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Austin Foundation 

Description

Austin Foundation: Fulfilling Youth & Family Needs in the Community
Local schools are increasingly being forced to reduce or cut physical education programs altogether and scale back school lunch programs. The health crisis affects youth in low income communities the most. 20% of African American, Hispanic, and Native American children ages 6-19 are considered overweight, well above the national average. Youth in these communities have limited access to healthy foods and safe places to engage in physical activity. Making matters worse, a growing number of young people face violence or the threat of violence from gang activities in their daily lives. Austin Foundation not only mentors youth with fitness but we provide safe positive places and leadership opportunities for the youth. Austin Foundation bridges racial and socioeconomic inequities in health, providing young people the tools and inspiration to live a healthy, active lifestyle.

Mission Statement
Transform lives by providing accessible, interactive opportunities for young people to experience the benefits of a fit and healthy lifestyle.
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Austin Foundation
1918 Terry Ave 
Seattle 
WA
98101 
(206) 381-1841 

Willie Austin 
Founder 

Programs

Austin Foundation Programs

Each of the Austin Foundation's programs concentrate's on building a child's physical, social, mental and emotional strength through constructive fitness training and instruction. The continued success of these courses has allowed the Austin foundation to offer an increasing number and variety of fitness, education and youth leadership programs.  These programs are provided in partnership with schools, community centers and other youth organizations.  Please see our website for more information about our various programs.                

Youth & Fitness (Signature Program)                   
Youth & Fitness is our cornerstone program and is designed to encourage participants to try new activities, discover new, enjoyable exercises and learn basic nutrition and general fitness principles. Through a sampling of different forms of physical activity and nutrition, youth learn the core components of fitness and how to apply them in their everyday lives.            

Youth & Fitness is a six-week program offered during the academic school year.  Participants meet once a week, or twice weekly during the summer program. The end of the cycle is culminates with a celebration honoring the accomplishments of each of the students.                

Our signature program has been successful in building stronger youth and forming future leaders. Many Youth & Fitness participants go on to become Austin Foundation interns, junior trainers and assistant trainers. Some participants have continued on to become trainers volunteering and/or working for the Foundation.                  

Junior Trainers                       
The Junior Trainers Program teaches select youth the skills necessary to serve as assistant trainers to our lead trainers. Within the Junior Trainer program, youth learn in detail the key aspects of nutrition, physical fitness and performance (skill) fitness. Each Junior Trainers must lead their own weekly routine in addition to their duties assisting the lead trainer on site. Junior Trainers also aid the Austin Foundation by support summer youth day camps and helping out at various other community programs and events.                          

The eight week Junior Trainer program is held during the summer and requires a four-day-per-week commitment. The Junior Trainer program provides these young people with real-world job skills and invaluable leadership experience.

Recent Successes and Current Challenges

Due to our mentoring work with the youth and not only with their physical needs, but with many other aspects of our youths' lives, we are always growing with the number of youth we serve because of youth promoting our program to their peers by word of mouth.  Many of our dedicated youth promote our program by bringing in their peers.                           

As all non profits in this economy we are in great need of funds so we can increase the size of our staff to keep up with the number of programs, community events and all the constituents we serve through these avenues. 

Evaluation


The Austin Foundation supports predominately low income youth of color through access to physical activity in a safe and supportive environment, healthy nutrition information, and leadership opportunities.

Accessibility and Cultural Competency
The Austin Foundation provides free fitness programs to young people who need them the most, especially those at risk of chronic diseases associated with inactivity and poor diets. The Austin Foundation customized their programs to meet the needs of young adults by offering them during the school days, after school, or late at night. The majority of youth The Austin Foundation serves are African American, East African, Latino, or of Asian descent. Many participants are from low-income or single family homes.

Collaboration
Willie Austin, founder and Executive Director, is highly engaged in the community and emphasizes collaboration in all aspects of his work. On behalf of the organization, Austin: participates on the Seattle Chief of Police’s advisory council on youth; sits on a panel of experts assembled by Children’s Hospital and Group Health on childhood obesity; participates in the Kellogg Foundation Food and Fitness Initiative; offers programs on site at local high schools struggling to provide adequate physical education; and regularly partners with Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Seattle Seahawks.

Leadership
Austin is an engaged and dynamic leader, but with a small staff and FTE count of 2, is lacking capacity for business development and fundraising. However, The Austin Foundation has a new board chair with “relentless” energy for fundraising and capacity building. They received federal funds through a grant from Washington State Mentors. The funds have paid for staff to attend grant writing classes, board development classes, and has helped train staff on developing board committees and job descriptions. A major donor has offered to pay for a contract bookkeeper to free up time for regular staff members.

Grant History with The Seattle Foundation:

Grants Awarded through The Seattle Foundation Grantmaking Program:

DateAmountPurpose
12/10/2010 $5,000.00support general operating expenses.
3/22/2007 $41,000.00fund the Teen Community Health Action Team (Teen CHAT) in partnership with Treeswing.
10/5/2006 $10,000.00support general operating expenses.
6/17/2004 $10,000.00support general operating expenses.

Financials

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