Do you know a kid who could use a little sunshine? (Photo: Austin Sunshine Camps)

Eighty-eight years ago, the crown jewel of downtown Austin, Zilker Park, opened to the public. That same year, Austin Sunshine Camps was founded, and the two have been inextricably linked ever since. Serving our community’s youth through after school programs and summer camps, Austin Sunshine Camps is one of the oldest continuously-operating non-profits in Austin.
[Read more…]

Guest article by Angela Bowers

Coffee + donuts = a great start to any day. While this wasn’t exactly their official motto, what is now a local non-profit called Foundation for the Homeless did in fact begin as a coffee and donuts ministry in downtown Austin.

At first, the organization was an ad hoc program by an interfaith women’s Bible study from West Lake Hills Presbyterian Church. The ministry transformed into coordinating others from the church to give rides to homeless individuals for a warm shower at the church. This sweet beginning grew into the variety of programs offered today. These include Feed My People, the Interfaith Hospitality Network and Best Single Source Plus.

[Read more…]

Women’s Storybook Project volunteer with a mother who is ready to create a recording

With the help of 200 volunteers and thousands of books, Women’s Storybook Project of Texas connects incarcerated mothers with their children through reading.

Donated books are given to mothers to read aloud. Volunteers record their voices and then deliver the book and tape to the children. This helps bond families dealing with incarceration, and promotes an interest in books and using the imagination.

Though this process may seem straightforward, the reality is far more complicated. I met with the President of Women’s Storybook Project of Texas, Judith Dullnig, to gain insight into how she has grown this generous organization over the past 11 years. [Read more…]

Tito, an African sulcata tortoise, was found wandering around in Dripping Springs
He lives at Austin Wildlife Rescue now

Tucked away in the trees off Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in East Austin stands Austin Wildlife Rescue. This organization provides Texas rehabilitation aid and successful release to Texas wildlife. Started by a group of animal lovers in 1977, Austin Wildlife Rescue has grown to serve over 6,000 animals in 2014 alone. [Read more…]