Press Releases | American Youthworks

$100,000 granted to American YouthWorks to rebuild Bastrop State Park

On January 4, 2012, In American YouthWorks, Casa Verde Builders, Environmental Corps, General News, Press Releases, By Rachel Matvy

On December 16, 2011, The Austin Community Foundation (ACF) announced it will grant $100,574 from the Central Texas Wildfire Fund (CTWF) to American YouthWorks (AYW) to aid in debris clean-up and economic recovery following the Central Texas wildfires. AYW’s grant was one of ten awarded since the creation of the CTWF on September 5, 2011, and will help fund AYW’s Environmental Corps (E-Corps) and Casa Verde Builders (CVB) service Corps programs while, under the direction of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), they work to fully re-open Bastrop State Park. AYW will clear hazardous debris, repair trails and boundary fences, rebuild damaged Park infrastructure, restore the native habitat and prevent invasive species from spreading, install protection measures to prevent erosion and recruit additional volunteers to work in the Park. According to TPWD, Bastrop State Park’s 170,000 annual visitors generate more than $2 million in revenue for Bastrop County each year.

The CTWF, which is administered by the ACF, and was created in response to the devastating wildfires that struck Central Texas over Labor Day weekend, 2011. The CTWF supports the immediate and long-term efforts of nonprofit organizations working “on the ground” in those areas hardest hit. The CTWF gives grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits that are helping individuals, families, businesses and the community recover, rebuild and return to the quality of life that existed before the fires began. Other grants from the CTWF include money for volunteer leadership, family support, rebuilding homes and restoring safety.

“Bastrop State Park is a vital economic and natural resource. The near destruction of one of Texas’ gems is devastating, but E-Corps and CVB members are honored that they can give back to their community by helping to rebuild it,” said Parc Smith, CEO of AYW.

Youth and young adult service Corps members have been providing relief to Central Texans affected by the fire since September of 2011. These volunteers are members of AmeriCorps or YouthBuild, which are both national, community service programs that are hosted locally by AYW. Participants include young adult volunteers from all over the country as well as students attending AYW’s charter high school. As part of previous recovery efforts, AYW worked with Bastrop County, FEMA, and local organizations and individuals to create the Volunteer Reception Center, which provided a central location for volunteers to get involved. They have also been working for several weeks in Bastrop State Park to help get the Park back to full operation.

In addition, to their experience in Bastrop, crews from AYW also assisted southeast Missourians following the devastating tornados earlier this year and in 2005 and 2006, they provided hurricane relief in New Orleans and East Texas. Service Corps members at AYW are gaining valuable skills that prepare them to step into leadership roles, handle difficult situations, operate safely and work hard while giving back to their community!

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About American Youth Works

AYW is a 501(c)(3) organization based in Austin, Texas that integrates at-risk youth and AmeriCorps members to provide education, service and green jobs training. AYW operates a public charter high school, the Service Learning Academy, a GED program and green jobs and service corps programs, Casa Verde Builders, Computer Corps, Environmental Corps, and Green Energy Corps. AYW also offers on-site life services to help students overcome obstacles to their education, including a parent and child development center, academic coaching and counseling. For more than thirty years, AYW has assisted thousands of local, at-risk youth and adult graduates from around the country in transforming their lives and gaining job skills through community service, education and a commitment to preserving the natural environment.

About Environmental Corps

E-Corps is a green jobs training and service program that allows at-risk youth and adult volunteers to build and restore the natural environment through parks and trails projects, forestry, and habitat restoration. E-Corps integrates young adults from all over the United States with local youth to create a blended, transformative, cultural experience for all participants.

About Casa Verde Builders

CVB is a green jobs training and service program that teaches youth, ages 17-24, cutting-edge, green construction techniques. Participants build energy-efficient, affordable homes in East Austin for first time homebuyers and learn the construction process from foundation to finish. This award-winning program is proven to produce higher academic performance and consistent attendance for its participants and creates a foundation for youth to pursue quality higher education and job placement. In partnership with the US Department of Labor and YouthBuild USA, CVB is a nationally-recognized leader in combining green building with affordable housing.

Contact Rachel Matvy with questions, 512-744-1904.

