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A heartfelt thank you to our amazing supporters for your year-end donations!
Your generosity will fuel AAYHF’s mission to empower and uplift local youth and families in the Austin area. Every contribution, big or small, makes a real difference in their lives.
Make your meaningful tax-deductible gift today and join us in creating a brighter future for Austin’s youth and families!
Here are some easy ways to donate:
Click here to donate online securely: https://aayhf.org/donate
Text “CHANGE” to 77948 to make a quick and easy donation:
Mail a check to AAYHF at 6633 Hwy 290 E, #307, Austin, TX 78723:
No matter the amount, your contribution will have a lasting impact. Thank you for being a part of the AAYHF family!
Happy holidays and best wishes for a joyous and meaningful new year!
~African American Youth Harvest Foundation
Now, please enjoy some memorable 2023 moments with AAYHF!
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Celebrating
Kwanzaa Principles
December 26 through January 1
| A LOOK BACK AT ONLY SOME OF THE GREAT MOMENTS WITH AAYHF IN 2023! | Our year started with free haircuts for boys at AAYHF, Sunday, January 8! Thank you to the Professional Barbers for donating their time and expert services! | |
JANUARY 20
OFFICIAL
BEN & JERRY’S
SERVICE PROJECT STARTED
OFFICE RENOVATIONS
AT AAYHF OFFICES
Michael Lofton, Founder & CEO, and the entire AAYHF Team welcomed Ben & Jerry’s volunteers and students from Austin Achieve as the Ben & Jerry’s community service project commenced – Extreme Office Makeover for the African American Youth Harvest Foundation Offices.
There will be more renovations to come, such as, painting, fencing and more!
| 2023 Summer Youth Employment Program Job Training with AAYHF, which was held at Austin Achieve Public School, Saturday, January 28! This was the first of two trainings AAYHF would host. AAYHF is proud to not only be a partner and job trainer for this annual program but also served as an employer of youth in 2023! | |
2023 Summer Youth Employment Program Job Training second session with AAYHF, which was held at Austin Achieve Public School, February 4, 2023
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Youth and their families attended the
“My Mind Matters” – Youth Mental Health Summit, Saturday, February 11,
hosted by AAYHF and Yes2Best!
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Anthony Collier, Motivational Speaker
Dionte McClendon
The Youth Mental Health Summit also included Parent Sessions-so that youth could speak freely in their sessions.
Parent Topics included:
“Characteristics of a Developing Child to Adulthood” and “Managing Conflict: What’s the Hype About Conflict?”
We want to acknowledge GAMMA GAMMA BOULE for their support and sponsorship, Hogg Foundation, Integral Care and the Central Texas African American Family Support conference.
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Saturday, March 11 – Celebrating 16 years of community service and a milestone of 65 years of age !
Michael Lofton’s 65th Birthday & Awards Ceremony was celebrated with
over 180 family and guests.
Michael Lofton was awarded plaques and proclamations by a host of guest speakers.
GUEST SPEAKERS:
Congressman Lloyd Doggett
State Representative Sheryl Cole
Travis County Commissioners Court
City of Austin Mayor Kirk Watson
Proclamation / Plaque from African American Youth Harvest Foundation Board
Award Plaque from AAYHF Board
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Saturday, March 11, 2023, at AAYHF was the first in-person session collaboration between the African American Youth Harvest Foundation, EC4A Education, Careers for America and YesMentor!
Youth had the opportunity to receive their certification in CyberSecurity through CompTIA.
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April 4, 2023
“It gives me great pleasure to share to the Austin Community that the AAYHF Team went to the State Capital today to support the Texas Legislative Black Caucus 50th Anniversary. In addition, the State NAACP and all the Chapter Presidents were there as well to support this Anniversary with the Caucus. Last but not least, today was the 55th year in Remembrance / Observation of the Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. It was a bittersweet day to reflect back on the sacrifices and achievements for the past 50 years.” ~Michael Lofton
AAYHF CEO, Michael Lofton spoke to many Legislators about the programs and services offered by the African American Youth Harvest Foundation.
| Michael Lofton, Founder & CEO, African American Youth Harvest Foundation, was the Keynote Speaker for the 2023 District 3 Honors Awards, Represented by Councilmember Casey Thomas, II – Dallas, TX. | Mentoring young people and providing life experiences and guidance from caring adults is one of the signature programs that AAYHF offers. This program is free year-round and focuses on not only STEM and technology but life skills, mental health, academic tutoring, social and cultural endeavors, making new friends and more! | |
AAYHF GIVES BACK!
For several months in 2023 the AAYHF Outreach Distribution Team delivered COVID safety supplies throughout Austin to residents, schools and organizations! #WeAreInThisTogether
| 2023 was no different than any other year where AAYHF participated in local community events such as Earth Day, Job Fairs, Community Health Events, Technology Showcases and more! | |
“AND THE WINNER IS…”
The African American Youth Harvest Foundation won the 2023 Best of Black Austin “Best Non-Profit” category!! Thank you to everyone that voted for AAYHF!
