The Harvest Trauma Recovery Center is Now Serving Patients
See the excitement, fun, and important moments from AAYHF’s Gala Weekend with Martin Luther King III, plus the Harvest Trauma Recovery Center ribbon cutting ceremony and community updates from the African American Youth Harvest Foundation.
The Harvest Trauma Recovery Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
AAYHF hosted a press conference at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Harvest Trauma Recovery Center. The center is now serving patients and bringing free community violence support services to Austin.
From Trauma to Triumph
The Harvest Trauma Recovery 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, Austin, TX 78723
Contact: hello@harvesttrc.org • 844.428.HTRC (4872)
KVUE Coverage
Trauma recovery center opens in Austin.
Watch CoverageKXAN Coverage
“There’s help out here for you”: First trauma recovery center in Texas opens in Austin.
Read 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 ArticleAdditional KXAN Feature
Trauma recovery center to open in Austin.
Read FeatureAdditional KVUE Feature
First trauma recovery center in the state opens its doors in Austin.
Read FeatureGala Weekend Video
Watch the Gala Weekend Highlights
See all of the excitement, fun, and important moments during AAYHF’s Gala Weekend, where four events with Martin Luther King III were covered.
The video is now available, and AAYHF encourages the community to watch it today.
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 community weekend.
Friday, October 27 — VIP Brunch, Panel Discussion & AAYHF Facility Tour
VIP Brunch and Panel Discussion at Impact Hub
The VIP Brunch and Panel Discussion 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 PhotosTour 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
Saturday, October 28 — Statewide Youth Summit & Annual Gala
Statewide Youth Summit
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
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.
Oct. 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.
Queens2Be welcomed Ms. Bria from “Real Queens Fix Each Other’s Crown” for a mental health activity focused 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
Mentoring information: contactus@aayhf.org
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 first-hand what it takes to save a life.
Michael Lofton participated with 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 ArticleOct. 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.
Corinth Missionary Baptist Church Support
On Sunday, October 15, Corinth Missionary Baptist Church showed support for the African American Youth Harvest Foundation.
Mentoring Tuesday
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.
Offices of the Harvest Foundation
See the excitement that takes place in AAYHF mentoring programs and around the offices of the Harvest Foundation.
AAYHF Video Library
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.
Youth Leadership Institute
With Alpha Kappa Alpha Incorporated Beta Psi Omega Chapter.
Watch VideoBack-to-School Backpack Giveaway
Watch VideoCap Metro & Harvest Foundation Trauma Recovery Center
Watch VideoMichael Lofton Speaks During Youth Mentoring
Watch VideoPhysical & Nutrition Fitness Day
Watch VideoDr. Charles Urdy Golf Tournament
Watch VideoAAYHF Community Partners and Support
Cadence Bank Foundation
AAYHF appreciates the support of Cadence Bank Foundation. Thank you to Mr. Rogers for visiting AAYHF on September 26, 2023.
The Brewtorium Brewery & Kitchen
Thank you to AAYHF’s friends at The Brewtorium Brewery & Kitchen in Austin, Texas, for their ongoing support.
Travis County Sheriff’s Officers Association
Commissioner Ann Howard helped connect Michael Lofton, CEO of AAYHF, with TCSOA leadership. The Association presented a check to support AAYHF youth programs.
Jack and Jill Austin Chapter
Thanks to Jack and Jill Austin Chapter for supporting AAYHF.
A+ Federal Credit Union
Thank you to A+ Federal Credit Union for their generous support of AAYHF families and programs.
Community Giving
AAYHF is grateful for every partner, sponsor, donor, volunteer, and supporter investing in youth and families.
Programs, Opportunities & Resources
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.
Your generous donation helps transform lives while also securing your own legacy.
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.
For more information: contactus@aayhf.org
More 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.