AAYHF Weekly News & Updates
Congratulations, Mrs. Elaine Lofton! Your Impact Shines!
From programming to partnerships, here’s what’s new at the African American Youth Harvest Foundation. April 14, 2026.
Celebrating Excellence: Mrs. Elaine Lofton Honored at the She’s Golden Brunch
The She’s Golden Brunch, hosted by Female Executives of Texas and presented by Six Square, is a powerful celebration of women making meaningful impact in business and community leadership across Austin.
A signature highlight of the brunch is the She’s Golden Awards Presentation, which formally recognizes women whose influence and service are creating measurable impact in their communities.
We are proud to share that AAYHF’s very own Chief Program Officer, Mrs. Elaine Lofton, was selected as one of this year’s She’s Golden Award recipients. This honor recognizes women who exemplify excellence in every space they lead, and for those of us who know her best, this recognition could not be more deserved.
Affectionately known throughout the AAYHF family as “Ms. Elaine,” she is the embodiment of servant leadership. Her commitment to integrity, her unwavering care for the families we serve, and her tireless dedication to building programs that uplift and empower others are felt every single day.
Congratulations, Ms. Elaine! The community you so tirelessly serve celebrates you and this well-earned honor.
Community Partnerships & Outreach
Powered by Partnership: A+ Federal Credit Union Volunteers with AAYHF
This week, the African American Youth Harvest Foundation was proud to welcome a dedicated team of volunteers from A+ Federal Credit Union, and we could not be more grateful for their time, energy, and continued partnership.
The A+ volunteers showed up ready to serve, bringing positive energy, teamwork, and a genuine commitment to supporting our mission. From assisting with hands-on projects to lending support wherever it was needed, their willingness to roll up their sleeves made a meaningful impact on our organization and the community we serve.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to A+ Federal Credit Union for continuing to believe in our mission. We are deeply appreciative of this ongoing relationship and look forward to many more opportunities to collaborate, serve, and uplift our community together.
AAYHF Connects with Community at Health, Wellness & Job Fair
AAYHF was proud to participate in the Health, Wellness & Job Fair held on Friday, April 3 at the Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex. The event brought together community partners, health organizations, and workforce development providers to support families and individuals across Austin.
AAYHF connected directly with community members interested in workforce and career support, strengthening awareness of our programs and reinforcing the value of collaborative, multi-partner community events.
Registration & Summer Opportunities
Mother’s Day Photoshoot Registration Is Now Open!
Registration is officially open for our 2026 Mother’s Day Photoshoot, and we can’t wait to celebrate the amazing mothers and mother figures who pour so much love into our community.
This special experience offers families the chance to enjoy a professional photo session and walk away with timeless memories to treasure for years to come. Spots are limited and tend to fill quickly.
- A joyful, family-friendly atmosphere
- High-quality professional photos
- A heartfelt way to honor mothers and create lasting keepsakes
Urban University Summer Camp 2026 – Registration Update
We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming response to our 2026 Urban University Summer Camp. Due to the high level of interest, registration is now officially closed.
If your child or children were accepted into the program, you should have received an email confirming acceptance along with important next steps and camp details. Attendance at one parent orientation meeting is required to confirm placement.
Families who are still interested are encouraged to join the waiting list, as openings may become available.
Earn a Technology Certification This Summer with AAYHF
The African American Youth Harvest Foundation is excited to announce our Free 5-Week STEM Certification Program, designed to equip students with real-world technology skills and prepare them for future academic and career success.
Daily meals are included, with breakfast, lunch, and snacks provided. Participants will gain hands-on experience while building critical skills, including access to the Grow with Google Certification pathway.
For more information, visit www.aayhf.org, email contactus@aayhf.org, or call 512-428-4480.
Program Highlights
Boys 2 Men – Mentorship & Leadership Development
During the last session, attendees engaged in meaningful discussions around adversity and life challenges, creating space for open reflection, resilience, and strength.
Meets every Tuesday from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Open enrollment.
Register for Boys 2 Men
Queens2Be Exposed: Confidence. Purpose. Growth.
Queens continued their focus on vision-setting and personal growth by creating five-year plans, reflecting on who they are becoming, and exploring habits they want to strengthen or release.
Meets every Tuesday from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
Register for Queens2Be Exposed
KREW 12 – Digital Media & Production
This week, creativity was flowing as KREW12 revisited first 60-second reels and explored filmmaking fundamentals, including pre-production and behind-the-scenes setup.
Meets Thursdays from 5:15 PM to 7:30 PM.
Register for KREW 12
Manor Mentoring – School Enrichment
This week’s Manor Mentoring session focused on Citizenship and Creativity. Participants reflected on responsibility, community impact, communication, collaboration, and the skills they are strengthening through mentoring.
Register for Manor Mentoring
Queens 2 Be – Mentorship & Empowerment
It’s always a joy to gather with our Queens. This week, the girls celebrated Earth Day through meaningful conversations, creative arts and crafts, and activities that honor and protect our planet.
Meets every Tuesday from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
Register for Queens 2 Be
STEM Technology Program
STEM students explored how astronauts safely return to Earth, learning about gravity, air resistance, and the extreme heat of re-entry. In robotics, students are preparing to program their 2WD smart robot cars.
Meets every Thursday from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
Register for STEM
Tutoring – Academic Support Initiative
The Academic Tutoring Initiative provides targeted academic support in a structured, supportive environment. Youth receive individualized and small-group assistance to strengthen foundational skills, improve classroom engagement, and build positive study habits.
Tutoring complements AAYHF’s mentoring programs by reinforcing academic success as a key protective factor and supporting long-term educational outcomes.
Become a Mentor
To learn more about our mentors and hear from them directly, watch the YouTube video and get involved today.
Contact AAYHF
African American Youth Harvest Foundation
6633 Hwy 290 East, Suite 307
Austin, TX 78723
Watch the Highlights
Take a look at the highlights that tell our story.
- AAYHF Empowers Youth and Families through Community-Based Programs: Click Here
- CBS We Are Austin – Black History Segment featuring AAYHF: Click Here
- Krew12 Visits KVUE News Station: Click Here
- KVUE News – Manor ISD and AAYHF Expand Partnership: Click Here
- KVUE News – MLK III Visits AAYHF: Click Here
- MLK III Endorsement of the Harvest Beloved Community Model: Click Here
- MLK III – Speech: Click Here
- Austin Free Press: Click Here
- African American Youth Harvest Foundation Reflection 2025 Part 1: Click Here
- African American Youth Harvest Foundation Reflection 2025 Part 2: Click Here
Make Your Investment Today
Together, we can ensure that the Beloved Community is not only remembered but also made into a reality.
We invite you to stand with us and make your donation.
