Foundation For the Homeless

Seedling Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Austin, TX, dedicated to supporting children in Central Texas who have parents incarcerated. Through their school-based mentoring program, Seedling provides long-term, positive relationships to help children navigate the challenges of family separation and develop positive attitudes towards education. With a vision of ensuring all children in Central Texas thrive, Seedling has served over 2700 students on 100 campuses in 17 independent and charter districts, making a direct impact on the lives of these children. By matching deserving students with caring adult mentors, Seedling offers a consistent presence of support and encouragement. Volunteer mentors play a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for the program, as enrollment increases by an average of 10-20% each year. With a commitment of just one lunch a week for 30-45 minutes, mentors provide a safe place for children to learn, play, and grow, while fostering meaningful relationships that positively impact their lives. Seedling Foundation relies on financial support to train mentors and reach more children in need, ensuring that no child goes without a quality mentor.Generated from the website

Here's a statistic worth memorizing: it costs $70, 000 a year to incarcerate a prisoner, and $1, 000 a year to take care of a kid at a Boys and Girls Club. Failing to invest in prevention isn't just cruel to the kids ; it's cruel to the country. As James Alan Fox, a noted criminologist, says, "You can pay for the programs now or pray for the victims later." That category of "victims" keeps growing. It now includes us all. This sums up one of the greatest challenges our nation faces: the future of our young people. While we in Austin have much to celebrate, we are not exempt from the effects of poor school attendance, low graduation rates, increasing teen crime and pregnancy rates. In fact, Travis County ranks third in the nation in teen pregnancies, and first in second pregnancies among teen mothers! For several years I've been privileged to serve as Chairman of the Board of an organization that has a rich history of successfully addressing these challenges. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area devotes tremendous resources and energy to providing hope and opportunityto kids from disadvantaged circumstances. Every day, through proven successful programs and meaningful relationships with staff and volunteers, nearly 1, 500 Club kids are generating amazing results for our community. Here are just a few key facts: In spite of high school dropout rates for Latino and African American students, 90% of Club members graduate. Club members had a 15% higher overall GPA than their peers, and 87% fewer absences. More important, they have greater expectations for their futures. Texas spends $99, 000 per year for each child in juvenile detention. The Club spends just $200 on programs and services that are proven deterrents to juvenile crime. Club kids see firsthand the value of attending school and avoiding drugs and gangs, and are able to picture themselves as successful, caring and productive adults.

The Sickle Cell Association of Texas Marc Thomas Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing holistic care and support to individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease and trait. They strive to create a world where everyone impacted by sickle cell is given the necessary resources and assistance throughout their lives, addressing not only the physical aspects but also the emotional, financial, and social challenges that come with the condition. With a focus on caring for the person, family, and community, the foundation offers various services, support groups, and events to educate, screen, train, and empower individuals and families affected by sickle cell. They rely on donations and volunteers to make a positive impact and bring about meaningful change in the lives of those living with sickle cell disease and trait.Generated from the website