Tagged with: ACF • American YouthWorks • at-risk youth • Austin Community Foundation • AYW • Bastrop • Casa Verde Builders • central texas • Central Texas Wildfire Fund • CTWF • CVB • donate • E-Corps • Environmental Corps • local events • Media Advisory • recovery • relief • service • volunteering • wild fire • wild fire recovery • wildfire • wildfire recovery

Bastrop Volunteer Reception Center to aid in wildfire recovery efforts

On September 28, 2011, In American YouthWorks, Casa Verde Builders, Environmental Corps, Press Releases, Volunteering, By Rachel Matvy

Bastrop Volunteer Reception Center to Aid Volunteers, Organizations, and Homeowners in Wildfire Relief

For immediate release

American YouthWorks sends AmeriCorps members to Bastrop County to Aid in Wildfire Relief Efforts

September 28, 2011 — BASTROP, Texas – The Bastrop Calvary Baptist Church is serving as a Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) for those interested in providing assistance to the Bastrop County fire relief effort.

Local AmeriCorps members participating in American YouthWorks’ (AYW) Environmental Corps (E-Corps) and Casa Verde Builders (CVB), along with AmeriCorps members from Washington State, were called upon to establish the center that gives volunteers the opportunity to learn about, and sign up for volunteer opportunities throughout Bastrop County. Partnering with groups and organizations working to provide disaster assistance, the center provides the public a central location for getting involved. Upon registration, volunteers will be matched with opportunities based on interest and availability.

Individuals and groups interested in volunteering should call the VRC at (512) 332-2607 or visit 3001 Loop 150 E. Monday – Saturday between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. and Wednesday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Those interested can also register online at http://www.bastroprelief.org/volunteer.

In addition, homeowners in need of recovery assistance can stop in the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC), located at 1602 Hill Street, Bastrop between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, to fill out a homeowner intake form and be provided with volunteer support through affiliated agencies.

Chelsea Bodamer, Outreach Coordinator for AYW’s E-Corps program said, “We are excited to be a part of the relief effort here in Bastrop. We are moved by the strength of the community and organizations of all different backgrounds coming together for a common goal.”

In order for Bastrop County to continue to provide the most comprehensive volunteer support services, Bastrop County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Fischer requests that all volunteer agencies register with the VRC. Volunteer hours, collectively, will help to offset the cost of recovery to the County and its residents. Agencies should call, visit, or send an e-mail to the VRC at bastropvrc@gmail.com.

For additional information please visit www.co.bastrop.tx.us/bcdisaster/ or www.bastroprelief.org or dial 211.

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About American Youth Works

AYW is a 501(c)(3) organization based in Austin, Texas that integrates at-risk youth and AmeriCorps members to provide education, service and green jobs training. AYW operates a public charter high school, the Service Learning Academy, a GED program and green jobs and service corps programs, Casa Verde Builders, Computer Corps, Environmental Corps, and Green Energy Corps. AYW also offers on-site life services to help students overcome obstacles to their education, including a parent and child development center, academic coaching and counseling. For more than thirty years, AYW has assisted thousands of local, at-risk youth and adult graduates from around the country in transforming their lives and gaining job skills through community service, education and a commitment to preserving the natural environment.

About Environmental Corps

E-Corps is a green jobs training and service program that allows at-risk youth and adult graduates to build and restore the natural environment through parks and trails projects, forestry, and habitat restoration. It is a program of AmeriCorps that integrates young adults from all over the United States with local youth to create a blended, transformative, cultural experience for all participants. In the spring of 2011, Enviromental Corps members participated in disaster relief efforts in Joplin, Missouri and in 2005 and 2006 they provided Hurricane relief in both New Orleans and East Texas.

About Case Verde Builders

Casa Verde Builders, also a program of American YouthWorks, is a green jobs training service program teaching youth ages 17-24 cutting-edge, green construction techniques. Participants build energy-efficient, affordable homes in East Austin for first time homebuyers and learn the construction process from foundation to finish. This award-winning program is proven to produce higher academic performance and consistent attendance for its participants and creates a foundation for youth to pursue quality higher education and jobs placement. In partnership with the US Department of Labor and YouthBuild USA, CVB is a nationally-recognized leader in combining green building with affordable housing.

