Please share to Facebook
Remembering Austin
  • Home
  • 12 Days
  • Pix
  • Stories
  • Memorials
  • NASW
  • Team Austin

The 2nd Day of the 12 Days of Austin's Christmas, 2015

12/26/2015

2 Comments

 
Picture
Sarah

​​Thank you for providing me the opportunity to again support interests that Austin and I shared. This year, I am focusing on science education, music, and the outdoors. Once again, I have chosen to donate to organizations that meet a few criteria that I think Austin would have appreciated. First, I looked for organizations that specifically target participants who would otherwise not have access to these types of services (e.g., low-income, underrepresented minorities). Second, I wanted these organizations to be research-based, meaning that they use data to demonstrate their effectiveness and improve outcomes. Finally, I used Charity Navigator to demonstrate that these organizations are accountable, transparent, and that the majority of their funding goes directly to their cause (rather than to administration and fundraising). The exception here was SARSEF, which has an annual income of less than one million dollars and, thus, is not featured on Charity Navigator, but maintains a very strong reputation in Southern Arizona.


Southern Arizona Research, Science, and Engineering Foundation $500
Austin and I were both lucky to have exposure to high quality science education in our schools, which contributed to us both choosing to study science. However, science education faces funding shortages and suffers as a function of not being featured on annual tests, taking a backseat to english and math. The Southern Arizona Research, Science, and Engineering Foundation (SARSEF) is the only organization in Southern Arizona that does STEM outreach for schools that cannot afford lab equipment and science education, particularly rural schools on neighboring reservations, as well as schools in low-income areas. They provide professional development for teachers, do presentations and experiments for students who would not otherwise be exposed to the scientific method outside of a textbook, host “science nights” for parents and students, and host an annual science and engineering fair where students do hands-on STEM activities and interact with science professionals. Additionally, they are one of the few organizations that starts to work with students as young as kindergarten to start the love of science and embrace curiosity at a young age.

Big City Mountaineers $250
Some of my favorite memories with Austin are hiking with him. We were lucky to come from a family that had the capability and love of nature to take us outside on these outings from an early age. However, some young people, especially those in urban environments, may not have these experiences without help from outside organizations. Big City Mountaineers serves underrepresented youth from urban environments with wilderness mentoring expeditions that instill life skills, as well as exposure to the natural world. Additionally, I appreciate the Big City Mountaineers research the effectiveness of their programs, and that those programs demonstrably increase participants’ likelihood of retention in school and reduce the rates of violence and drug use.

The Harmony Project $250
Austin and I were both able to learn instruments through our schools, which helped us developmentally as well as instilled an appreciation for the arts. However, as school budgets get ever tighter, the first programs to be cut are in music and the arts, especially in low-income schools. Organizations like The Harmony Project in Los Angeles work to reach out to underrepresented and low-income youth to provide them music lessons and ensemble participation. Additionally, they are a research-based non-profit organization that targets individual students, their families, and their communities by teaching, practicing, and performing music for diverse communities.

2 Comments
Paula Johnson
1/4/2016 10:43:15 am

Thank you Sarah for seeing and so eloquently stating the goals and purpose of SARSEF. As a long standing board member, it is heartening to see that others feel the value of SARSEF. I was saddened to hear of Austin and read his fathers letter - it is clear that you and Austin come from a loving, caring and very supportive family. Thank you, on behalf of all the students (K-12th grade) that your donation will benefit.

Reply
Kathleen Bethel link
1/5/2016 05:23:30 am

Sarah - I am the CEO of SARSEF
Wow.
It has taken me two days to respond because I was overwhelmed with gratitude and happiness at receiving your note.
You have passed along some of Austin's spirit to us and the kindness that you felt along the way.
That is the true gift here.

I hope you don't mind that I shared your letter with our Board.
Sometimes we wonder if we are making enough of a difference - and then we read something like that.
I am charged and energized for the next year - just because of you guys.
I have to meet you in person! Wait that sounds like a stalker - I am not- but I am a huge fan.
Please let us know how we can thank you.
And perhaps you can come hand out awards with us on March 5th so we remember Austin together! Let's talk...
Kathleen

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    This page details the directed and direct giving in Austin's honor. It starts with the 12 Days of Christmas

    Archives

    December 2017
    January 2016
    December 2015
    December 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013

    Categories

    All
    Charity

    RSS Feed

Austin Hudson-Lapore, we miss him so much