MARCH 20: New East Side Farmer’s Market

Posted on January 27, 2012 by givingcityaustin

The Sustainable Food Center will open the new farmer’s market on March 20, and while it’s not the only farmer’s market on Austin’s east side, it is the only farmer’s market in the state that will accept electronic payment from the SNAP and WIC programs, those federally funded food programs for the poor and women and children.

It’s also the only farmer’s market in the state using the new Double Dollar Incentive Program. More on that below.

First, the new location: SFC Farmers’ Market East, will operate weekly from 10 am to 1 pm on Tuesdays at the YMCA East, 5315 Ed Bluestein (Hwy. 183 at 51st Street). (SEE MAP)


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Next, here’s what makes this one special: “This farmers’ market will help fill the long-identified gap in northeast Austin where access to fresh, local food is limited,” said SFC executive director Ronda Rutledge. “This particular market will include incentives of matching dollars to be given to shoppers who use their SNAP and WIC fruits and vegetable benefits for purchases weekly,” she says, describing the Double Dollar Incentive Program, which doubles the value of any purchase made with SNAP dollars at farmers markets, up to $20 a week.

And here’s what makes it great: The East market will also host a tasting tent that alternates weekly with short cooking demos featuring recipes from The Happy Kitchen/La Cocina Alegre™. The market is also located where green space, trees, a playing field and playground are readily accessible. “We’re grateful for our programmatic partnership with the YMCA and look forward to the cross-programming possibilities at this new farmers’ market site,” said Ronda.

There will be at least 10 vegetable and fruit farmers at this market, along with several ranchers and farmers who will bring meats, eggs, honey and dairy. In addition, the SFC Farmers’ Market East will consist of farmers’ market food vendors that sell breakfast foods such as tamales, tacos, and more.

And to make it fun: The March 20th kickoff will include grand opening ceremonies and special music, cooking and tasting, children’s activities, YMCA activities, door prizes and giveaways. The DDIP program at this market is made possible through funding from St. David’s Foundation, Texas Department of Agriculture, USDA, FarmAid and Wholesome Wave.

For more information about the markets, see www.sfcfarmersmarket.org. Also see www.sustainablefoodcenter.org.

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NEW! GivingCity Austin #10 Now Available

Posted on January 10, 2012 by givingcityaustin


Thanks to our sponsors:

          

The new issue is ready. Click below or on the cover to start reading it now.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

“Where Did The Money Go?” If millions of dollars were raised to help wildfire victims, why are families still suffering?

“How to Help a Returning Soldier” U.S. soldiers face depression, PTSD and suicide in increasing numbers. Here are some organizations helping them come home.

PLUS: Navigating the pet charities, teamwork for teen moms, Alamo Drafthouse’s new giving plan and Mary Margaret Farabee.

Feedback welcome! Let us know what you think! And please share the link with a colleague or friend.

 

Filed under: About the magazine, Animal Welfare, Arts & Culture, Children's Services, Community Services, Disaster Relief, Education/Training, Environment, Events, Health Care, Homelessness/Housing, Learning opportunities, Legal Services, Literacy, Poverty/Basic Needs, Seniors' Services, State of Austin Philanthropy, The business of nonprofits, Victims' Services, What it's like to give, What it's like to lead, What it's like to need, What it's like to volunteer | Leave a Comment »

JAN 10: GivingCity Austin Issue #10 Launch Party

Posted on December 19, 2011 by givingcityaustin

Join us as we celebrate the 10th issue of GivingCity Austin,
the quarterly magazine supported by Austin Community Foundation
to connect more people to local philanthropy

GivingCity Austin Issue #10 Launch Party
Tuesday, Jan. 10, 5:30 – 8:30
Center 61, a co-working space for nonprofits, 2921 E. 17th St, Austin TX 78702
$10 suggested donation, benefiting Latinitas

RSVP NOW
Choose a free ticket OR donate $10 to Latinitas
All donors get a sweet Latinitas button at the event!

