Tag Archives: Austin-Travis County Sobering Center

Sobering center may seek expanded role

The Austin-Travis County Sobering Center, currently in its fifth year of operations, has served more than 8,000 people, according to Jana Ortega, chair of the center’s board of directors. Ortega and Executive Director Laura Elmore addressed City Council at Tuesday’s…

Public Health • By Jo Clifton • Apr 12, 2023

County looks to Sobering Center to house jail-diversion program

On Thursday, the Travis County Commissioners Court convened a working group meeting to receive the findings of a feasibility study regarding the potential combination of a criminal justice/mental health diversion program with the Austin-Travis County Sobering Center. The county commissioned…

Public Safety • By Seth Smalley • Dec 17, 2021

County looks to expand jail-diversion programs

The Travis County Commissioners Court discussed the prospect Tuesday of expanding the scope of the Austin-Travis County Sobering Center to include aid (in the form of jail diversion) to those experiencing homelessness and mental health issues. Currently, the Sobering Center…

Public Health • By Seth Smalley • Jul 28, 2021

Sobering center loses director as operations stabilize

Barely a year after the Austin-Travis County Sobering Center opened its doors downtown, Rhonda Patrick, executive director of the center, has announced her resignation. The Sobering Center, a nonprofit local governmental corporation, was formed through an interlocal agreement with Travis…