Discover Austin Texas! An Austin blog with hundreds of unique articles.
Adventure awaits (Credit: Explore Austin)
Time spent in nature is often the best medicine. Combine nature with mentorship, and get ready for positive change. Austin-area parents and guardians should expect this combination through a local program called Explore Austin. This nonprofit is helping Austin youth make positive choices, develop healthy relationships, and perform better in school.
The Arc of the Arts Program empowers individuals to find employment by fostering vital skills
(Credit: The Arc of the Capital Area)
Guest article by Janet Lee
According to research, there is a continuing disparity between employment outcomes for individuals with and without disabilities. Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) are often routed away from community employment during the transition from school to adulthood.
The Arc of the Arts Program stands to address this issue. Part of The Arc of the Capital Area, a nonprofit organization that provides resources for Central Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities, this Austin arts education program helps clients achieve independence and employment through post-secondary education.
One of the oldest volunteer-driven associations in the country, The Arc not only provides the opportunity for IDD individuals to become active participants in the arts community, but also gain [Read more…]
Volunteers are needed to serve even more Austin-area children (Credit: CASA of Travis County)
There is nothing more important than the well-being of a child. When children have to enter the foster care system, CASA of Travis County is there to provide an unbiased recommendation to the court.
CASA is already serving children in foster care ages four and up, but the organization is striving to care for children starting at age two. Volunteers are always needed to serve as advocates. Continue reading to learn how you can help today.
Motion Media Arts Center networking event in Austin (Credit: Motion Media Arts Center)
Guest article by Janet Lee
For Austin creatives, it’s often quite the journey to find space to fulfill projects, not to mention affordable space. Whether it’s having meetings, hosting an event, or simply finding a place to get work done, the hunt can be a job in itself.
But look no further. Motion Media Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit independent film, art, and technology center located in east Austin. From studio and event space, to equipment and classes, the center provides a variety of advanced resources and tools for visual artists. The organization’s focus is sustaining the Austin arts community by providing financially viable options for artists. [Read more…]
The Austin Symphony Orchestra recently announced its 108th season. A range of performances will make your musical dreams come true, from gorgeous classics to musical films that will invoke a sense of nostalgia.
If you’re already a fan of the Austin Symphony Orchestra, I don’t need to tell you the next season will be full of memorable performances you won’t want to miss.
But if you’re new on the scene, then you have a bit of catching up to do. Whatever happens, there’s no need to feel intimidated by or excluded from the symphony. The upcoming season has something for everyone. Classics from the Masterworks series, nostalgic songs in the Pops series, and special events will take place throughout the year.
To give you context and a deeper appreciation for the symphony, I wanted this article to be more than a bland list of song titles and composers slated for the upcoming season. Here’s a taste of what’s to come: 11 interesting facts you’ll have learned about the Austin Symphony Orchestra by its 108th season finale. [Read more…]
Our first love, Austin (Credit: Stuart Seeger via Flickr CC)
Our city is full of culture, thriving communities, and rich history. The stuff that makes Austin “weird.” Can you imagine The Continental Club in shiny, new digs? No, right? Its location and character are what make it special. While Austin continues to grow at break-neck speed, Preservation Austin strives to keep places like The Continental Club alive and thriving. This important organization has been “saving the good stuff” for 65 years now!
Latinitas serves girls ages 9-18 through after-school clubs, camps, conferences, and workshops
(Credit: Josie Hughes)
In this day and age, media and technology impact nearly every moment of the day. Though new jobs are constantly being created, women struggle to find their voice. Especially within the Latina community.
From a cultural perspective, Latinas have a powerful voice and important perspective to contribute to all creative sectors. This is where Latinitas shines, and why it’s become such a valuable part of the Austin community. Latinitas is empowering young Latinas to innovate through media and technology, find their voice, and let it be heard. [Read more…]
Guest article by Mathis Kennington
Stand up paddleboarding is a celebrated Austin pastime. You can’t drive around Lady Bird Lake on a sunny afternoon without watching a dozen or so Austinites slowly making their way across the water. Mark Garza, Executive Director and Founder of The Flatwater Foundation, knows this better than most.
Every year, Garza organizes a massive paddleboarding fundraiser called Tyler’s Dam That Cancer, which brings folks from all over the country together to paddle Lake Austin. Garza’s local nonprofit, The Flatwater Foundation, hosts this annual fundraiser to provide mental health coverage for people who have been impacted by a cancer diagnosis. [Read more…]
Team behind The Center for Social Innovation (L-R): Dan Graham, Matt McDonnell, Daryl Kunik, Michael Hsu
Guest article by Sarah Snyder
Going to a construction site is always intriguing, especially when hard hats are required. My behind-the-scenes look at The Center for Social Innovation, Springdale General’s current project, was especially fun considering the center’s purpose to serve the social impact community in Austin.
Wait until you read about all the nonprofits and social good companies planning to come together at this east Austin hub.
Austin musician Ruthie Foster performs at 2017 Swan Song Serenade for the terminally ill
(Credit: Winker Withaneye)
Never underestimate the healing power of music, even if it only lasts for a brief moment. Songs can uplift our moods and move us through difficult times. The gift of music can be so powerful, it can transport us to a different place, entirely.
Music can also bring people together. It may also bring solace to friends and families of loved ones who are terminally ill. Swan Songs, a local nonprofit in Austin, is striving to accomplish just that, and the process is simpler than you might expect. [Read more…]
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