nonprofit

The average costs for school supplies every year is $35 which creates an extra burden for already challenged families as well as for teachers, who often spend their own money buying missing supplies for their classrooms and students.

In order to ease the burden of both families and teachers, school districts that are continuously facing tighter budgets, are trying to outsource the financial obligation by requesting that parents help provide  these supplies.

Here is a list of Back-to-School Programs and School-Supply Drives in and around Austin.

Did you know that living in the ‘Live Music Capital of the World’ is not just an awesome treat for grown-ups but also for kids of every age, every background, and every ability? In addition to many music events and kids concerts throughout the year, Austin has a plethora of businesses and organizations that allow and help children to enjoy their natural birthright as musical beings.

Beyond the Grade, one of Austin’s many nonprofit organizations serving children in the 512, made it its goal to “Keeping Music Alive in Austin Schools” and to provide music educational opportunities to students beyond the traditional classes offered in schools. Read more about Beyond the Grade programs.

Crystal Ngumezi, a 26-year-old originally from Houston, TX now living in Austin, TX, recently started The Proverbs 31 Women’s Organization, a nonprofit organization that offers free mentorship and professional etiquette training classes to young women from low-income families living in underprivileged neighborhoods.

“I started The Proverbs 31 Women's Organization because I felt there was a need for an organization that supplied underprivileged young women with proper mentors to help lead and guide them through life.”, Crystal says. “As a young woman myself, I always desired to have a female mentor to help coach and guide me through my profession as a female engineer. I never received this type of aid, so I made it my mission and purpose to create opportunities for young women who looked like me to receive free help and guidance, as well as free professional training and teaching.“ Read on for more information on participating, volunteering, and donating.

Central Texas is among the fastest growing regions in the nation. While it means growth and prosperity for some, due to the rising cost of housing, utilities, transportation, and healthcare, many of our neighbors are left behind. Many of those neighbors are children.

More than

• 166,050 children in Central Texas
• 61,250 children in Travis County
• 27,160 children in Williamson County
• 8,990 children in Hays County
• 4,790 children in Bastrop County
• 2,360 children in Caldwell County

are affected by hunger and food insecurity. Let's change this.

Did you know that vultures are the only birds that can smell?

Have you ever milked or watched someone milk a cow?

Have you ever wondered why male birds are prettier than female birds?

Would you believe us if we told you that pigs are some of the smartest and cleanest animals around?

Have you ever witnessed the birth of a brand new calf?

We experienced and learned about all of the above and more from Farmer Dave and Farmer Chris during our visit of Crowe’s Nest Farm.

Love museums?

Love free?

Then you’ll love Austin Museum Day. On Sunday, September 18, 2016, more than 35 history, science, culture, and art museums open their doors to visitors at no charge. Enjoy special programming, guided exhibition tours, hands-on activities, and more.

Participating museums:

And here comes a consignment sale for the people up North: Just Between Friends Austin North!

Just Between Friends Events are locally owned and operated so they’re still Keeping Austin Weird. JBF Austin North & JBF Austin Central are both run by the same owners, so if you like one, you’ll definitely like the other.

And here's what makes Just Between Friends Austin North so special...

Have you been to Austin Creative Reuse yet? It’s a gem for crafty (and frugal) families. We visited their store today and literally wanted to move in. They have about everything you can think of and a lot you can’t or wouldn’t think of. Read on and spark your creative juices.

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