More Gala Pictures & Professional Images Photo Links Included! The Harvest Trauma Recovery Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Nov. 1!
AAYHF celebrated a powerful weekend of community events with Martin Luther King III, the Annual “Changing the Story” Gala & Legacy Awards, mentoring program highlights, partner support, and the grand opening of The Harvest Trauma Recovery Center.
Michael Lofton One-on-One with Martin Luther King III
Michael Lofton sat down one-on-one with Martin Luther King III at the AAYHF studio. Watch the featured video from this memorable visit and community weekend.
VIP Brunch, Panel Discussion & AAYHF Facility Tour
Friday’s VIP Brunch and Panel Discussion at Impact Hub featured Martin Luther King III and distinguished panel guests, followed by an AAYHF Facility and Youth Resource Center tour.
Moderator: Michael Lofton
Panelists: Pastor Joseph Parker, Gary Bledsoe of NAACP, Martin Luther King III, Dr. Joyce James, and Commissioner Jeff Travillion.
View Professional VIP Brunch PhotosVIP Brunch & AAYHF Tour Highlights
- Foundation Tour, Youth Resource Center, and Black Men’s Health Clinic
- Michael Lofton sits down one-on-one with Martin Luther King III
- MLK III visits youth in the Dell Tech Lounge
- Tour continued throughout the building and other resident nonprofit organizations
- Group photo outside of AAYHF
Statewide Youth Summit & Annual Gala Weekend
Statewide Youth Summit
Saturday, October 28 — AISD Performing Arts Center
Martin Luther King III was the keynote speaker at the Youth Summit. Youth attendees, from young children through teenagers, participated in topic panel discussions, dance teams entertained the audience, and AAYHF rewarded young people who asked questions with gifts.
View Youth Summit Photos
Changing the Story Annual Gala & Legacy Awards
Saturday, October 28, 2023 — Fairmont Hotel Downtown Austin
The 2023 AAYHF Annual “Changing the Story” Gala & Legacy Awards featured keynote speaker Martin Luther King III and honored community legacy leaders.
Legacy Awards Honorees
AAYHF recognized Legacy Awards Honorees during the gala celebration. There were 70 honorees; not all were photographed.
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting — The Harvest Trauma Recovery Center
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
AAYHF hosted a press conference for the ribbon cutting ceremony for The Harvest Trauma Recovery Center, announcing Texas’ first trauma recovery center.
From Trauma to Triumph
The center offers free evidence-based mental health support, direct help with a crisis, help with food and housing, legal assistance, and more.
Location: Youth Harvest Foundation Offices, 6633 U.S. Hwy 290 E., Suite 300
More information: hello@harvesttrc.org • harvesttrc.org • 844.428.HTRC (4872)
KVUE Coverage
Trauma recovery center opens in Austin.
Watch CoverageCommunity Impact Coverage
Harvest Trauma Recovery Center brings free community violence support services to Austin.
Read ArticleAustin Chronicle Coverage
New “One-Stop Shop” for trauma recovery is the first in Texas.
Read ArticleOct. 20–24 With AAYHF
Queens2Be & Boys2Men Weekly Mentoring Programs
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
The African American Youth Harvest Foundation offers year-round support and activities for youth, adults, and families to help them develop and reach their full potential.
Q2B welcomed Ms. Bria from “Real Queens Fix Each Other’s Crown” for a mental health activity focusing on encouragement, coping skills, and supporting others.
- The best advice you have ever gotten
- Something you do that makes you feel better when you’re feeling down
- Something you have said to someone else to make them feel better
Travis County Commissioners Court Proclamation
On Tuesday, October 24, AAYHF received a proclamation from Travis County Commissioners Court for hosting the Annual Gala & Legacy Awards Event at Fairmont Hotel Austin.
Oct. 16–20 With AAYHF
Queens2Be Health Care Careers Academy Night
Queens2Be participants worked with the Health Care Careers Academy team on CPR, drawing blood, and checking blood pressure. The young ladies experienced what it takes to save a life.
Michael Lofton joined the youth during a CPR demonstration: “Mr. Lofton loves the kids.”
