JOIN THE
CONVERSATION:
Follow Forefront Austin on FacebookFollow Forefront Austin on TwitterFollow Forefront Austin on LinkedInFollow Forefront Austin on YouTube

Forefront Austin partners are the top thinkers and doers from Central Texas nonprofit, civic and corporate sectors.   Each month, Forefront Austin partners offer their answers to key questions facing Central Texas, providing their vision for a robust, engaged and vibrant community.  Contact Jill Weir to learn how to become a Forefront Austin partner.

Filter by type:
( Forefront partners in bold red )
Organizationsort icon Type
Great Wall China Adoption Inc.

Great Wall China Adoption is dedicated to helping children around the world find loving and permanent families of their own in accordance with the Hague Convention on Protection of Children, U.S. and international laws. They aim to accomplish three goals:

  • Work with countries around the world to find homes for abandoned children
  • Assist U.S. and foreign governments to improve both the international adoption process and laws to protect children
  • Act as ambassadors to educate the public toward building a better relationship between the U.S. and other countries
Children & Youth
Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Established in 1973, the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GAHCC) primary goal is to continue the advancement and progression of a strong and stable economic culture for Hispanic Businesses.  The Chamber strives to reach these goals by developing business and management skills and bridging access to financial capital and maintaining our cultural values and integrity. We build our members’ wealth...through programs and services in economic and workforce development, business networking, and community and policy advocacy.

Associations
Green Doors

Green Doors' mission is to prevent and help end homelessness and poverty housing for those working to achieve independent living in Central Texas. Green Doors accomplishes this by: creating affordable, safe, quality housing; providing residents with access to supportive services; and educating about, and advocating for, individuals and families struggling with homelessness and at-risk for homelessness.

Housing & Poverty
H-E-B

H-E-B, with sales of more than $18 billion, operates more than 337 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B celebrated its 105 anniversary in 2010. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience at everyday low prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs more than 76,000 Partners and serves millions of customers in more than 150 communities. For more information, visit www.heb.com.

Corporate Partner
HAND - Helping the Aging, Needy and Disabled

Helping the Aging, Needy and Disabled, Inc (HAND), Formerly Services For The Elderly, Inc., has been providing in-home attendant services to elderly and disabled persons since 1972. We incorporated as a nonprofit agency in 1976 and are licensed by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services to provide Personal Assistant services.

Social Services
Hays Nursing Center Inc.

Hays Nursing & Rehab Center is a not-for-profit faith based long term care organization. Hays Nursing & Rehab Center is founded on the Seventh-day Adventist legacy of Christian healthcare.

Health & Wellness
Health Alliance for Austin Musicians
The mission of Health Alliance for Austin Musicians is to provide access to affordable healthcare for low-income, uninsured working musicians, focusing on prevention and wellness.
Health & Wellness
Heart House

Heart House Austin is a free afterschool program dedicated to providing a safe haven and academic support to low-income children and encouraging them to become good citizens.  

Children & Youth
Helping Hand Home for Children Inc.

For 118 years, Helping Hand Home for Children has provided a place to heal for abused, neglected and abandoned children. Helping Hand Home provides residential treatment services, therapeutic foster care, adoption services, and an on-site charter school for emotionally disturbed children. We are a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization located in Austin, Texas licensed by the State of Texas, and governed by the membership of the Helping Hand Society.

Housing & Poverty
Heritage Society of Austin

The mission of the Heritage Society of Austin is to promote the recognition and experience of Austin's diverse cultural heritage through the preservation of historic treasures and places. As a nationally recognized preservation organization founded in 1953, we protect the diverse architectural and cultural heritage of the greater Austin community. HSA is a proactive leader with local, state, and national policy makers and organizations ensuring that preservation is at the forefront of the public policy agenda. As a result of our advocacy and financial support, 300 historic properties, including Austin treasures like the Driskill Hotel, Paramount Theater, Governor’s Mansion, Laguna Gloria, and many private residences have been preserved.

Arts & Culture
Hill Country Conservancy

Water. Wildlife. Quality of Life.

Hill Country Conservancy marshals public and private resources to preserve the natural areas and scenic vistas, aquifers and springs, rivers and streams, working farms and ranches, and the rural heritage of the Central Texas Hill Country for people to enjoy and cherish for generations to come.

