The Big Spring State Hospital Volunteer Services Council was loosely started in the 1950’s when members of the Midland and Big Spring communities took it upon themselves to bring an outside presence inside the confines of the Big Spring’s psychiatric hospital. At the time, it was unthinkable for people from the ‘outside’ to work with patients who often were misunderstood or ostracized in their communities…But word soon spread that there was a great need for additional volunteers.

In 1955, Mrs. Leland Croft of Odessa, who served as president of the State Mental Health Development Association, met with Hospital Superintendent Dr. Preston Harrison to cultivate a structured arrangement for volunteers. Her early efforts proved fruitful.

The Volunteer Services Council was incorporated as a non-profit, tax-exempt organization in 1967 and is sustained through donations. Bob Whipkey was appointed to serve as council chairman until an election was held, and Jack Y. Smith was elected chairman in 1957. Jack Y. Smith was one of the hospital’s earliest and staunchest supporters, so much so that the council continues to present the Jack Y. Smith Award each year to the organization’s outstanding volunteer. Jack Y. Smith’s widow, Edna Faye, and the Smith’s son, Steve, graciously present the award each year at our Spring luncheon.

Soon after, the Big Spring State Hospital Volunteer Services Advisory Council was formed, which lead to a paid hospital coordinator charged with directing volunteer endeavors and serving as a liaison between employees, volunteers and the community. Early on, the Circuit Rider program provided transportation for volunteers from outlying communities for a day of work at the hospital. The program is no longer operational but it gave the hospital a much-needed public relations tool to spread positive words about the hospital.

Volunteers initially provided personal grooming for many of the patients – setting, cutting and shampooing hair, mending and altering clothing and stocking a patient Fashion Shop. Many of the patients used the Fashion Shop as a way to supplement their small wardrobes and it continues to be operational today. Not only is the Fashion Shop a necessity but is used as a teaching tool to show patients how to shop, plan seasonal outfits and learn appropriate behavior in retail stores.

Volunteers also offered classes in ballroom dancing, square dancing, drama, sports, bridge and arts and crafts. During this time, the annual Christmas party was started as was a version of Summer Fun Day – when patients usher in summer and receive items to help beat the summer heat – were introduced. The festivities continue to provide a fun outlet for the patients.

Volunteers have been instrumental in hands-on therapy since 1968 assisting with group therapy, psychodrama, and individual therapy. Much of their efforts were successful because patients received a sense that someone outside the hospital care for them and their well-being. As volunteers became more involved in patient’s personal well-being, it seemed natural for many to sit on standing committees and become an outside source of information to provide input with a different perspective. The volunteers still provide many of their early offerings: birthday parties, cookies for patients, grooming supplies that are needed for their “feel good” mission. But their operation has become more sophisticated as well. Volunteers run The Chalet Resale Shop and Cars and Stars event.