About

History Of the Volunteer Service Council

The Volunteer Services Council for North Teas State Hospital was chartered in 1960 and a Board of Directors was elected that year. Non-profit status was achieved in 1970. The NTSH Council is a member of the Volunteer Services State Council, an organization comprised of Councils from the facilities in the Department of State Health Services as well as a Council from one community Mental Health Center.

Through the years, many items have been provided for the hospital by the Council: television sets, decorative items, clothing for patients and services by volunteers. The patient education department, the rehab department and the music therapy program were begun by volunteers and later funded by the state.

Capital improvement projects of the Council have included construction of a greenhouse for the Teen School, a fishing pier at the lake lot, renovation of the Chapel/Auditorium, purchase of pianos, purchase of a forklift/pallet lifter for the Recycling Workshop, six picnic tables, a playground for the Children’s unit, Village Square Project, and most recently the Cemetary Restoration Project.

Council funds provide spending money for patients with no funds, emergency purchases, off-grounds activities, Christmas gifts, birthday gifts, bingo prizes, grooming supplies and other needs the state is not able to provide.

The NTSH Council, Wichita Falls Campus, has hosted the Region II Fall Meeting numerous times.

Recognizing that quality, satisfied staff means quality treatment for patients, the Council has provided funds for a Banana Split Party to recognize the longevity of employees.

Times have changed for volunteers, but the VSC continues to enrich the lives of patients in many ways.