The Mexia State School Volunteer Council (MSSVC) was founded as a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization on January 15, 1958. The organization is governed by a board of directors, bylaws and a strong belief in providing meaningful activities, so every resident on campus has the opportunity to develop to their full potential and enjoy the beauty life has to offer.

The MSSVC is dedicated to serving the residents living at the school, who come from all across the Central Texas area and whose families still reside there: Bell, Bosque, Coryell, Ellis, Falls, Freestone, Hamilton, Hill, Johnson, Lampasas, Limestone, McLennan, Milam, Navarro and Tarrant Counties.

For more than 40 years, the Volunteer Council, in partnership with the school’s Community Relations Department, and the surrounding communities, has provided Mexia State School residents with goods, services and personal attention beyond the care and treatment provided by the State.

Mission

The mission of the MSSVC is to improve the quality of life of residents of Mexia State School by securing volunteer contributions of time, money and goods to enhance person-centered services, environmental conditions and special activities.

What the Volunteer Council/Community Relations Department does

We educate the community about the school, its goals, accomplishments, and opportunities for partnerships.

We host a volunteer program to benefit the residents and their families served by the school.

We sponsor fundraising activities to help underwrite resident activities.

On-going projects

The Volunteer Council supports facility efforts to create a more attractive, natural environment throughout the campus by contributing trees, plants and other materials needed for landscaping projects.

“Operation Sunshine” is the Volunteer Council's ongoing project to provide pictures, plants and other decorative accessories that will make the dormitories at Mexia State School more home-like for our residents.

Past projects

All Faith Chapel–

Therapeutic Aquatics Center –

Camp Rip Improvements–

• In 1987, the Council built a $12,300 bathhouse.
• A $265,000 activity building, opened in 1995, is the center for activities and meals at the camp. It is also used for meetings and training sessions by state school departments.
• In 1996, a fishing pier and boat dock was constructed. These facilities give residents the opportunity to develop recreation skills and enhance their self-esteem.
• In 2002, additional bathrooms and shower facilities were updated in the bunk house for further wheelchair accessibility.
• The camp is available for community organizations, if available.

Guest House–

The Guest House provides free overnight accommodations to family members of residents residing at the school.

• The guest house has a complete kitchen and two bedrooms, one with a queen size bed as well as one with two twin beds.
• The house has two bathrooms (one of which is handicapped accessible).

Orthotic Services Center

In August, 2002, these services were moved, from a former POW building on campus, into an existing building that was repaired to accommodate its space and equipment needs. This center provides customized wheelchair and orthotic services for our campus residents and, when possible, the community.

Running Track

The track on campus is scheduled for repairs in early Spring, 2003 to provide another recreational opportunity for our residents. The track can also be used to host Special Olympic meets.

Community Relations Staff

Judy A. Schaffer, Director
Beverly Smith, Assistant Director
Vent McIlveen, Secretary