About Washington Conservation Corps

The Washington Conservation Corps is an AmeriCorps program based in Washington State. Washington Conservation Corps crews perform environmental work for a variety of partners throughout the state. Partners include the National Park Service, US Forest Service, Washington State Parks, county parks, nonprofits, and private landowners. Washington Conservation Corps has proven to be a vital resource for emergency response. WCC Crews have been deployed to fires, floods, hurricanes, tornados and oil spills throughout the country.

Tagged with: Bastrop • central texas • disaster • Media Advisory • recovery • relief • service • volunteering • wild fire • wild fire recovery • wildfire • wildfire recovery

Texas Education Agency Approves American YouthWorks’ move to Service-Learning Education Model

On May 31, 2011, In American YouthWorks, Charter School, General News, Parent Notice, Press Releases, Service Learning Academy, By Rachel Matvy

On May 24, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) approved AYW’s charter amendment to merge its two campuses, which were following separate models of education, to one campus called the Service Learning Academy (Academy) that will focus solely on teaching high school academics through service-learning. Starting in the fall of 2011, each student who attends AYW will earn their elective credits by participating in a Corps program where they will complete service-learning projects that benefit the community such as building energy efficient homes and refurbishing computers for low income Austinites, restoring habitat for endangered species or testing for water quality. In addition, these students will get exposure to career pathways by gaining job skills and by interacting with industry professionals.

AYW has always practiced project-based learning as a way students can engage more fully in their classes and gain job skills through hands-on experience. About 15 years ago, AYW began to incorporate service-learning practices in order to further enhance the students’ educational experience by giving them an opportunity to address authentic community needs. The Academy officially started two years ago as a pilot program. After comparing test scores, attendance rates and dropout rates between students in the Academy and the traditional campus, AYW staff decided they could better serve at-risk youth by merging the two campuses and focusing solely on the model that was getting superior results.

Based on the academic indicators of the TEA, Academy students have shown greater improvements in academics and participation. The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) TAKS scores for English Language Arts of Academy students rose from 59% passing in 2008 to 87% in 2010 and during the same time period, NCLB TAKS Mathematics scores rose 23%. Since the inception of the Academy, the attendance rates for its students have increased nearly 20% and the dropout rates have decreased.

In addition to considering test scores, AYW staff also looked at a study performed by, RH2, an independent research group, which compared AYW’s student population to Austin Independent School District (AISD) and statewide populations and studied the effect of the Academy on academics and employment. The study found that almost 100% of AYW students meet the state criteria for being “at risk” of dropping out of school compared to roughly half of the students in AISD and statewide. In addition, the study found AYW’s Academy motivates students, in part, by providing opportunities for them to bond in small groups and make contributions to their community. The study went on to say, “AYW’s service-learning programs tend to have more of a practical vocational orientation to prepare students for their own futures as well as to provide services to the community.”

On May 27, AYW hosted an Enrollment Picnic. Parents and current or potential students had the opportunity to learn about participating in a Corps program, solve math problems for prizes and enjoy lunch on the back lawn at AYW.

American YouthWorks’ Environmental Corps will provide disaster relief to Joplin, MO

On May 27, 2011, In American YouthWorks, Environmental Corps, General News, Press Releases, By Rachel Matvy

Young adult volunteers will travel to Joplin, MO to provide disaster relief to tornado victims

Austin, TX– May 27, 2011 – On Tuesday, May 31, 2011, eight, American YouthWorks’ (AYW) Environmental Corps (E-Corps) members will head out for a three week disaster relief mission to Joplin, Missouri. Through an agreement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), E-Corps will provide a self-sustaining crew of young adult volunteers, trained in chainsaw operation and safety, to support state and local authorities in response to the Missouri tornadoes, severe storms and flooding.

E-Corps is a fifteen year old AmeriCorps program that empowers future leaders by engaging them in service to their community though habitat restoration and trail construction projects and disaster relief services, while they are gaining job skills and earning an education award that can be used for college or technical training. Due to its national reputation of training safe and skilled sawyers and previous experience in New Orleans and East Texas aiding Hurricane recovery efforts, the CNCS asked E-Corps to again partner with FEMA to provide similar aid to Missourians. When deployed to New Orleans in 2005, crew members cleared an entire park of downed trees and debris, assisted neighbors with clean-up and started a garden to uplift community spirits. E-Corps crews are completely self-sustaining when they travel, they: camp in the area, supply their own tools and bring and cook their own meals.

