Volunteering | American Youthworks

A day of service – honoring MLK Day!

On January 21, 2013, In American YouthWorks, Casa Verde Builders, Charter School, Environmental Corps, General News, Service Learning Academy, Special Events, Volunteering, By Rachel Matvy

Community pitches in!

What a day! Over 100 people from American YouthWorks, Keep Austin Beautiful, The Montopolis Greenbelt Association, The Cemetery Association, Westwood High School Honor Society and community volunteers all pitched in at three sites in East Austin to “MAKE IT A DAY ON, NOT A DAY OFF.”

If you would like to learn how you can be involved in future events, sign up for our email list!

: The mission, restore the historic Burdette Prairie Cemetery

: Fred, of the Cemetery Association, tells volunteers about the historically black burial ground

: She’s ready!

: Cutting the overgrown grass

: There’s a lot of grass to mow

: Cutting grass the old fashioned way

: Thanks to volunteers for their hard work!

: Removing vines that are growing over the trees

: Volunteers

: It’s really looking good!

: Burdette Prairie is a historic burial ground

: Clearing out debris

: Volunteers working together!

: Clearing trees around hidden gravesites

: Westwood High School Honor Society brightens up our school

: Westwood students paint a mural of the Austin skyline

: Westwood students build playground

: The finished play structure for our daycare

: City of Austin and American YouthWorks cleaning up Williamson Creek

: American YouthWorks volunteers at Williamson Creek

For 15 years, American YouthWorks has been hosting projects on Martin Luther King Day of Service in order to share the spirit of Dr. King’s vision with the young people who attend our school and job training programs. Dr. King said ‘everybody can be great, because everybody can serve,’ and this credo is a central component of our mission.

The groups removed trash and cleared brush at the sites, both of which have a history of illegal dumping.

“A day on, not a day off” is part of a nationwide effort in thousands of communities across all 50 states.

Tagged with: American YouthWorks • austin events • AYW • local events • Martin Luther King • MLK • service • volunteering

Youth perspectives

On November 13, 2012, In American YouthWorks, Casa Verde Builders, Charter School, Computer Corps, Environmental Corps, Fundraising, General News, Green Energy Corps, Jobs, Service Learning Academy, Special Events, By Rachel Matvy

Your donation will ensure we are able to provide education and jobs training to at-risk youth! We are currently accepting donations through eTapestry on our secure, online cart. Or, you can mail a check to American YouthWorks, 1901 E. Ben White Blvd., Austin, TX 78741.

Tagged with: American YouthWorks • at-risk youth • careers • graduate • green jobs • volunteering

Job training for youth – service to low income home owners

On October 4, 2012, In American YouthWorks, Casa Verde Builders, Charter School, General News, Green Energy Corps, Jobs, By Rachel Matvy

In response to a growing need for job training in home improvement and weatherization, American YouthWorks (AYW) developed its Clean Energy Service Corps that includes high school, GED and college students. The participants simultaneously learn job skills and help low income Austinites save money and remain in their homes. AYW staff members train and supervise the students. Since 1994, AYW has been teaching youth to build energy efficient homes from the foundation to the roof; incorporating home repair and weatherization was a natural expansion. This training is made possible by funding from a Wal-Mart grant, donations from individuals and a partnership with the City of Austin.

Each participant in the weatherization and home repair program is improving his or her chances of success by learning job skills. But they are also helping low income Austin residents. Many low income Austinites cannot afford to pay for the crucial repairs that would make their homes safe. Also, they are often elderly or disabled and cannot easily climb a ladder or crawl under a sink to make the repairs themselves.

“I am really thankful for all the young people that were helping me with my home. It was great to have them around. I didn’t feel so lonely. I am so happy with all the work that was done,” said Mrs. Romero, a widow whose home was repaired by AYW students.

Would you like more information about our home repair program? Visit our website.

Tagged with: American YouthWorks • at-risk youth • austin • AYW • careers • Casa Verde Builders • CVB • graduate • green jobs • service • volunteering

Hard working Hardin Construction employees volunteer

On June 14, 2012, In American YouthWorks, Casa Verde Builders, General News, Special Events, Volunteering, By Rachel Matvy

A big THANK YOU to Hardin Construction for volunteering with our young people.

: Volunteers help on site!

Tagged with: American YouthWorks • at-risk youth • AYW • careers • Casa Verde Builders • CVB • donate • graduate • green jobs • local events • service • volunteering

Graduation Day approaches!