Follow HCC on FaceBook Follow HCC on Twitter

Environment
Hospice Austin

Hospice Austin patients and families have the assurance that they are being served by one of the oldest and largest hospice programs in Central Texas.  We provide family-centered, quality end-of-life care that emphasizes compassion, dignity, independence and respect. We are committed to relieving physical, emotional and spiritual pain so that life can be experienced as fully and hopefully as possible. We offer a full range of health care services such as medical and nursing care, spiritual and emotional support, social work, personal care, special therapies, volunteer and bereavement services. Our services are designed to improve comfort, manage symptoms and deal with other difficulties such as emotional distress and grief.  Hospice Austin also provides important emotional and spiritual support to families and friends as they cope with caring for a loved one with an advanced illness, and the grief they experience after their loved one dies.

Health & Wellness
Human Rights Campaign

The Human Rights Campaign represents a grassroots force of over 750,000 members and supporters nationwide. As the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, HRC envisions an America where LGBT people are ensured of their basic equal rights, and can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.

Associations
Humana

For more than 50 years Humana has been a proven leader and innovator in the health and wellness industry. A passionate emphasis on people, choice, well-being, and innovation guide our business practices and culture. We’re not just a health insurance company. Our diverse lines of business position us to serve millions of people with a wide range of needs, including seniors, military members, and self-employed individuals.

Corporate Partner
I Live Here I Give Here

I Live Here, I Give Here’s mission is to deepen and expand the culture of personal philanthropy by inspiring Central Texans to invest more money in our community. We educate and connect individuals and non-profits so more Central Texans experience the personal benefit of increased philanthropy.

Philanthropy Resources
Jewish Community Association of Austin

The Jewish Community Association of Austin (JCAA) supports an innovative community where Jewish living and learning can thrive. Located primarily on the 40-acre Dell Jewish Community Campus in Northwest Austin, the JCAA provides a vast array of services and programs, from enrichment opportunities for all ages to support services for families, from health- and wellness-oriented programming to global philanthropy.
An umbrella organization, the JCAA includes five main divisions: Jewish Federation of Greater Austin, the Jewish Community Center, Jewish Family Service (JFS), Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), and Jewish Life and Learning. These branches work together to comprehensively address the needs of Austin's Jewish community in collaboration with area congregations, schools, and community organizations.
Everyday at the JCAA offers another opportunity to grow--as people, as families, as a community. We are a gathering place for our members, for the Austin Jewish community, and for the community as a whole. We are a center for Jewish living and learning. We are a shoulder to lean on for those in need.

Social Services
Junior Acheivement of Central Texas

Since 1919, Junior Achievement's purpose has been to educate and inspire young people to value free enterprise and understand business and economics to improve the quality of their lives. Junior Achievement is the world's largest and fastest-growing non-profit economic education organization. Our programs are taught by classroom volunteers from the business community across America and in over 103 countries worldwide.These volunteers use their personal experiences to make the Junior Achievement curricula practical and realistic, providing children with positive adult role models, who illustrate ways to build self-confidence, develop skills and find avenues of success in our free enterprise system.

Education & Literacy
Junior League of Austin

The Junior League of Austin is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Our purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The Junior League of Austin is dedicated to strengthening our community through creative solutions to current and future challenges.

Social Services
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation - Austin Chapter

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)'s mission is to find a cure for type 1 diabetes and its complications through the support of research.  JDRF is the leading charitable funder and advocate of type 1 (juvenile) diabetes worldwide. The JDRF Austin Chapter was established in 1997. Since then, with community and volunteer support, we have been growing by leaps and bounds in one of the most vibrant cities in the country.  Austin is known as the live music capital of the world and has a style and energy all its own.  That energy is reflected in the enthusiasm and support shown by the community in our search for a cure for type 1 diabetes.

Health & Wellness
KDK-Harman Foundation

KDK-Harman Foundation was established in 2004 by Janet E. Harman. Janet named the family philanthropy in honor of her three children, Kevin, David, and Kelly. The foundation focuses on serving economically disadvantaged Central Texas students and their families to help them achieve educational success; transforming their lives from poverty to financial independence and enabling a better life for future generations; providing financial and capacity building resources to education focused nonprofits, schools and collaborations; and creating a culture of giving excellence in our community through leadership, high-engagement, advocacy and innovation.

Follow KDK-Harman Fdn on FaceBook Follow KDK-Harman Fdn on Twitter View KDK-Harman Fdn Videos on YouTube

Education & Literacy
Keep Austin Beautiful

Keep Austin Beautiful(KAB)- inspires and educates individuals and our community towards greater environmental stewardship. Our goal is to Clean, Beautify and Protect the Austin environment through physical improvements and hands-on education. Areas of focus include: Litter Prevention - Beautification & community improvement - Waste reduction & resource conservation.

