What is Volunteer and Community Engagement?
The DADS Volunteer and Community Engagement office creates and supports the agency’s volunteer programs, community involvement efforts and public/private partnerships.
Get involved!
Click on the links below for more information about how you can become a DADS volunteer. Some programs require prospective volunteers to submit an application or to complete training; those requirements are explained for each program.
- Age Well Live Well is a collaborative community initiative that enhances the quality of life for older Texans and people with disabilities by providing health and wellness programs and policies; creating volunteer and community engagement opportunities; and sharing information on the services and programs available.
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Community Services office volunteers help enhance the quality of life for older Texans and people with disabilities living in the community.
Interns at DADS local offices, state headquarters and state supported living centers develop necessary skills for a career in many fields.
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Silver Lining is a volunteer awareness initiative to benefit residents in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and state supported living centers. Silver Lining provides tools for motivating, recruiting, equipping and recognizing volunteers.
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State supported living center volunteers help enhance the quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who live in the state supported living centers.
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Texercise Intergenerational Fitness Program educates older Texans and their families about the lifelong benefits of proper nutrition and regular physical exercise.
Other volunteer opportunities
These programs are not managed by VCE. Please click on the links below to learn more about them:
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State Long-term Care Ombudsman Program certifies volunteers to advocate that Texans living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities receive optimal care and enjoy quality of life. For details, call 1-800-252-2412 to talk to an ombudsman at your local area agency on aging.
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Surrogate Decision-making Program (SDMP) is a legislatively mandated program that allows a family member or a committee of trained volunteers to make decisions for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who lack capacity to make certain treatment decisions for themselves and have no legal guardian.
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Texas Benefits Counseling Program trains volunteers to provide information, counseling, assistance and advocacy to older Texans and others who are Medicare-eligible regarding their benefits, entitlements and legal rights.
Partners
DADS partners are an integral component of the services and supports that DADS provides to Texans. They provide support as the agency implements innovative ideas and creates programs that are responsive to the people we serve.
Our partners help us increase our capacity to deliver services, and just as importantly, raise the public's awareness of DADS role in serving all Texans.
Click here to learn more about DADS existing partners or to become a DADS partner.
Recognition
DADS recognizes our volunteers and partners who, with their dedication and generous spirit, expand and enhance our programs and services in many ways. Click here to learn more about the ways DADS recognizes its volunteers and partners.
Updated: April 11, 2013
State Supported Living Centers
Learn about 'What's Going On' with state supported living center volunteers.
Texercise
Learn how communities are 'Keepin' Up with Texercise.'
Recognition
Learn how partners and volunteers are 'Sharing Our Vision.'