April 7, 2026
AAYHF Weekly News & Updates
From programming to partnerships — here’s what’s new at the African American Youth Harvest Foundation.
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.
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.
The fair created meaningful opportunities for connection, information sharing, and access to health, wellness, and employment resources. 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
It gives me great pleasure to share that the African American Youth Harvest Foundation 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.
In the weeks ahead, AAYHF will continue to roll out additional services and announce office hours for the food bank, along with other initiatives. These efforts are part of a broader vision to replicate our successful service model currently operating in Austin, Texas, located at 6633 Highway 290 East, Austin, Texas 78723.
We look forward to continuing to serve and uplift the Manor community.
Michael Lofton
President / C.E.O. / Founder
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 love, energy, and enthusiasm shared throughout the day made this event a truly special and impactful milestone for AAYHF.
This event marked the official launch of AAYHF services in Manor, Texas, expanding the meaningful work we have already been doing at our Highway 290 office. Celebrating this new chapter alongside our neighbors made the moment even more meaningful.
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.
The space was filled with hope, collaboration, and genuine community care. 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.
Feedback from city leadership and community members was overwhelmingly positive. The event also inspired strong community engagement, with many residents signing up to volunteer and support future AAYHF efforts.
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, ensuring continued access to vital resources and support.
Sharing the Joy of Easter: 2nd Annual Easter Meal Basket Giveaway
This weekend was a beautiful reminder of what community looks like in action.
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, we were able to expand our reach and ensure that 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.
From all of us at the African American Youth Harvest Foundation, thank you to every family who joined us and trusted us to be a part of your Easter celebration.
Supporting Student Wellness: AAYHF Visits Manor New Tech High School’s Mental Health Fair
The African American Youth Harvest Foundation 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. The event created an important opportunity to connect young people with tools and resources they can turn to during challenging moments.
AAYHF joined other community partners in sharing information, materials, and interactive engagement designed to meet students where they are. Our presence focused on reinforcing the importance of mental wellness, community support, and letting students know they are not alone.
We applaud Manor New Tech High School for their intentional approach to student well-being and for creating a welcoming environment that encouraged participation and dialogue.
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.
Why You’ll Love It
- A joyful, family-friendly atmosphere
- High-quality professional photos
- A heartfelt way to honor mothers and create lasting keepsakes
Deadline: April 25, 2026, at 12:00 PM, or until all spots are filled.
Spots are limited and tend to fill quickly, so families are encouraged to register as soon as possible.
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
Cost includes: breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
Select middle and high school students can participate in a STEM Certification Track.
Space is limited. Registration closes April 27, 2026, or once capacity is reached.
Contact: contactus@aayhf.org | 512-428-4480 | www.aayhf.org
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.
Address: 7424 Hwy 290 East, Austin, TX 78723
Daily meals are included, with breakfast, lunch, and snacks provided.
This immersive summer program offers students the opportunity to earn a direct technology certification, including access to the Grow with Google Certification pathway. Participants will gain hands-on experience while building critical skills that extend beyond the classroom.
Space is limited, and families are encouraged to register early.
Youth Programs & Weekly Updates
Boys 2 Men – Mentorship & Leadership Development
This week, participants in AAYHF’s Boys 2 Men program gathered for an impactful evening focused on two essential life skills: perspective and time management.
Youth explored how perspective influences reactions, relationships, and personal growth. The evening was enriched by a session led by guest speaker Mr. Lance, who brought the concept of time to life in a meaningful and relatable way.
Meets: Tuesdays, 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM, with open enrollment.
Register for Boys 2 MenQueens2Be Exposed: Confidence. Purpose. Growth.
Last week’s Queens 2 Be Exposed 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, explored the traits their future selves should possess, and reflected on habits or behaviors their current selves may need to release.
Meets: Thursdays, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM.
Register for Queens 2BE ExposedKREW 12 – Digital Media & Production
This week, KREW12 students brought creativity and competition together as they premiered their 60-second recap videos from the Spurs field trip.
Students showed impressive growth in editing, storytelling, and confidence. The momentum continues as they now compete for a $300 cash prize or a camera package through attendance, participation, and creativity.
Meets: Thursdays, 5:15 PM – 7:30 PM.
Register for KREW 12Manor Mentoring – School Enrichment
During this week’s Manor Mentoring group sessions, students were introduced to AAYHF’s Creativity and Citizenship series, an initiative designed to help young people understand their role in shaping their communities and expressing themselves in positive ways.
The highlight of the session was an interactive charades activity focused on citizenship and acts of service.
Register for Manor MentoringQueens 2 Be – Mentorship & Empowerment
This week, Queens 2 Be provided a much-needed moment of rest and renewal for young ladies through a relaxing, mental wellness-focused session designed to help them unwind and recharge.
The evening offered dinner, games, music, arts and crafts, and the option to watch a movie in a safe and affirming space.
Meets: Tuesdays, 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM.
Register for Queens 2 BeSTEM Technology Program
This week during STEM, students continued making strong progress on their robotics cars, applying critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills as they worked toward completing their builds.
AAYHF also hosted a soft launch of the upcoming esports program, giving students an introduction to expectations while gathering feedback on games they enjoy and would like to play in a team setting.
Meets: Thursdays, 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM.
Register for STEMTutoring – 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.
Register for TutoringBecome a Mentor
To learn more about our mentors and hear from them directly, watch the video below or visit the mentor page to get involved today.
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
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