Helen Cloud Austin earned local and national recognition for her accomplishments and dedication as a social worker at the San Antonio State Hospital. Austin first applied to the hospital in 1962, but was denied employment due to a "No blacks hired as professional" policy. The racist policy was lifted in 1965 and Austin became the first African-American professional hired at the San Antonio State Hospital, where she worked until her retirement in 1987 as Chief of the Social Service Department. In 1983, Austin was declared San Antonio Social Worker of the Year and Texas' State Social Worker of the Year. In 1984, Austin was announced the nation's Social Worker of the Year, and was inducted into the San Antonio Women's Hall of Fame. After retirement, Austin remained active in the field of social work and in other community organizations. In particular, she continued involvement with the Delta Sigma Theta sorority.
From the description of Helen Cloud Austin papers, 1944-2008. (University of Texas at San Antonio). WorldCat record id: 40836259
