***PRESS RELEASE*** Martin Luther King III will present a special dedication honoring over 20 years of service by the African American Youth Harvest Foundation on January 6–7, 2026.  —  Click Here to View the Press Release

AAYHF NEWS

Powered By Partnership: A+ Federal Credit Union Volunteers With AAYHF

AAYHF Weekly News & Updates

Don’t Miss Out: Urban University Summer Camp Registration Is Now Open!

From programming to partnerships — here’s what’s new at the African American Youth Harvest Foundation.

April 7, 2026 Youth Family Justice
African American Youth Harvest Foundation banner

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.

This volunteer visit was especially powerful because it reflects what true community partnership looks like. Their team’s enthusiasm and spirit helped move our work forward in tangible ways and reminded our staff just how impactful corporate volunteerism can be.

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.

Community Impact

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 a wide range of 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.

AAYHF Launches Satellite Resource Center in Eastern Travis County / Manor, Texas

Greetings from Michael Lofton, President / C.E.O. / Founder.

It gives me great pleasure to share that AAYHF has begun launching a series of programs and services in Manor, Texas, at the request of the community, Manor ISD, and the City Manager’s Office.

Currently, AAYHF has staff serving on approximately 10 Manor ISD campuses, working closely with youth and their families by providing impactful programs and a range of supportive services. In the coming weeks, AAYHF will officially open a food bank in Manor to further support local families.

The expansion of AAYHF services into the Manor community has been warmly welcomed. Many parents have expressed appreciation, noting that they no longer have to travel to Austin to access essential social services and group mentoring programs.

We look forward to continuing to serve and uplift the Manor community.

A Powerful Launch in Manor: Community Engagement Resource Fair Brings Families, Partners, and Hope Together

The African American Youth Harvest Foundation extends a heartfelt thank you to our community for showing up and coming out to support our Community Engagement Resource Fair at the Harvest Manor Satellite Facility.

The Resource Fair welcomed over 100 families and was supported by more than 20 service providers, offering access to food, household items, hygiene products, clothing, shoes, healthcare services, counseling, employment resources, and other vital community supports, all in one place.

We were honored to welcome distinguished attendees whose presence underscored the importance of this initiative, including Mayor Harvey, City Manager Scott Moore, representatives from Senator Eckhardt’s Office, District Attorney José Garza, Central Health, HTRC, Austin Public Health, Travis County Health and Human Services, and numerous nonprofit partners.

In response to this momentum, AAYHF is preparing to launch a community food pantry in the coming weeks, with dedicated service hours for families in Manor. Plans are also underway to host another community wellness event in the coming weeks.

Sharing the Joy of Easter: 2nd Annual Easter Meal Basket Giveaway

The African American Youth Harvest Foundation was honored to support families across our community during our 2nd Annual Easter Meal Basket Giveaway, a moment rooted in love, care, and togetherness.

This year’s giveaway was made possible through the continued generosity and partnership of The Links Incorporated, Townlake (TX) Chapter. Because of their support, even more families felt supported and prepared to celebrate the Easter season.

Each family received a thoughtfully prepared Easter meal basket designed to bring comfort, nourishment, and joy to their homes. More than just meals, these baskets represented the reminder that our families are seen, valued, and supported.

Supporting Student Wellness: AAYHF Visits Manor New Tech High School’s Mental Health Fair

AAYHF was proud to serve as a community resource at the Manor New Tech High School Mental Health Fair, an event dedicated to supporting student wellness, connection, and access to vital mental health resources.

Held on campus in the outdoor courtyard, the fair welcomed students in grades 9–12, along with school staff, for a day focused on education, engagement, and support.

AAYHF joined other community partners in sharing information, materials, and interactive engagement designed to meet students where they are. We applaud Manor New Tech High School for creating a welcoming environment that encouraged participation and dialogue.

Upcoming Registration Opportunities

Mother’s Day Photoshoot Registration Is Now Open!

Registration is officially open for our 2026 Mother’s Day Photoshoot. This special experience offers families the chance to enjoy a professional photo session and walk away with timeless memories.

Saturday, May 2, 2026
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
6633 Hwy 290 East, Austin, TX 78723

Deadline: April 25, 2026, at 12:00 PM, or until all spots are filled.

  • 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 Now Open!

Get ready for a summer full of learning, leadership, and fun! From June 1 – July 3, 2026, youth ages 5–18 can participate in a full-day summer camp experience that includes academic enrichment, STEM & technology, creative arts, leadership development, and educational field trips.

Location: Austin Achieve Public Schools
Time: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Cost: $50 per child, includes breakfast, lunch and snacks.

Select middle and high school students can participate in a STEM Certification Track. Space is limited and registration closes April 27, 2026, or once capacity is reached.

Earn a Technology Certification This Summer with AAYHF

AAYHF 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.

Dates: June 1 – July 2, 2026
Location: Austin Achieve Public Schools, 7424 Hwy 290 East, Austin, TX 78723
Full-Day Programming: Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Daily meals are included. Participants will gain hands-on experience while building critical skills, including access to the Grow with Google Certification pathway.

Program Highlights

Boys 2 Men – Mentorship & Leadership Development

This week, participants gathered for an impactful evening focused on perspective and time management. Through guided discussion and hands-on activities, students reflected on how their experiences shape the way they view challenges and how today’s choices influence their future.

Meets: Tuesdays from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM, with open enrollment.

Register for Boys 2 Men

Queens2Be Exposed: Confidence. Purpose. Growth.

Last week’s mentoring session created a meaningful space for reflection, vision-setting, and personal growth as participants looked ahead to who they are becoming. The girls worked through a five-year plan and explored traits their future selves should possess.

Meets: Thursdays from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM.

Register for Queens 2BE Exposed

KREW 12 – Digital Media & Production

KREW12 students brought creativity and competition together as they premiered 60-second recap videos from the Spurs field trip. Students showed impressive growth in editing, storytelling, and confidence.

Meets: Thursdays from 5:15 PM – 7:30 PM.

Register for KREW 12

Manor Mentoring – School Enrichment

During this week’s Manor Mentoring group sessions, students were introduced to AAYHF’s Creativity and Citizenship series, helping young people understand their role in shaping their communities and expressing themselves in positive ways.

Register for Manor Mentoring

Queens 2 Be – Mentorship & Empowerment

This week, Queens 2 Be provided a much-needed moment of rest and renewal through a relaxing mental wellness session with dinner, games, music, arts and crafts, and time to recharge in a safe and affirming space.

Meets: Tuesdays from 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM.

Register for Queens 2 Be

STEM Technology Program

Students continued making strong progress on their robotics cars, applying critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. AAYHF also hosted a soft launch of its upcoming esports program.

Meets: Thursdays from 5:00 PM – 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 and build positive study habits.

Register for Tutoring

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 today.

Connect with AAYHF

To learn more about our mentors and hear from them directly, watch the video below or visit us online.

512-428-4480
6633 Hwy 290 East, Suite 307, Austin, TX 78723

African American Youth Harvest Foundation

Serving youth, families, and the community through programs rooted in opportunity, wellness, education, and collective impact.

Address: 6633 Hwy 290 East, Suite 307, Austin, TX 78723
Phone: 512-428-4480
Email: contactus@aayhf.org
Website: www.aayhf.org

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