Award winners were announced at a ceremony the evening of May 18, 2023.
| AAYHF offered free mental health trainings and workshops throughout 2023! | |
5/16: This Boys & Girls Mentoring Meeting offered another unique learning experience with Martial Arts training.
Fire Dragon Marital Artis Institute (Austin, TX), lead by Grandmaster Moses Williams, held a Marial Arts class with the youth at the African American Youth Harvest Foundation. Professor Moses Williams, has 47 years of marital arts and holds a Ph.D. in Martial Arts Science.
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MICHAEL LOFTON INSPIRING THE YOUTH AFTER MARITAL ARTS CLASS (he says it and the youth repeat it)! “I am Magical, I am Important, My Mental Health Matters…”
WATCH THE FULL VIDEO HERE!
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5/18: AAYHF attended the Manor ISD The Whole Child, Community Partnerships and Engagement Team at their 2nd Annual Mental Health Fair –
Healing and Connection event.
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Girl’s Mentoring Group on May 9
Topic: Deep Down Feelings
A night of talking about feelings and how to manage emotions.
“After talking it out, we all pretty much left FEELING just fine… 😊“
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AAYHF Annual Mother’s Day Celebration and Photo Shoot.
This is another special event sponsored by the Foundation and wonderful donors, such as yourself! Moms received a free photo shoot with family members of their choice, fresh roses, and a gift bag.
Here are only a few of the beautiful photos taken in 2023!
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AAYHF celebrated Juneteenth in St. John Colony this year–a place where several previously enslaved families relocated to from Galveston, Texas after finding out two years later that slavery in the U.S. had been abolished per the Emancipation Proclamation, 1863.
Michael Lofton, Founder & CEO, AAYHF, great, great, grandmother, Mary Jane Jones Roland, was part of that movement and he was there for the celebration of family, community and most of all freedom!
| Urban University Youth Summer Camp is an annual 6-week camp for youth 5-18 years old. Campers engage in technology, various workshops, entrepreneurs, corporate volunteers, local artists and activists all share their life and career experiences to inspire our Campers also youth enjoy recreation, weekly field trips, making friends and so much more! | AAYHF 2023 Events – List View | |
Urban University 2023
July 3 – July 7
Week 5
What an incredible week for our Campers!
They spent a day with Austin Police/SWAT/Sheriff/K-9/Drone Units, EMS and Firefighters, who gave them an old school “splash party”! Their week ended in Judge Mueller’s court room for a mock trial! What an amazing experience for our Campers! Transportation proudly provided by our very own “Harvest Foundation” bus, two of our vans and chaperones, who we appreciate very much!
| July 31 – Michael Lofton and wife, Elaine, were invited as Special Guests to attend the Art of Living – Sixth Sense – Meditation & Wisdom with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. | AAYHF Mentoring – Boys2Men & Queens2Be | |
Friday, August 25, 2023 – March on Washington
Pre-Event Day – Washington, D.C.
Michael Lofton photographed with, Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder & President, National Action Network (NAN)/Civil Rights Activist.
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Saturday, August 26, 2023 –
Event Day
60th Anniversary MLK March on Washington for Jobs & Freedom –
Washington, D.C.
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STEM, Technology, 3-D Printing, Gaming & Coding and more is offered at no charge for youth ages kindergarten through 12th grade inside of the Dell Tech Lounge.
STEM workshops are one of the continuous programs that AAYHF offers for young people.
What is STEM? STEM consists of the natural sciences, technology-related, engineering and math fields.
For more info: contactus@aayhf.org
| We appreciate your year-round generous support! | |
***EVENT DAY PREP***
We had 100s of backpacks and school supplies to sort and fill for our Annual Community Backpack Giveaway, which was August 12, 2023.
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***EVENT DAY***
Annual Back-to-School
Community Event –
Saturday, August 12, 2023
Thank you to all of our Sponsors, Donors, Vendors, Partners, Volunteers and the AAYHF Team for making the day an amazing day for our youth and families!
Here are some memorable moments throughout the day!
| ***EVENT DAY VOLUNTEERS*** | |
AAYHF Queens to Be (Q2B) girls’ mentoring group is an outstanding example of the commitment that the AAYHF team has to young people. The program provides girls with the support and guidance they need to succeed, and it helps them to develop into strong, confident women.
The program is designed to help girls in a variety of ways, including:
- Academic support, Life skills, Personal development, Social Skills, Healthy Relationships and more!
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AAYHF Boys2Men Male Mentoring Program offers specific benefits:
- Culturally competent mentors: The program matches young men with mentors who understand their unique cultural background and experiences.