E-Corps will arrive in Joplin on Tuesday evening to set up camp and will begin assisting local authorities Wednesday morning. E-Corps was specifically called upon because of their diverse experience with tree removal, brush clearing, creek clean-ups, erosion control techniques, stream-bank restoration and volunteer coordination and reputation for providing quality work. The crew may provide support in any of the following capacities: critical clean up and removal of storm debris, emergency housing repair, flood relief, registering and coordinating volunteers, assisting the United Way with volunteer disaster operations, initiating casework to enable long term recovery and providing support for special needs.

“It takes a special individual and a prepared state of mind to volunteer to go into a disaster area. We have high standards for our E- Corps members’ work ethic and provide intensive technical and safety training to prepare our members for situations where they may be called on to provide leadership and service to others, especially under physically and mentally demanding circumstances such as this disaster in Joplin. Our E-Corps members work hard daily, giving their sweat in service to others and they are eager to put their strengths to work for the people of Missouri,” said Parc Smith, CEO of AYW.

Youth and Volunteers Clean Greenbelt and Remove Invasive Species to Honor Dr. King

On January 5, 2011, In American YouthWorks, Casa Verde Builders, Environmental Corps, General News, Press Releases, Special Events, Volunteering, By Rachel Matvy

American YouthWorks, Keep Austin Beautiful and Montopolis Tributary Trail Association partner to improve the Montopolis Greenbelt.

Austin, TX– On January 15, young people from American YouthWorks’ (AYW) Environmental Corps, Casa Verde Builders (CVB) and staff will engage volunteers in community service to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Partnering with Keep Austin Beautiful (KAB) and the Montopolis Tributary Trail Association, corps members and community volunteers will remove invasive species, seed wildflowers and pick up trash on the Montopolis Greenbelt.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

8:30 am-9:00 am Volunteer sign in and breakfast

9:00 am-10:00 am “Reflecting on the Dream”

Huston-Tilloston University

Davage-Durden Union Building

900 Chicon Street.

10:00 am-3:00 pm Montopolis Greenbelt Clean up and Invasive Species Removal

Meet at the Montopolis Practice Fields

901 Vasquez St.

Volunteers can sign up at www.handsoncentraltexas.org. Wear long pants, bring water and be prepared to get dirty. If you have questions, call Rachel Matvy, 744-1904. The service project will take place next door to Burdett Prairie Cemetery, a historic site that AYWs’ CVB program has already performed several service days to restore. Currently, there are just a few, short trails in the Montopolis neighborhood. The Montopolis Tributary Trail Network will be constructed in the Montopolis Greenbelt to increase connectivity to nearby bikeways and parks and provide more recreational space. This service project is one of the first steps. Please join us!

Tagged with: Martin Luther King • Media Advisory • MLK • service • volunteering

Congressman Doggett to Highlight Green Job Opportunities at American YouthWorks

On September 8, 2010, In General News, Press Releases, By mmiller

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

American YouthWorks Demonstrates How They Turn At-Risk Youth to At-Promise Through Education, Service and Conservation

AUSTIN, TX – September 15, 2010 – American YouthWorks will showcase its green job and service corps programs at an Open House event on Monday, September 20, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at American YouthWorks, 1901 E. Ben White Blvd. Congressman Lloyd Doggett will make a special visit to the nonprofit to recognize the strides they have made toward filling the need for jobs in the emerging green economy by providing at-risk youth in the Austin area with green job skills.

The event will feature an address from Congressman Doggett regarding green jobs as well as hands-on displays and demonstrations from members in each of American YouthWorks’ green job training programs that will demonstrate the skills acquired through participation in the programs. Mayor Lee Leffingwell will read from a proclamation acknowledging the thirty years American YouthWorks has offered green jobs programs. The Economic Development Administration, a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce, will be acknowledged for their contribution toward the changes made to American YouthWorks’ facility as part of a $1.2 million grant from EDA to transform the building into a LEED-certified green building and learning model for students. Other dignitaries, local partners and funders will also be on hand for the event.

“American YouthWorks is moving in the right direction, not only by creating a well educated ‘green collar’ workforce, but also by generating that workforce from the communities disadvantaged and high-potential youth. This organization has set a fine example I can only hope others across our great country will follow,” said Congressman Lloyd Doggett.