We’re celebrating a new year and a new look by DJ Stout and Pentagram. We’ll have a limited number of print copies at the event, but you can also find us online on Jan. 10 at GivingCityAustin.com.

It’s a fundraiser for Latinitas! This fantastic nonprofit is particularly close to our hearts – it helps Latina girls find their voice using online media…. sound like an editor you know? Plus, it’s their 10-year anniversary! Read more about Latinitas here.

Big thanks to our big event sponsors:Deep Eddy Vodka

And a special thanks to the following for their support of GivingCity Austin:

The Seton Foundation

Give Realty

Affinity IG

Austin Parks Foundation

Center 61

Association of Fundraising Professionals, Austin Chapter

 

GivingCity Austin will be available at the launch party as well as at the Austin Community Foundation, Capital Area Food Bank, United Way Capital Area, Greenlights for Nonprofits and Latinitas; as always, the issue is also viewable online on this site in the “Magazine” tab.

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The Three Wise Men, 2011

Posted on December 18, 2011 by givingcityaustin

Some of the smartest people I know are announcing that they don’t believe in gifts and shopping and the complete commercialization of what the holidays have become. Most of them reference the crazy Wal-Mart woman and the pepper spray incident.

And I know many of us are extremely lucky and we don’t actually need anything. But can I just make a case for giving?

I mean, I’m down with your attitude about receiving. It’s awkward, it’s embarrassing. You have to muster surprise and gratitude, you have to be polite and charming. It’s just so weird.

But giving…. Giving always feels good. I had a big fight with my sisters last year because they insisted that they didn’t want any gifts. And they were trying to stop me from giving them gifts.

Have you ever wanted to help someone, donate to a cause, volunteer, only to be told, “No, thanks. We don’t need you.” It’s rejection, but it’s more. What do you do with that feeling of wanting to give someone something? Where does it go?

So in the spirit of Christmas, which is what I celebrate, I would like to retell the story of the three wise men – smart men like my friends, right? I mean, it’s in their name. So it’s three wise men confronting this problem of, “What to give the infant who doesn’t actually need anything.” (Please note: I love Jesus, I taught Sunday school for three years… I am not making fun of the Bible! Gah!)

When King Herod heard about the birth of the “King of the Jews,” he asked the three wise men to go to Bethlehem and check it out. They set out and followed a star that they had seen rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was.

But before they left, they had a quick discussion about what to get him. “We can’t just show up with nothing,” said one of the wise men.

“Yes, but it’s the King of the Jews,” said another. “He doesn’t need anything.”

“I agree,” said the third, “but from what I heard, he’s living in a manger, which is not really the most posh place to grow up, you know?”

“Fine,” said the second. “But what do you get someone who has everything? He’s a KING, remember? Plus, he’s an infant. So… I mean, a blanket? What do you get a baby king?”

“Stop being so selfish,” said the first wise man. “Everybody likes to get gifts. Let’s take a treasure chest of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Everybody likes that.”

“Are you out of your mind? Do you know how hard it’s going to be to find that this time of year? Plus, it’s all just stuff. They’re traveling by donkey, for heaven’s sake, how are they going to carry that around?”

“I mean, isn’t it enough that we’re showing up,” asked the third wise men. “We’re traveling a long way and it’s going to cost us a mint. We have to bring a gift, too?”

“Okay, okay,” said the first. “We’ll just SHOW UP and say, ‘Hey, Christ. Thanks for being the son of God and offering us a chance to enter heaven. WE’RE HERE.’”

And after a few more minutes of this, they decided that society was forcing them to bring gifts. So they carried the treasure chest all the way to Bethlehem and the manger. And when they got there, Joseph said, “Thank you so much for coming. This is Jesus. He’s your savior. Aw, you brought gifts?”

And Mary said, “You didn’t have to.” Then she hugged them and kissed them on both cheeks and even let them hold the baby for a little while.