- Targeted support: The program focuses on addressing the specific challenges faced by all young men and specifically African American youth, such as systemic racism and lack of access to resources.
- Holistic approach: The program provides comprehensive support, including academic help, career guidance, and social-emotional support.
Overall, male mentoring with the African American Youth Harvest Foundation can be a transformative experience for both mentors and mentees. It provides a vital opportunity for young men of all ethnicities to reach their full potential and for men to contribute to their community in a meaningful way.
| Another benefit of our free weekly mentoring programs is that a delicious, nutritious and hot meal is served and prepared onsite! | AAYHF Annual “Changing the Story” Gala & Legacy Awards Weekend included multiple family-friendly events with special guest Martin Luther King III | Friday, October 27, 2023 – VIP Brunch & AAYHF Facility Tour | Friday, October 27, 2023 – AAYHF Facility Tour | Saturday, October 28, 2023 – Statewide Youth Summit | Saturday, October 28, 2023 – Gala & Legacy Awards Night | |
Sunday, October 1 – AAYHF hosted a tailgate filming with
Charles Nook Turner Byrd – CEO & Founder Bread City Entertainment and CEO & Founder at Jump On It.
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We were proud of open the state of Texas very first trauma recovery center – The Harvest Trauma Recovery Center. We welcomed the community and the media with a ribbon cutting ceremony on November 1, 2023!
The center is dedicated to serving those who have been impacted by violence, depression and all areas of mental health wellness and treatment.
| AAYHF is proud to partner with the organization Mission Accomplished for their Thanksgiving Day Meal Basket Giveaway! | |
EVENT DAY – NOVEMBER 19, 2023
Austin Achieve High School
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See for yourself the excitement that takes place in our Mentoring Programs and around the Offices of the Harvest Foundation!
Open the YouTube video links below to learn more about the vision and mission Michael Lofton, Founder & CEO, and the AAYHF Team have for young people and the community!
| SOME OF AAYHF COMMUNITY PARTNERS AND SUPPORT IN 2023! | We appreciate the support of Cadence Bank Foundation! Thank you, Mr. Rogers, for visiting AAYHF on September 26, 2023! | Thank you to our friends at The Brewtorium Brewery & Kitchen (Austin, TX) for their ongoing support! | |
“Delighted to connect Michael Lofton, CEO of African American Youth Harvest Foundation with TCSOA (Travis County Sheriff’s Officers Association) leadership. I’m grateful that The Association presented a check to support AAYHF youth programs.”
—Commissioner Ann Howard – at Travis County, Texas – Government.
| Thanks to Jack n Jill Austin Chapter for supporting AAYHF! | Thank you to A+ Federal Credit Union for their generous support of AAYHF families and programs! | |
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STEM, Technology, 3-D Printing, Gaming & Coding and more is offered at no charge for youth ages kindergarten through 12th grade inside of the Dell Tech Lounge.
STEM workshops are one of the continuous programs that AAYHF offers for young people.
What is STEM? STEM consists of the natural sciences, technology-related, engineering and math fields.
For more info: contactus@aayhf.org
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AAYHF TOY DRIVE & DISTRIBUTION DAY, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2023 | |
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AAYHF Gift Wrapping Party 2023 & Donations –
We are so grateful for our Volunteers, Donors & AAYHF Team
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What an amazing day as AAYHF & CapMetro celebrated partnership and the public bus advertisement revealing, which shows Michael Lofton, President/Founder/CEO, AAYHF, Martin Luther King III, and Foundation Youth in a technology session inside of AAYHF’s Dell Tech Lounge (taken during Martin Luther King III’s visit to the Foundation in October/Gala Awards Weekend). | AAYHF Staff Holiday Office Party 2023 | |
CONGRATULATIONS Michael Lofton – African American Youth Harvest Foundation
MICHAEL LOFTON received the 2023 “Outstanding Texan” Award, nominated by Representative Sheryl Cole. This took place December 11, 2023, during the 50th Anniversary of the Texas Black Caucus Celebration Brunch.
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It’s been a pleasure serving the Austin community throughout 2023. Your support has been vital to our success, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without you.
We’re filled with excitement and motivation for what lies ahead in 2024. We can’t wait to continue working alongside you to make a positive impact.
Wishing you and your family all the very best for the holidays and a joyous, prosperous New Year!
We look forward to achieving great things together in 2024!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS &
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
~Michael Lofton, Founder/President/CEO – & the AAYHF Team – African American Youth Harvest Foundation
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African American Youth Harvest Foundation
www.aayhf.org
6633 Hwy 290 E., #307
Austin, TX 78723
512-428-4480
Email: CONTACTUS@AAYHF.ORG
Michael Lofton, Founder & CEO
WAYS TO DONATE:
www.aayhf.org/donate
Text a Donation: Text the word
CHANGE to 77948
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