<img class="not-resizable" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/22205586_1500568747.3811_funddescription.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /> "As mothers, we stand together, hands locked, like chains, &amp; we're not falling, we're not breaking...and we're taking our community back."<a href="http://chirb.it/GJvBDf" target="_blank">Audio reading of Story</a>  There are certain stories we can’t pretend we don’t know. We know children in Austin who have seen young men shot in front of their homes. We know babies and toddlers and mothers who sleep on the floor, with their clothes as their beds. We know adults &amp; children who live in constant fear of being hit, of being hungry, of being homeless. The daily stress of living in poverty, in a violent area of the city, is real and greatly affects families and their wellbeing. The statistics tell one story with their numbers but can’t show you the mother taking the bus to work the third shift out of love for her children, grandparents opening their homes to their children and grandchildren, cramming in a smaller space, so no one is homeless, aunts &amp; uncles raising their nieces and nephews until situations get better. This is the greater story of sacrificial love and community we see in Austin. Families loving each other well. And wanting to be in Austin. Raise their families in Austin. Have their grandbabies live in Austin. But, for this to happen, families need to be nurtured, supported, and inspired. Zerlina Smith, of Austin, told the Chicago Tribune, “But when you walk down the street, nothing shows my daughter’s aspirations or hopes for the future.” The physical house of A House in Austin, Chicago will be a place inspiring hope and vibrant futures for parents and their children alike. A home where parents and children take music classes together, play together, and learn together. A beautiful gathering space on the corner of Pine and Race in Austin, reaching out to its neighbors, and being a resource for families in the community. We need your help to raise the funds to renovate the physical house. As one young mother told us, having a place of positivity, when you’re surrounded by darkness, means everything to her. A music room for singing, drumming, and dancing together. A safe, cozy play space for parents to sit with their children to do puzzles, build block towers, and draw together. A kitchen table for young moms to share burdens. Sofas for parents to sink into as they learn about healthy child development and brain-based parenting methods. Our mission is to empower parents to shape their children’s futures through music, education, and nurturing. Every child, in every zip code, deserves to have rich, meaningful early learning experiences and a healthy family. Every child deserves the same opportunities from Winnetka to Austin. Every family matters. Please help us build our house for the beautiful families in Austin, Chicago and to support the Fall music programs and parenting education of A House in Austin | Chicago. <a href="http://www.ahouseinaustin.orgwww.facebook.com/ahouseinaustin">www.ahouseinaustin.org www.facebook.com/ahouseinaustin</a>

WILLIAM FLETCHER

Suzanne Vestuto

Liesl Field

Bill Fletcher

Angie Kuna

Rick Hodges

Mary Ellen Mitchell

Deborah Brown

Sarah Gimbel

Ana Doyle

John Paulett

Mary Jo Toumert

Kelly Mitchell 

Anonymous

Rick R

Jeff Kerins

Rebekah Martin

Sandi Hogan

Empower families in Austin,Chicago

Empower families in Austin,Chicago

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