On June 6, 2012, In American YouthWorks, Charter School, General News, Parent Notice, Service Learning Academy, Special Events, By Rachel Matvy

On June 30th, 40 AYW students will walk across the stage at the Lady Bird Johnson Auditorium! These students have come from all walks of life. Some simply didn’t fit in at their former high school but others had significant life challenges, such as pregnancy or homelessness, that made the road to graduation extremely difficult. Many had already dropped out of high school and came to AYW for a second chance. Whatever the circumstances of a young person, we help them transform their lives by providing free programs such as child care and school lunches. At AYW students learn job skills necessary for successful transition to employment after graduation. We show them that they can make a difference in their community through volunteerism. All of the services AYW provides are designed to help young people stick to their education, get job skills and give back to their community.

Tagged with: American YouthWorks • at-risk youth • austin • austin events • AYW • careers • central texas • CVB • donate • graduate • green jobs • hope • local events • parents • service • volunteering

A call for volunteers in Bastrop!

On May 25, 2012, In American YouthWorks, Environmental Corps, General News, Special Events, Volunteering, By Rachel Matvy

There’s lots of great news for the rebuilding efforts in Bastrop County following the devastating Central Texas wildfires of last September. These wildfires are considered by many to be the worst in Texas’ history. Lives were lost, residents suffered and thousands of citizens saw their homes and property damaged or destroyed. The Austin Community Foundation (ACF) is one of the many organizations that has worked hard to provide key funding, a total of $1.4 million, to rebuild Bastrop. On May 21st, ACF announced a second round of grants totalling $830,000. The first set was made in December 2011.

American YouthWorks (AYW) is proud to be a recipient of a portion of these funds so that we can continue our role in restoring the economically important and ecologically unique natural environment in Bastrop County. One project that is currently underway is critical reseeding and mulching. The fires destroyed much of the vegetation on both public and private lands. This has created another problem, soil erosion, which could have long term consequences for Bastrop County. If the fertile topsoil is washed away, this will inhibit the rejuvenation of the plant community and impact the health of Bastrop’s waterways. May is the last chance to complete this reseeding project before the Central Texas summer makes it difficult to establish vegetation. We’re enlisting volunteers to help. Will you sign up? Upcoming volunteer days are May 26th and May 29th from 8:30am to 4:00pm. Please commit to at least two hours. Visit Volunteer Match to learn more.

We look forward to continuing our work to help restore Bastrop and are grateful to ACF for their support of our work in there.

Tagged with: American YouthWorks • at-risk youth • austin • Austin Community Foundation • austin events • AYW • Bastrop • central texas • Central Texas Wildfire Fund • CTWF • disaster • E-Corps • Environmental Corps • local events • recovery • relief • service • volunteering • wild fire • wild fire recovery • wildfire • wildfire recovery

$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!

###

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

Design Corps volunteers with local sculptor

On October 5, 2011, In American YouthWorks, Charter School, General News, Service Learning Academy, Special Events, Volunteering, By Rachel Matvy

This Friday, Design Corps, a program of American YouthWorks, will volunteer to help with a larger than life, reclaimed materials sculpture that is part of a community wide volunteer effort. The vision for this piece came from George Sabra, an internationally recognized, Austin-based sculptor who works exclusively with discarded materials, has had works displayed in the Vatican and was featured in National Geographic Magazine. Design Corps will have the opportunity to work with this artist on the 21 foot high sculpture made from 25,000-30,000 plastic caps, which will be displayed outside at City Hall during Austin’s Green City Festival.

Design Corps seeks to teach young people the “art of living” by inspiring them to be good stewards of the world around them. This project is a perfect learning opportunity for students in the art program as they will participate in creating a sculpture designed to increase awareness of the natural environment and inspire people to take action. In addition, by working with a professional artist who started with a vision, created a plan and saw the plan through to fruition, they will gain a greater understanding the process of realizing their own visions of getting a high school diploma, planning for college or getting that perfect, high wage job.

The sculpture will be unveiled at 2:00 PM during the Austin Green City Festival on October 23^rd. Many groups are helping with the volunteer effort. You can get involved by coming to the unveiling, helping the artist prepare the caps or collecting plastic caps from peanut butter jars, Gatorade drinks, jelly jars, mayonnaise jars, etc. For more information, see the website for the sculpture.

Tagged with: art • art class • art in public places • austin • austin art • austin events • Austin Green Fest • Austin Green Festival • george sabra • green fest • local art • local events • sculpture • service • volunteering

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.

###

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

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