Organization Links:

Follow KAB on FaceBook Follow KAB on Twitter

Environment
KIPP Austin Public Schools

KIPP Austin Public Schools was founded in 2002 after to address the educational inequities for students in East Austin. Having served as a pioneer teacher at the original KIPP Academy in Houston, the founder recognized that the KIPP educational model would work best for students in East Austin. KIPP, the "Knowledge is Power Program," was founded in 1994 by Mike Feinberg and Dave Levin, two young teachers who had just completed their Teach For America service. This program for Houston inner-city fifth graders has grown to a national network of 66 schools in 19 states and the District of Columbia, serving more than 16,000 students.

Education & Literacy
KLRU-TV

Since its inception, Austin's own community licensed public television station KLRU, has brought exceptional educational television to the Central Texas community. This non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization is made possible through support from our members. For more than 40 years KLRU has been a friend to Central Texans. KLRU's mission is to enrich the lives of our viewers through quality public television programming, community services and public events with shows like Austin City Limits, Central Texas Gardener, and Texas Monthly Talks.

Arts & Culture
KUT

The official KUT mission is “to be the most trusted radio source for news and music in Central Texas.” In real terms, that means we strive every day to bring you insightful news coverage and music that gets us fired up. This page includes a lot of information that we need to share with you. But what we want you to know is that our entire staff is devoted to bringing you the best news and music in Central Texas every day—every hour, every minute that we’re on the air.

KUT Austin is licensed by the FCC to the Board of Regents of The University of Texas and operates as a department within the College of Communication at The University of Texas at Austin.

Arts & Culture
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

The mission of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is to increase the sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants and landscapes.

Environment
Lance Armstrong Foundation, Inc. (LiveStrong)

Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) is a 501(c)3 charity that raises money and awareness for the fight against cancer.

Health & Wellness
Leadership Austin

Leadership Austin ignites passion for community leadership. Since 1979, we have developed and created community among leaders from all walks of life. We offer programs that explore critical community issues, develop the leadership skills to address those issues, and foster relationships that help facilitate positive, collaborative change in our community.

Leadership Austin's Core Values


 

Community Trusteeship

Inclusiveness

Collaborative Decision-Making

Personal Responsibility

More on our core values

Associations
Literacy Coalition of Central Texas

 The Literacy Coalition of Central Texas (LCCT)mobilizes providers, learners, employers, educators, policy makers and other stakeholders to create a central Texas community that is 100% literate, employable, and engaged. LCCT strengthens Central Texas literacy education providers through advocacy, research, training and resource development. The Literacy Coalition of Central Texas is a non-profit organization working to support, coordinate and expand community efforts toward service provision, advocacy, and civic engagement. Our services support a network of over 70 organizations providing literacy services, including English as a second language classes, GED preparation classes, family literacy, health literacy, and workforce literacy within the 5 county region of Central Texas. We serve providers who serve people in Bastrop County, Caldwell County, Hays County, Travis County, and Williamson County.

Education & Literacy
Lone Star Circle of Care

Lone Star Circle of Care has grown from one locally-focused clinic established in Georgetown in 2002 to a federally qualified community health center with 20+ community clinics serving Central Texas. We provided nearly 130,000 patient visits for medically underserved adults and children in 2009.

 Were it not for our clinics, adults and children without health insurance would not have access to what we call a person-centered, behaviorally enhanced healthcare home, which includes primary care, dental, integrated mental health, women’s health services, and low cost medications.



Health & Wellness
Lutheran Social Service of the South

Lutheran Social Services provides help, healing and hope in the name of Jesus Christ. LSSS annually serves about 45,000 persons across Texas and Louisiana. Services range from Children's emergency shelter, foster care, adoption, and treatment centers; senior care, health care and basic needs for families in crisis, and disaster relief. 

Social Services
Magellan International School

The Magellan International School is an independent, not-for-profit, school which opened in August of 2009 in Austin, Texas. The School currently covers Pre-Primary 3 (three year old's) through 3rd Grade and plans to add one grade level per year thereafter until a full PreK through 12th grade program is in place. The School’s fundamental objective is to prepare children to become engaged Global Citizens of the 21st Century that can meet the challenges and opportunities facing the world in this age of globalization. The School features an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme curriculum within the context of an English-Spanish language immersion program. Mandarin is offered starting in 3rd grade.