Congressman Doggett will present an American Flag that was flown over the US Capitol to American YouthWorks founder, Richard Halpin, in honor of his 30 years of service for young Texans. After the Flag raising, Congressman Doggett will preside over the swearing in ceremony of new AmeriCorps members enrolled in American YouthWorks programs.

The American YouthWorks facility located in South Austin houses the green job training programs along with their Service Learning Academy that provides an opportunity for disadvantaged youth in the Austin area to combine their high school education with real life experience through service and green job training in environmental conservation. The comprehensive model of American YouthWorks is a one-stop human services organization providing job skills, education, life services for young people ages 16 to 28 and their children.

“Our young people not only learn to work hard, reach their educational goals and gain job skills that will serve them lifelong, but they also learn the tremendous value of volunteerism and doing their part to improve the environment and the lives of others in need,” said new CEO of American YouthWorks, Parc Smith.

AYW Receives Over $1.1 Million in Federal Support

On August 2, 2010, In Casa Verde Builders, General News, Press Releases, By devintern

On July 13th in Washington D.C., Congressman Lloyd Doggett announced that AYW would gain a further $400,000 in federal support. Congressman Doggett had previously secured $700,000 for AYW’s YouthBuild which brings the total amount of federal support to $1.1 million. These funds will be put toward AYW’s mission in helping young adults transform their lives through education, job training, community service, and a strong support network.

“Austin YouthWorks represents the best Austin has to offer,” and Congressman Doggett. I have crawled through the attics with their trainees and seen their pride and accomplishment. This program helps Austin youth grow and learn, while at the same time helping some of our most vulnerable neighbors. This is the kind of work that should be recognized, rewarded, and copied across the country.”

These funds from the U.S. Department of Labor will be used in American YouthWorks’ Casa Verde Builders Program. With Casa Verde, youth split their time between the construction site and the classroom. This provides students with the opportunity to not only earn a GED or high school diploma, but become leaders in the community and prepare for college or postsecondary training opportunities as well.

“American YouthWorks is pleased to receive additional federal funds for our Casa Verde Builders YouthBuild program. Casa Verde Builders, in partnership with the City of Austin, Travis County, and the Texas Education Agency, trains at-risk youth how to build energy efficient homes from floor to solar roof installation, while simultaneously pursuing their education. The green energy-rated homes are built in the heart of East Austin’s low income and transitioning neighborhoods and are sold to first time home buyers. Due to the efforts of leaders like Congressman Lloyd Doggett, our Austin youth are able to receive cutting edge green jobs training, earn scholarship money for college or trade schools, attain their High School Diplomas and build self-esteem, while giving back to their community and neighborhoods with significant, lasting improvements. Our young people not only learn to work hard, reach their educational goals and gain job skills that will serve them lifelong, but they also learn the tremendous value of volunteerism and doing their part to improve the environment and the lives of others in need. American YouthWorks is making significant strides to enhance and expand our training, service, and education opportunities for more young people to transform their lives from at-risk to at-promise. Many thanks for your valiant and continued efforts to help in our mission,” said Parc Smith, AYW’s CEO.

E-Corps Awarded Impact Austin Grant

On June 23, 2010, In Environmental Corps, Press Releases, By devintern

On Monday, June 14^th Parc Smith, American YouthWorks’ CEO, accepted the Impact Austin Community Partners Grant along with AYW’s Board President Margarine Beaman and Austin Parks Foundation Executive Director Charlie McCabe. Impact Austin representatives presented the awards to five recipients of the $105,000 grant that will be used around Austin in areas of culture, education, environment, family, and health and wellness.

American YouthWorks, in partnership with the Austin Parks Foundation and Hill Country Conservancy, will use the funding to establish a care crew for the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Beginning in January 2011, the E-corps crew will evaluate the 8 mile trail and surrounding landscape and commence several projects to repair the damage. These projects will provide young adults with an opportunity to gain experience in the realm of green jobs as well as increase public awareness about environmental issues.

American YouthWorks Names Permanent CEO

On June 17, 2010, In Charter School, Environmental Corps, General News, Parent Notice, Press Releases, By mmiller

Board hires AYW’s own Environmental Corps leader, Parc Smith

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AUSTIN, TX – June 17, 2010 – The American YouthWorks Board of Directors announced on June 16, 2010, the hiring of former American YouthWorks Environmental Corps Director, Parc Smith, as Chief Executive Officer. Parc takes the role over from Interim CEO, Dick Pierce, who assumed CEO duties during the leadership transition period.

