Join Us in Celebrating Community Partnerships!
From programming to partnerships — here’s what’s new at the African American Youth Harvest Foundation.
Moody Bank Continues to Invest in AAYHF’s Community
At the African American Youth Harvest Foundation, we know that meaningful change doesn’t happen without partners who are willing to show up, and Moody Bank continues to do just that.
Through their ongoing support of our mission, Moody Bank recently reinforced their commitment to community-centered impact with a generous contribution to AAYHF. This investment helps us continue providing critical programs and resources that empower youth and families across Central Texas.
Every day, our work focuses on creating pathways to stability and self-sufficiency, connecting individuals to education, workforce opportunities, health resources, and wraparound supports that address both immediate needs and long-term growth.
From therapy experiences that foster healing and emotional well-being to food pantry services that ensure families have access to essential nourishment, this support directly fuels life-changing work. Moody Bank’s commitment reflects a belief that investing in people strengthens entire communities.
We are grateful to Moody Bank for believing in the power of community, healing, and opportunity. When organizations lead with purpose, the impact reaches far beyond a single moment — it creates lasting change.
Community Connections
AAYHF Connects with Families at Kids Fest ATX
The African American Youth Harvest Foundation was proud to participate in Kids Fest ATX, a free, family-focused community event in Austin dedicated to connecting children and caregivers with essential resources, services, and opportunities for growth.
Hosted in partnership with organizations such as Child Inc and Austin Voices for Education & Youth, Kids Fest ATX brought families together in a welcoming space centered on early childhood education, safety, and overall family well-being.
The event featured a Safety Fair Zone, hands-on activities for children, and more than 125 community exhibitors offering educational, health, and family support services.
Meeting Families Where They Are
By participating in Kids Fest ATX, AAYHF joined a powerful collective effort to share information, build relationships, and reinforce our commitment to empowering youth and strengthening community connections.
Events like Kids Fest ATX reflect the heart of our mission: ensuring families across Austin have access to support, resources, and opportunities that help young people thrive.
Hands-On Service Paired with Meaningful Connection
The African American Youth Harvest Foundation was honored to welcome a dedicated group of Huston–Tillotson University students who volunteered their time and energy to support our mission. The students helped AAYHF organize our food and supply storage facility, creating much-needed space to prepare for additional incoming donations that will allow us to continue serving our community with excellence.
Beyond the important work of organizing and preparing our facility, students toured our expanding Harvest Manor Satellite location and visited the Blake Manor property, where they enjoyed the open land, scenic views, and unforgettable moments riding horses and ATVs.
We are incredibly grateful to the Huston–Tillotson students who chose to spend their Saturday giving their time, energy, and helping hands in support of AAYHF.
AAYHF Featured on Meet Manor Monday
We’re excited to share that the African American Youth Harvest Foundation will be featured in the City of Manor’s weekly digital series, Meet Manor Monday. In this upcoming episode, Mr. Lofton highlights AAYHF’s ongoing work to expand access to healthy food options in Manor and strengthen food security for families across our community.
Viewers will hear more about how AAYHF’s food pantry, distribution efforts, and growing footprint are helping meet real needs while advancing a vision of equity, wellness, and community care.
Mother’s Day Photo Shoot: Event Reminder
Registration for our 2026 Mother’s Day Photo Shoot is now officially closed, and we are excited to welcome all registered families this Saturday, May 2, 2026, beginning at 11:00 AM.
Families should plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early for check-in and follow posted signage to the third floor, where our team will be onsite to greet and guide guests.
Registration Updates & Program Opportunities
Urban University Summer Camp 2026
We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming response to our 2026 Urban University Summer Camp. Due to the high level of interest, registration is now officially closed.
Families still interested in participating are encouraged to join the waiting list, as openings may become available.
Game On with AAYHF Esports!
AAYHF invites families to explore our Esports Program, a structured opportunity for students in grades 9–12 that blends gaming with personal growth and academic support.
Earn a Technology Certification This Summer
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.
Participants will gain hands-on experience while building critical skills, including access to the Grow with Google Certification pathway.
Youth Programs in Action
Boys 2 Men – Mentorship & Leadership Development
This week’s Boys 2 Men session focused on Discipline, Habits, and Consistency, encouraging participants to look beyond motivation and develop sustainable practices for long-term success.
Young men reflected on how daily habits shape outcomes and discussed ways to apply discipline in school, relationships, and personal goals. This ongoing program meets every Tuesday from 5:00 to 7:30 PM, with open enrollment.
Queens2Be Exposed: Confidence. Purpose. Growth.
Participants took part in an empowering session focused on developing a professional mindset and presence as they prepare for an upcoming public speaking workshop.
Through interactive activities and real-life scenarios, young ladies practiced confident self-introductions and discussed how professionalism reflects intentionality, self-respect, and awareness.
Program Time: Tuesdays, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
KREW 12 – Digital Media & Production
KREW12 continues to gain momentum as students move closer to completing their final projects, with the classroom buzzing with creativity, energy, and teamwork.
This week’s focus centered on script writing and collaboration as students prepared for their final assessment. This ongoing program meets Thursdays from 5:15 PM – 7:30 PM.
Manor Mentoring – School Enrichment
Across New Tech High, Rise Academy, and Decker Middle School, Manor Mentoring students engaged in thoughtful conversations about adversity and its connection to citizenship within the 6 Cs framework.
The sessions emphasized that perseverance through adversity helps build strong character and prepares students to be effective leaders in school and everyday life.
Queens 2 Be – Mentorship & Empowerment
This week, Queens 2 Be participants engaged with a guest speaker who led an interactive conversation on dental hygiene and its important connection to overall wellness.
This ongoing program meets every Tuesday from 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM.
STEM Technology Program
This week in STEM, students explored the connection between everyday habits and overall wellness through a guest presentation focused on dental hygiene. In recognition of Earth Day, the group also discussed environmental responsibility and local sustainability efforts.
Students wrapped up the session by continuing hands-on robotics projects. This ongoing program meets Thursdays from 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM.
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, 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.
Watch the Highlights
Take a look at the highlights that tell our story.
- Check out AAYHF’s CEO Michael Lofton on Meet Manor Mondays: Click Here
- AAYHF empowers youth and families through community-based programs: Click Here
- CBS We Are Austin – Black History Segment featuring AAYHF: 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.