THE END

I mean, you had to know how I felt about this. It’s not called “WeDontBelieveinGivingCity Austin,” is it?

Filed under: What it's like to give | 2 Comments »

Carstarphen’s State of the District summary

Posted on December 5, 2011 by givingcityaustin

In case you missed it, here’s the email sent to Austin Independent School District Partners from Dr. Maria Carstarphen’s office as a follow-up to her State of the District event on November 30.

Dear AISD Partners,

Thank you for joining me at the third annual AISD State of the District Address-both in person and online!

I was delighted to open the event to the tune of “Singing in the Rain,” thanks to the wizardry of the McCallum theater team. There is much to sing about as we say goodbye to last year’s budget cuts, TAKS and the 2011 Legislative Session.

It’s been stormy at times this past year, but the clouds are starting to clear. Your support is critical as we move in the right direction and make progress toward our goals. I am pleased that we have earned your support and am very proud of our district and our outcomes.

The district’s commitment to students has remained steady as we focus on boosting their academic performance, which has resulted in successes such as:

  • For the second year, at least 80 percent of all students met or exceeded state standards in every subject;
  • Achievement gaps have narrowed by half since 2003;
  • The district has made steady academic progress over the past year and throughout the history of the TAKS testing program, which is being replaced this spring by the new STAAR assessment system; and
  • More students are applying and are ready for college than ever before!

Working together, the district’s team members have achieved remarkable things, despite a challenging budget situation. We also maintain the second lowest tax rate compared to surrounding districts.

On the budget front, I am excited to report the district is on sound financial footing. This year, there will be no layoffs and no declaration of financial exigency, so that our staff can feel secure in their jobs and focus on the work of educating children.

However, even with all of the great achievements, we will face some challenges-so we will need to continue to prioritize, stabilize, and optimize during the biennium to ensure we can build on these successes.

Together, team members throughout the district are working to:

  • Improve educational outcomes by boosting early literacy and graduation rates and by meeting the needs of the growing population of English Language Learners;
  • Improve special education performance to meet federal standards for Adequate Yearly Progress, or AYP;
  • Use the Facility Master Plan Framework to create a plan for the use of facilities throughout the district; and
  • Transition successfully from TAKS-centered test preparation to the “Whole Child” model under STAAR.

As the State of the District concluded, guests joined me and McCallum students to renew our commitment to addressing these challenges together by singing “High Hopes”-a fitting closing note to a period that is sounding with optimism for the future of AISD.

Thank you for your steady support throughout the stormy days and for remaining focused on the bright side of our work-creating and strengthening educational opportunities for children.

And, thank you for your commitment to the district and to the children of Austin. I have high hopes for their-and our-continued success!

Regards,

Meria J. Carstarphen

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Asking for help

Posted on December 1, 2011 by givingcityaustin

I just got a call from a dad asking where he can register his kids for an adopt-a-family program for Christmas.

Can you imagine what it must take to make that call?

I’m terrible at asking for help. If I really needed it, if my family needed it, could I do it?

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GivingCity Austin Issue 9: Celebrate volunteers!

Posted on November 28, 2011 by givingcityaustin

GivingCity Austin cover THE NEW ISSUE IS READY

START READING THE
FALL 2011 ISSUE NOW

INSIDE: Celebrate Volunteers!

  • H-E-B Feast of Sharing hosts more than 1,000 volunteers every year. Here’s why.
  • The surprising philosophy of Will Meredith
  • Why Mike Haggerty kept Turkey Trot going for +20 years
  • Matt Kouri on how to judge a nonprofit
  • and much more!

 

GivingCity is shareable! Send it to a friend, click on the links, post it to Facebook.

Thanks for your support!