Parc Smith started with American YouthWorks in 1995 as a teacher and crew leader for the Environmental Corps and later filled roles as a program coordinator and most recently as Director of Environmental Corps and part of the Senior Management Team for the entire organization. With over 17 years experience in trail design and construction, parks, and conservation work, Parc was awarded State Trail Worker of the Year in 2004 at the American Trails National Trails Symposium and Trail Designer and Project Director for 2009 National Recreation Trails Coalition award winning “Southwest Keys Trail” for Accessibility Enhancement Project of the Year. Parc leads workshops and speaks at national conferences on national service and youth conservation corps involvement in land management, trail building and project-based outdoor education as a model for transforming lives of at-risk youth to youth “at-promise.” He serves on the Texas Recreation Trails Grant Review Committee and several regional advisory boards. He grew up in Stephenville, Texas, graduated from Texas Women’s University in Denton, Texas and has called Austin home since 1995.

“The Board announces a new era at AYW. With the energy, dedication and integrity of Parc Smith as our CEO, we can only move forward to continue changing the lives of young people” says Board President, Margarine G. Beaman.

Parc joins Chester Steinhauser, COO, and Jenny Emmons, Superintendent, on the Executive Team at American YouthWorks as they continue to strengthen the mission of American YouthWorks, transforming the lives of at-risk youth through education, service and green jobs training.

About American YouthWorks
American YouthWorks is a 501(c)(3) organization based in Austin, Texas that is dedicated to transforming the lives of at-risk youth through education, service and green jobs training. AYW operates a public charter high school district including its Service Learning Academy, GED program and green job andservice corps programs, Casa Verde Builders, Environmental Corps, Computer Corps and Green Energy Corps. American YouthWorks also offers onsite social services, including a parent/child development center and academic coaching and counseling. For more than thirty years, American YouthWorks has assisted thousands of local youth in transforming their lives through community service, education and a commitment to preserving the natural environment.
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Famous S. Congress Salon Raises Funds for Local Non-Profit

On April 21, 2010, In Press Releases, By mmiller

Wet Salon stylists donate their time and talent for American YouthWorks

AUSTIN, TX – April 19, 2010 – THIS SUNDAY, April 25th from 9:00pm until 5:00pm hair stylists at Wet Salon on South Congress will donate their hair-cut proceeds to American YouthWorks, a local non-profit dedicated to transforming the lives of at-risk youth.

Wet Salon will offer hair-cuts exclusively, including shampoo and blow-dry, for a $50 flat rate. Anyone wishing to participate in the fundraiser will receive a raffle ticket for every $10 spent (those purchasing one hair-cut will receive five tickets). The raffle will include items donated from Y&I Clothing Boutique, Aquage, Wella, Sebastian, Nioxin, and more. Walk-ins and appointments are welcome. To schedule an appointment, call 444-7375. Participants in the fundraiser may also enjoy free coffee in the morning, donated by Jo’s Coffee.

Wet Salon is located at 1109 South Congress Avenue (in between E. Riverside and Academy Dr.) Austin, TX 78704 and can be reached by calling (512) 444-7375.

About Wet Salon
Beautiful, creative hair is the focus at Wet Salon and Studio. Multiple stylists, including two certified master colorist, create a relaxed, fun atmosphere where the only limit is your imagination. With its hip, but uncomplicated surroundings, Wet Salon attracts an eclectic clientele ranging from punk rockers wanting blue spikes to professionals seeking subtle highlights. While you wait to be shampooed in one of Wet’s silver, space-rocket chairs, enjoy displayed works of up-and-coming local artists.

About American Youth Works
American YouthWorks is a 501(c)(3) organization based in Austin, Texas that is dedicated to empowering youth through education and green jobs training. AYW operates a public charter high school, a GED program, Casa Verde Builders, Environmental Corps and Computer Corps. American YouthWorks also offers onsite social services, including a parent/child development center and counseling. For more than thirty years, American YouthWorks has assisted thousands of local youth in transforming their lives through community service, education and a commitment to preserving the natural environment.