Free Back to School Webinar
Tuesday, August 5, 2025 /6:30p.m. – 7:30p.m.
Just Mind Counseling presents a live webinar:
“Back to School Doesn’t Have to Be a Battle”
This free online session will provide parents both strategies and tools to help their child prepare their bodies and their minds for transitioning back to a new school year. Parents will learn how to rebuild healthy routines and structures, strategies to ease school-related anxieties, and ways to support the special needs of their child.
For more information and to register:
www.cedarparkdoctors.com/events or www.justminds.org
Waterloo Greenway presents
Wild Waterloo
Saturday, August 9, 2025 /10:00a.m .- 12:30p.m.
Wild Waterloo is a free community program featuring family-friendly activities, scavenger hunts, and park tours at Waterloo Park. Participants will experience nature, right in the heart of downtown Austin.
For more information:
www.waterloogreenway.org/wildwaterloo
American Red Cross hosts, Be Someone’s Hero: Give Blood, a Sickle Cell Blood Drive
Saturday, August 16, 2025 /10:00a.m .- 3:00p.m.
Donors will receive an e-gift card and A1C testing as well. First time donors will also receive a free Red Cross t-shirt, while supplies last.
Event Location:
Church of Christ at East Side Family Life Center
5701 East Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard
For donation terms and more information:
rcblood.org/Test and RedCrossBlood.org/OurBlood
The African American Cultural Center of Austin Community College Eastview Campus Hosts ‘The Conversation Lounge’
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 / 11:30a.m.
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 / 11:30a.m.
Join an in-person, thoughtful, in-depth conversation, every 3rd Wednesday of the month, about East Austin’s historical roots and the future of African American culture. A light lunch is provided at 11:30am and the conversation begins at 12Noon.
Event Location:
ACC Eastview Campus
3401 Webberville Road
Bldg. 2000, Rm. 2125
For more information:
512-223-5030 or austincc.edu/conversationloungepodcast/home
Free Healthy Food
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 / 9:30a.m. – 11:00a.m.
The Central Texas Food Bank & the Church of Christ at East Side has its Mobile Food Pantry available for free food distribution every 3rd Tuesday of the month. Receive a variety of fresh food, including meat, beans, canned fruit & vegetables, soup, cereal, potatoes, rice, pasta, and more.
All mobile pantry distributions are drive-thru only with pre-packed boxes directly loaded into your vehicle’s trunk, so please make space. There is a limit of one box of food per household.
This Mobile Food Pantry is located at Church of Christ at East Side, 5701 E Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. For more information: 512-282-2111 or www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/
The Hygiene Closet
Saturday, September 27, 2025 – 9:00a.m. – 11:00a.m.
Saturday, October 25, 2025 – 9:00a.m. – 11:00a.m.
Superior Health Plan and the Church of Christ at Eastside sponsor Hygiene Closets every 4th Saturday of the month.
Hygiene Closets are stocked with essentials like toiletries, household items, hygiene products, and other items for individuals and families in need. These closets help to improve the well-being and health of the homeless, low-income families, students, or anyone who may be facing a temporary life crisis by providing the basic necessities.
Event Location:
Church of Christ at East Side
5701 E. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
For more information:
512-477-1647 or www.superiorhealthplan.com
Austin Job Fair 2025
Thursday, October 16, 2025 11:00a.m. – 2:00p.m.
Best Hire Career Fairs will host a free hiring event that brings candidates and employers together. This event will connect individuals with specific skills and experience with top-industry employers. Individuals looking for a fresh start in a new career or taking their current career to new levels should attend.
Event Location:
Holiday Inn Austin – Townlake
20 North Interstate Highway 35
For more information:eventbrite.com or www.besthirecareerfairs.com
Genealogy Seminar
Every 4th Saturday of the month / 1:00p.m. – 3:00p.m.
August 23, 2025
September 27, 2025
Join the Carver Genealogy Center and learn about the basics of genealogy research. Concepts such as creating a family tree from what you know and learning what records to look for, will be referenced in the class. Ideas on how to solve common challenges will also be discussed.
Seminar Location:
Genealogy Center at the
George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Center
1165 Angelina Street
For more information and to rsvp:
eventbrite.com or 512-974-4380 or www.carver-museum.org
Austin Studio Tour
Every weekend, beginning Saturday, November 4 – Sunday, November 19, 12:00p.m. – 6:00p.m.
