In its 18th year, HopeFest ’23 attracted 4,235 attendees, 150 exhibitors, 11 performers/groups and 350+ volunteers to the Northeast Early College High School campus on Saturday, October 21. Sponsored by Austin Voices in partnership with local community organizations, schools, churches, service providers, and businesses, HopeFest has become Austin’s largest campus-based family resource fair.

From a large stage with all-day performances to fields, 3 gymnasiums and cafeteria, HopeFest spreads throughout the Northeast campus, given families a full day of services and family fun. HopeFest is also a celebration of community, with “Community Hero” awards given during lunch. This year’s awards were given to Austin Public Health, Central Health, Central Texas Food Bank and CommUnity Care for the work they have done to support immunizations, health insurance and food security in the Northeast communities.  The awards were presented by AISD leadership, trustees and Austin Voices Executive Director Allen Weeks

Financial support for this year’s HopeFest came from Superior Healthplan, Covenant Presbyterian Church, Genentech, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, Young Men’s Service League, Austin Voices and local businesses.

Download HopeFest ’23 Final Report

 

A sample of services and activities provided at HopeFest ’23 include . . .

  • 1,800 meals were served at lunch
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables were provided by Central Texas Food Bank for 700+ families
  • Bookspring gave away over 2,000 free children’s books
  • 259 families received free children’s clothing
  • 500 mature trees were given away by Treefolks
  • 95 families registered for Christmas assistance through Blue Santa
  • 170 flu shots and 51 COVID vaccinations were given (flu from Austin Public Health, COVID from and CommUnity Care)
  • College of Health Care Professions provided free health screenings.
  • Dental information and free toothbrush kits and referrals were provided by dental providers, including the ACC Dental Hygiene Program.
  • Immunization referrals were made to the St. John Community Center/Austin Public Health.
  • Over 200 vision screenings were provided by the Lion’s Club, and Half Helen Foundation provided 14 students received ophthalmologist examinations and 13 free eyeglasses made on-site.
  • 259 families were screened for health insurance, SNAP and a medical home by CommUnity Care and the Austin Voices Promotoras. Follow up appointments were made for CommUnity Care and Austin Voices Family Resource Centers.
  • Outdoor children’s activities included a bike rodeo provided by the Young Men’s Service League, climbing wall, orbitron, bouncy houses, ponies, kiddie train and sports/games. Over 300 children took part in the children’s craft area, where children decorated mini-pumpkins, made halloween masks and did other fall-themed crafts.
  • Capital of Texas Zoo provided interactive activities with farm animals and reptiles.
  • Least of Saints provided classic motorcycles for children and adults to hop on for photos.
  • Community Hero awards were presented to Austin Public Health, Central Health, CommUnity Care and Central Texas Food Bank for their partnership with the St. John and Rundberg communities to expand immunizations for children and adults, as well as the continuing support by CTFB for weekly drive-through food pantries that serve more than 350 families weekly in the local community. AISD administrators, Trustees and County Judge Andy Brown were present for the awards.
  • Northeast Early College High School, Webb Early College Prep Middle School, Dobie Early College Prep Middle School, and Winn Elementary School provided information on early college and other programs. AISD departments, including enrollment, equity and early college, also had displays. PTAs sold food to fundraise. 216 families provided input about their schools and communities at Austin Voices “Promise Neighborhood” exhibit.
  • Thousands of other services were provided by exhibitors, including connections to employment and job training by 20 exhibitors in the job fair, registrations for adult education, voter registrations, referrals for housing and utility support, financial and tax counseling, legal assistance, after school programs and much more.