The Great Questions Foundation

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.

OneStar is a Texas-based organization dedicated to strengthening communities by administering AmeriCorps funding and enhancing the statewide volunteer infrastructure. They focus on tackling social challenges, building a resilient nonprofit sector, and supporting local communities through initiatives like the Rebuild Texas Fund. By connecting individuals and organizations with resources and opportunities, OneStar empowers Texans to make a meaningful impact in their communities. Their programs also promote engagement in national service and volunteerism, ensuring sustainable social impact across the Lone Star State. Generated from the website

The Operator Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Austin, Texas, established in 2014 to promote internet freedom, open communication, and global internet security through the development and deployment of innovative technologies. With a focus on accessibility, the foundation collaborates with various communities to create usable tools that enhance security, privacy, and open access to credible information worldwide. Rooted in principles of collaboration, technology, and design, the Operator Foundation emphasizes user-centered design in its projects, ensuring that its tools are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. The board comprises experienced professionals from diverse backgrounds, bringing expertise in open-source software, education, urban planning, and engineering to drive the foundation's mission forward. Generated from the website