks Foundation supports the maintenance, improvement, and activation of Austin’s parks ensuring green spaces remain accessible, safe, and welcoming for everyone.
How to get involved
Join community volunteer days
Attend “In the Park” events
Follow Friends of Mueller Greenways for local cleanup days
🔗https://austinparks.org/in-the-park-series/
🔗https://austinparks.givepulse.com/group/events/1421687
Caritas of Austin
What they do / who they help
Caritas of Austin provides housing services, job training, food access, and education to people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.
How to get involved
Volunteer across food, education, and employment programs
At-Home volunteer opportunities available
Support long-term stability initiatives
Christopher House
(A program of Hospice Austin)
What they do / who they help
Christopher House provides compassionate, supportive housing for individuals living with advanced illness or at the end of life. Through Hospice Austin, residents also have access to palliative care services, grief support, and counseling for themselves and their loved ones.
How to get involved
Volunteer through Hospice Austin in patient support, administrative, or grief services roles
Contribute time, skills, or resources to end-of-life care programs
🔗https://www.hospiceaustin.org/our-services/christopher-house/
🔗https://www.hospiceaustin.org/get-involved/volunteer/
FOUNDATION Communities
What they do / who they help
FOUNDATION Communities provides affordable housing and on-site support services for Central Texans with low incomes. Their work focuses on stability, education, and long-term self-sufficiency supporting families, veterans, and individuals through housing, financial wellness, and educational programs.
How to get involved
Volunteer with learning centers, tax help, or community programs
Support resident services and stability initiatives
Generation SERVE
What they do / who they help
Generation SERVE makes volunteering accessible for families with kids, helping young people build empathy, civic responsibility, and community awareness from an early age.
How to get involved
Sign up for family-friendly volunteer opportunities
At-Home volunteer opportunities available
Support youth-led service projects
Good Work Austin
What they do / who they help
Co-founded by Fiore Tedesco and Adam Orman (owners of L’Oca d’Oro), Good Work Austin supports local, independent businesses and their employees by promoting fair labor practices, education, and sustainable workplace cultures in the food and service industry.
How to get involved
Explore resources for ethical employment practices, including immigration advocacy education for restaurant owners
Attend educational events for food service professionals and home chefs
Support or become a member business
New Hope Animal Rescue
What they do / who they help
New Hope Animal Rescue saves and rehomes cats and dogs across Central Texas, working with fosters, adoption centers, and volunteers to give animals a second chance.
How to get involved
Volunteer to care for cats at the Mueller PetSmart
Foster or support adoption efforts
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas
What they do / who they help
Ronald McDonald House Charities provides housing, meals, and support for families with children receiving medical treatment so parents can focus on their child instead of logistics.
How to get involved
Volunteer in hospitality, meal service, or family support roles
There’s a lot to take in right now. The noise is loud, and the headlines don’t leave much room to breathe.
But there are also so many people quietly doing good work. If you’re looking for ways to help and stay engaged you’re part of that group. And even when it doesn’t feel like you’re not doing enough, your effort still matters.
We will keep choosing care and community and connection because that’s what being a helper looks like. Thank you for making that choice with me.
