Foundation Communities

At Foundation Communities, Labor Day weekend started with a fond farewell to a staff member who has been a pillar of our programs for 22 years. Yesterday was Melanie Reese's last day with us. Melanie has been a Financial Stability Advisor for our Children's HOME Initiative (CHI) for seven years. She has also worked as a Learning Center Manager and with our Cash for College Program. In 22 years, Melanie has helped a tremendous number of our residents and has played an integral role in making CHI what it is today. Thank you, Melanie!

Orisbel (left) has a new home and a better financial outlook after meeting with a Foundation Communities Community Health Worker. You can read her story at https://ow.ly/eLFU50Ta8FT It’s National Community Health Worker Awareness Week, and we are proud that our Health Initiatives Department has expanded its Community Health Worker (CHW) program. Our CHW’s connect our neighbors to the services available in our community and perform a range of activities such as outreach, health education, social support, and advocacy. Our Community Health Workers can be reached at [email protected] or by calling the CHW line at 512-537-2692.

Waterloo Terrace resident Giselle (left) says she's "starting over again." Part of that involves repairing her credit. That's why she attended a Financial Coaching workshop at Waterloo Terrace led by volunteer Serenity Coats. (right) Our Prosper Financial Coaching program is hosting these workshops to help residents in our communities for single adults find financial success. The program is open to the public. You can make an appointment at https://lnkd.in/gCc6buYM

The City of Austin is poised to renew the contract between Foundation Communities and the Downtown Austin Community Court for another five years. As a result of our partnership with the court, many people experiencing homelessness have found a place in our communities for single adults. And, “Almost 100% of the clients served through these contracts have maintained their housing for an extended period of time,” explained Robert Kingham, court administrator for the Downtown Austin Community Court. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gA5aFhMP

We couldn't let #NationalDogDay pass without showing you photos of Foundation Communities residents and their precious pooches. We call them support animals because they're more than just pets, they're trusted companions. Happy National Dog Day!

We're excited to share that the Biden-Harris Administration is continuing its commitment to making sure Americans have access to affordable healthcare coverage. The Administration has awarded a new round of grants totaling $100 million to "organizations vital to helping underserved communities, consumers, and small businesses find and enroll in quality, affordable health coverage through HealthCare.gov, the Health Insurance Marketplace®." Foundation Communities is proud to once again be one of the grantees. In fact the press release issued today says" Foundation Communities, a returning Navigator organization, uses Census data to identify communities in and around Austin, Texas, that can benefit from assistance enrolling in health care coverage. These often include people with low incomes, as well as racial and ethnic minorities across more than 10 counties. Foundation Communities leverages its research to conduct focused outreach and education, particularly at community health fairs, food pantries, and resident events in affordable housing properties." You can read the entire press release at https://lnkd.in/ebmfufYJ. Thank you to our Health Coverage team and the many volunteers who make this happen for our neighbors every year.

We're excited to share that the Biden-Harris Administration is continuing its commitment to making sure Americans have access to affordable healthcare coverage. The Administration has awarded a new round of grants totaling $100 million to "organizations vital to helping underserved communities, consumers, and small businesses find and enroll in quality, affordable health coverage through HealthCare.gov, the Health Insurance Marketplace®." Foundation Communities is proud to once again be one of the grantees. In fact the press release issued today says" Foundation Communities, a returning Navigator organization, uses Census data to identify communities in and around Austin, Texas, that can benefit from assistance enrolling in health care coverage. These often include people with low incomes, as well as racial and ethnic minorities across more than 10 counties. Foundation Communities leverages its research to conduct focused outreach and education, particularly at community health fairs, food pantries, and resident events in affordable housing properties." You can read the entire press release at https://lnkd.in/ebmfufYJ. Thank you to our Health Coverage team and the many volunteers who make this happen for our neighbors every year.

Even in the searing heat, the work on Juniper Creek Apartments is really coming along on North Lamar. This 110-unit affordable community for families is next door to our Laurel Creek Apartments which opened in 2021. Crews are working on the roofing, the windows, the sheathing and installing fire sprinklers. They'll probably start installing siding next week.

Texas Mutual Insurance Company continues to be one of Foundation Communities' most dedicated corporate volunteers. We really appreciate their generous financial contributions. And, as this video shows, the relationship they have developed with the students at the Learning Center at The Jordan at Mueller is extra special. Thank you!