Education & Literacy
Mainspring Schools

Mainspring School is an NAEYC Accredited non-profit, early childhood, family-centered community where children enjoy learning and become self-assured and socially competent in order to excel in school and in life. Mainspring recognizes that teachers and staff are our greatest resource. The developmental needs of children, socially, intellectually, emotionally, and physically, vary tremendously. Professional development in both child development and curriculum development, as well as behavior management, professional communication and team building are all part of what makes Mainspring teacher and staff exceptional.

Education & Literacy
Make a Wish Foundation of Central & South Texas

The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Central & South Texas is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Since 1984 the Central & South Texas chapter has granted more than 2,800 wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. During fiscal year 2009, our volunteers and donors made it possible for 233 children in our area to experience the magic of a wish.

Children & Youth
Manos de Christo

Manos de Cristo is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering low-income individuals by promoting dignity and self-reliance. Manos was founded in 1988, and the dental clinic opened its doors to the Austin community in 1990. Manos hosts a wide range of adult education classes; houses a food pantry, a clothes closet, and two computer labs.

Social Services
Marathon Kids®

Marathon Kids® is an evidence-based, FREE running/walking, nutrition, and gardening program for K-5th grade children.  Our target is children most prone to sedentary lifestyles and health related illnesses.  Marathon Kids are challenged to run/walk 26.2 miles over the course of their school year and make healthier food choices. This year Marathon Kids® will give 328,000 children in 7 cities across the United States the opportunity to develop a love and habit of movement.

Organization Links:

Like Marathon Kids on FaceBook Follow Marathon Kids on Twitter

Children & Youth
Marbridge Foundation Inc.

Marbridge provides a safe, loving community where adult residents with cognitive challenges can achieve their full potential through Abilities Centered Training with the opportunity for lifetime care. At Marbridge, we focus on individuals first and cognitive challenges second. Our goal is to enable residents to reach their maximum potential through structured education and training programs, called Abilities Centered Training (ACT). ACT provides the mental stimulation and encouragement that residents need to continue learning in a comfortable and positive training environment, surrounded and encouraged by their peers. Residents enjoy the personal satisfaction of being as independent as possible, overcoming individual challenges, and making a meaningful contribution to the Marbridge and Austin communities.

Health & Wellness
Mary Lee Foundation
The Mary Lee Foundation's Mission is to serve children and adults with special needs so that they may develop a sense of dignity, a feeling of self-worth, and the skills necessary to socially integrate with and contribute to the community in which they live. The Foundation is a private, non-profit service provider, specializing in residential treatment and vocational services for persons with disabilities. Founded in 1963 by Charlene Crump, it inspires and involves persons with disabilities through programs, advocacy, and education.
Social Services
Meals on Wheels and More

Meals on Wheels and More seeks to nourish and enrich the lives of the homebound and other people in need through programs that promote dignity and independent living. In addition to delivering hot, nutritious meals to the elderly, disabled or homebound, MOWAM:


•    delivers groceries to clients twice a month,
•    makes “care calls” via phone to homebound clients,
•    provides transportation for clients to medical appointments,
•    offers free vet services and food to pets of homebound clients,
•    helps clients with Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia ,
•    provides home repairs that are related to the health and safety of clients, and more!


MOWAM is a 501(c)(3) multi-service organization that relies on the help of approximately 5,000 volunteers to serve nearly 3,400 clients every day.

Follow us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterView our Videos on YouTubeSubscribe to our email list

Housing & Poverty
Mexic-Arte Museum

Mexic-Arte Museum is dedicated to enriching the community through education programs and exhibitions focusing on traditional and contemporary Mexican, Latino, and Latin American art and culture. Since its founding in 1984, Mexic-Arte Museum has been designated as the Official Mexican and Mexican American Fine Art Museum of Texas by the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas.

Arts & Culture
Mexican American Cultural Center

The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center is dedicated to the preservation, creation, presentation, and promotion of Mexican American cultural arts and heritage. The center is a tremendous resource for the community and visitors to learn and participate in classes and programs that will foster a meaningful understanding and appreciation of not only Mexican American but also Native American, Chicano, and other Latino cultures. The programs and educational curriculum include the areas of visual art, theater, dance, literature, music, multi-media and the culinary arts. The idea of establishing a cultural facility for Latino artists and the community emerged in the early 1970's. Hispanic visionaries, community members, and artists approached the City of Austin to request support for the development of a Hispanic focused cultural arts facility. After years of planning, the center was officially opened on September 15, 2007.

Arts & Culture