Big Medium presents Austin Studio Tour 2023, an occasion to celebrate Austin Artists, Collaboratives, Art Experiences, and Dedicated Art Spaces, in this 30th edition, with a record of 570 stops.
Austin Studio Tour 2023 is a free, annual, self-guided art event providing the public with an opportunity to experience and view artist works that contribute to the vibrant and dynamic culture of Austin.
Location:
916 Springdale Rd, Bldg. 2 #101
This event is free and open to the public.
For more information: www.bigmedium.org
Free Reading Workshop
Sunday, December 10, 5:00p.m.
Directors JKJK present Death By Bad Jokes.
Be the audience to a free reading of a developing new musical-in-progress. In a world on edge, Death by Bad Jokes, will ask the questions, are we seeking justice, or revenge, or do we all just want to look the other way?
Event Location:
Trinity Street Playhouse
901 Trinity Street, 4th Floor
For free tickets and more information:
www.jkjklol.org
Free Food Pantry
The doors of the Bethany Faith Food Pantry are open to serve the community every 2nd Wednesday of the month, 10a.m. – 12Noon & every 4th Tuesday of the month, 6p.m. – 8p.m.
Tuesday, August 26, 2025 / 6:00p.m. – 8:00p.m.
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 / 10:00a.m. – 12:00p.m.
Wednesday, September 23, 2025 / 10:00a.m. – 12:00p.m.
Event Location:
Bethany Christian Church
3507 E. 12th Street.
For more information: 512-470-8163.
Free Legal Clinic for Veterans
Austin Bar Association sponsors Free Legal Clinic for Veterans.
.Every 2nd Monday of the month / 1:30p.m. – 4:00p.m.
Monday, October 14, 2025 /1:30p.m. – 4:00p.m.
Monday, November 11,2025 / 1:30p.m. – 4:00p.m.
Monday, December 9, 2025 /1:30p.m. – 4:00p.m.
Veterans can get brief legal advice from volunteer attorneys on various legal topics like Divorce, Custody, Consumer Contracts, Wills, Estate Planning, Guardianship, Housing, Bankruptcy, and More!
Location:
Austin VA Outpatient Clinic
7901 Metropolis Drive
For more information: 512-472-0279
Healthcare Services
CommUnityCare will triage people over the phone and send them to the appropriate location. This service is available to people with no insurance and no established provider, who are experiencing coronavirus-like symptoms. CommUnityCare are following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) rapid-response protocol. For more information and screening: Call 512-978-9015 or www.communitycaretx.orge
Utility Service Assistance
The City of Austin is committed to the health and safety of the public and has suspended all utility disconnects for non-payment. Austin Energy offers special assistance programs for both residential and commercial customers. Additional Customer Assistance Programs are available for customers facing temporary and long-term financial difficulties, as well as serious medical problems. For more information: 512-494-9400 or www.austinenergy.com
Curbside for Seniors
In partnership with Meals on Wheels, the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) will distribute curbside for seniors and their spouses. For persons aged 50 years and older, there is a 10-meals per-person limit. For more information: www.austintexas.gov/department/parks-and-recreation
Immediate Housing Needs Assistance
Neighborhood Housing and Community Development offers information and referrals for immediate housing to assist COVID-19-impacted community members. Information includes resources to avoid eviction or displacement, local programs that provide temporary, emergency financial assistance for utilities and rental expenses, and information for homeowners on mortgage assistance and property tax payment options. For more information: www.austintexas.gov/department/housing
Business Resources
The Economic Development Department is offering services for businesses that may find themselves struggling in these difficult times. They include free business coaching, emergency planning resources, and a Family Business Loan Program. For more information and to register: 3-1-1 or www.austintexas.gov.
Workforce Services
Texas Workforce Commission is where people can apply for unemployment benefits. They also have a helpful tutorial to guide individuals through the process. Get information for COVID-19 Employers, Jobseekers, and Child Care. For more information: www.twc.texas.gov
Business Recovery Resources
COA Economic Development Department would like to remind small businesses about recovery opportunities for owners and employees. The federal government passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, which provides for resources like Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Paycheck Protection Programs. For more information, eligibility, and application: www.sba.gov
Free Virtual Sickle Cell Support Group
Every Tuesday / 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Virtual on ZOOM
The Sickle Cell Association of Texas Marc Thomas Foundation provides free, virtual S.O.S. Support Group Meetings for those with sickle cell disease, their families, and their caregivers.
For more information and reservations:
Email: info@sicklecelltx.org or visit sicklecelltx.org/supportgroups
