West Austin Youth Association - Community Involvement: Partners In The Community

Community Involvement: Partners In The Community

As a community resource, WAYA partners with other non-profit organizations to connect the community and provide services for those in need. Each partnership advances the core mission of the West Austin Youth Association to provide all youth the opportunity to reach their own individual potential. Our focus is on serving the community and connecting WAYA families and resources with organizations in need.

	UT Elementary WAYA adopted the UT Elementary school in the fall of 2007 to support a healthy lifestyle for the children, families, faculty and staff and to assist in the school's efforts for capital improvements, fundraising. WAYA provides the following: For Children & Families We Provide: Classroom visits to WAYA (6 visits - 40 kids/visit) with paid bus transportation, provided snacks & lunch, provided instruction and supervised free time, and goodies including WAYA t-shirts, hats, bags, etc. A school supply drive (September & January) Adopting 2 needy families at Christmas. Literacy Library funding of $2,000. Sole sponsor for the 2010 5th grade Graduation ($3,000) Scholarships for UTES students in WAYA camps/leagues For Other Events We Provide: Lil' Longhorn 5K - provided volunteer support, paid for event t-shirts Healthfest - provided volunteer support Olympic Day - provided volunteer support & equipment End of year Faculty Luncheon - event fees, provided flowers & teacher gift Teacher Appreciation Luncheon - food & beverages and a gift for each teacher Inspirational Fundraising Luncheon - letter of support for grants, etc.
	The University of Texas at Austin The University of Texas Women's Basketball Team Each August, Coach G and her team provide a free basketball clinic for all players ages K - 8th grade. The University of Texas Women's Hall of Honor WAYA's Executive Director sits on the Women's Hall of Honor Selection Committee. WAYA supports the Women's Hall of Honor by supporting the November event honoring the inductees.
	The Junior League of Austin - "Food in Tummies" WAYA helped to create and host the first annual "Food in Tummies" (FIT) Event that raised awareness and funds for the FIT program, a unique program designed to provide weekend nourishment to children grades K-5 who qualify for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) - which provides free and reduced meals.
	American Cancer Society Each spring prior to the American Society's annual Cattle Baron's Ball, WAYA hosts a Jr. Cattle Baron's All Star Day for kids ages 4 - 13 who have battled and won the fight against cancer. Kids were able to play with NFL, College and High school athletes involving the youngsters in football, soccer, basketball and tumbling stations. Each child that attends gives back to local kids undergoing treatment by signing encouragement cards and placing their painted handprint on the "More Birthdays" banner. View a Video of the Event »
	Bookspring Bookspring provides books and early literacy programs to children and families in our community who need them most. WAYA is a drop-off site for gently used books. In the fall and spring seasons, WAYA flag football, soccer, violleyball and basketball teams donate, sort and package books for BookSpring to give out to the community. In 2010, WAYA donated 1,350 books to BookSpring.
	Young Life Austin West WAYA hosts various group meetings and activities for Younglife and Wyldlife.