 

Filed under: About the magazine, Animal Welfare, Arts & Culture, Children's Services, Community Services, Disaster Relief, Education/Training, Environment, Events, Giving opportunities, Health Care, Homelessness/Housing, Interview, Learning opportunities, Legal Services, Literacy, Poverty/Basic Needs, Seniors' Services, State of Austin Philanthropy, The business of nonprofits, Victims' Services, Volunteering, Volunteering opportunities, What it's like to give, What it's like to lead, What it's like to need, What it's like to volunteer | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Major Network Seeking Inspiring Stories

Posted on November 27, 2011 by givingcityaustin

Casting directors from shows like “The Biggest Loser” and “Extreme Home Makeover” are looking for unsung heroes and the people whose lives they’ve changed.

See this from their flyer:

Do you know someone who is constantly giving back and changing lives of those in the community? Does this person never seek credit or ask for anything in return?

Or do you now someone who has overcome obstables with the help of a mentor? Has this person’s life turned around because of the generosity of others?

This is a new documentary for a major network looking for those people who have made big changes in their lives and the people who helped them along the way.

If you have an inspiring story to share, email us today! Help us celebrate these selfless heroes and those whose lives have been changed!

Email us at givebackkate@gmail.com

Please include your name, contact number and photo along with a brief paragraph about yourself and your story.

Filed under: Events, Interview | Leave a Comment »

SAT NOV 19: ECHO Family Carnival – Go!

Posted on November 18, 2011 by givingcityaustin

The Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO) is pleased to invite all Austin-area families to the final event in the Austin 2011 Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, the ECHO Family Festival.

The ECHO Family Festival will take place on Saturday, November 19 from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at the St. Ignatius Family Center, 126 West Oltorf Street. This event is FREE and will give families the opportunity to experience the simple joy that comes with helping our neighbors while learning more about homelessness in our community.

The Family Festival will include:

  • Food and drinks including hot dogs, nachos, and lots of other yummy treats!
  • Four different service stations with opportunities for kids and parents to work together to make a difference! Stations will include a survival kit assembly station, a holiday card decoration station, an ornament station, and a Turkey bag station! The survival kits will be placed into the Turkey bags and can then be taken with each family to hand out to a homeless person or left at the event to be handed out by the organization.
  • Fun games for the kids, like a fishing booth, beanbag toss, and much more!
  • Entertainment including a magician, clown, face painter, and caricature artist!
  • An educational station for parents to get answers about how to talk to their kids about homelessness

This event is sponsored by Facility Solutions Group (FSG) and the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO). Austin’s Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (November 11-19, 2011) is put on by ECHO, a nonprofit organization that works tirelessly to end homelessness. All food and activities are FREE.

If you have questions about the ECHO Family Festival, please email Amber Fogarty.

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Tax-prep volunteers needed

Posted on November 10, 2011 by givingcityaustin

Sorry, did you just fall asleep?

Well, wake up! Because this is one of those rare opportunities when you can help put millions of dollars into our local economy. (Via the Community Action Network e-newsletter….)

Community Tax Centers is recruiting volunteers to help low-income families claim millions of dollars in tax refunds and credits.  By providing free income tax preparation services, IRS certified volunteers give working families a chance to build a financial future.  For the 2012 tax season, over 700 volunteers are needed to reach the goal of completing 20,000 tax returns and putting $32 million back into the pockets of those who need it most.

What is takes to volunteer:

  • Complete 8-12 hours of New Volunteer Training – No Prior Experience Required!
  • A commitment of just 3hrs/wk, or a total of 36 hours, between January and April
  • CPE credits are offered for CPA’s that receive their IRS certification and
  • volunteer the 36 hours requested
  • A desire to give back to YOUR community

There are 10 conveniently located tax centers throughout Austin, including one in Round Rock and Del Valle.  For more information, other ways to volunteer and to sign up to volunteer e-mail Jackie.Blair@foundcom.org  or call 512-610-7377.

Filed under: Community Services, Legal Services, Poverty/Basic Needs, Volunteering opportunities | 1 Comment »

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