Boys2Men Mentoring Program
On the same evening, Boys2Men was held with guidance from mentors and facilitators who care deeply about the development and success of young men.
Harvest Trauma Recovery Center Soft Opening
On October 19, AAYHF hosted a soft opening for the Harvest Trauma Recovery Center, preparing for the official grand opening and ribbon cutting.
Read the Full ArticleGetting Ready for the Gala
AAYHF volunteers attended training and orientation ahead of the weekend of events. Thank you to our amazing volunteers!
Wheless Lane Church of Christ Community Fun Day
On Saturday, October 21, AAYHF attended the Wheless Lane Church of Christ Community Fun Day of Events.
Hope Fest 2023
AAYHF team members Karon Moore and Sharon Mathis set up an information table at Hope Fest 2023.
Oct. 9–15 With AAYHF
Michael & Elaine Lofton Honored
Michael and Elaine Lofton were both honored with the 2023 NAACP Visionary Award during the 86th Annual NAACP State Conference, October 12–14, 2023, in Pflugerville, Texas.
Congratulations to both of them for a well-deserved acknowledgement.
2023 Community Award
Also on Saturday, October 14, Michael Lofton received the 2023 Community Award at the 85th Alpha Kappa Alpha Beta Psi Omega Chapter Event. Congratulations, Mr. Lofton!
Corinth Missionary Baptist Church Support
Corinth Missionary Baptist Church showed support for the African American Youth Harvest Foundation.
Legacy Award Honoree PSA
Michael Lofton and AAYHF team members Corey Hopkins and GeNell Gary met with Honorable Ron Reynolds to discuss the upcoming gala and record his YouTube PSA.
Youth Leadership Institute
The Youth Leadership Institute monthly session was led by Alpha Kappa Alpha.
AAYHF Programs, Partners & Community Support
Queens2Be & Boys2Men
Queens2Be/Q2B and Boys2Men/B2M are weekly scheduled AAYHF mentoring programs held onsite every Tuesday. These year-round mentoring programs are free for youth participants.
For more information: contactus@aayhf.org
STEM & Mentoring
STEM, technology, 3-D printing, gaming, coding, and more are offered at no charge for youth from kindergarten through 12th grade inside the Dell Tech Lounge.
STEM workshops are one of the continuous programs AAYHF offers for young people.
Dell Strategic Partner Visit
On October 24, Dell, an AAYHF strategic partner, visited AAYHF.
HC4A Scholarship Support
Michael and Elaine Lofton attended Hindu Charities for America dba Education Careers for America’s Annual Scholarship Fundraiser Gala. HC4A supports AAYHF with cybersecurity scholarships.
Community Partners
AAYHF appreciates the support of Cadence Bank Foundation, The Brewtorium Brewery & Kitchen, TCSOA, Jack and Jill Austin Chapter, A+ Federal Credit Union, and many community partners.
AAYHF Video Library
Youth Leadership Institute
Watch VideoBack-to-School Backpack Giveaway
Watch VideoCap Metro & Harvest Foundation Trauma Recovery Center
Watch VideoMichael Lofton Speaks During Youth Mentoring
Watch VideoMentoring Groups Physical & Nutrition Fitness Day
Watch VideoDr. Charles Urdy Golf Tournament
Watch VideoMore Community Updates
Empower Your Legacy
Donate $1,500 or more to the African American Youth Harvest Foundation and receive a $600 estate planning package from Thiru’s VFS.
Wheatsville Community Action Award
AAYHF was nominated for the 2024 Community Action Award. Become a Wheatsville Food Co-op owner to become eligible to cast your vote during the November election.
Learn MoreMore AAYHF Programs
Scan program QR codes or email AAYHF for more information about youth and family services, mentoring, STEM, and community support programs.
Email: contactus@aayhf.org
Rain to Water Survey
Take the Rain to Water survey for a chance to receive a $50 gift card.
Take the SurveyHealth & Vaccine Care
AAYHF continues sharing health and vaccine care information and resources for the community.
Food Pantry Info
AAYHF continues connecting families with food pantry information and community support resources.