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Community & Culture

DIY Gratitude Jar

November 8, 2022|Categories: Community & Culture|

Make Your Own Gratitude Jar

While being grateful seems simple enough in theory, it can actually be hard to put into practice. We can get so caught up in our busy schedules that we often forget to pause and think about the things and people we are thankful for.

Today’s DIY activity is all about gratitude. Specifically, it’s about implementing practical tools to remember to be grateful—in this case, a gratitude jar! One thing we love about this activity is that it can be as simple or as creative as you want it to be. We’ll share

The Benefits of Classical Music for Children

September 12, 2022|Categories: Community & Culture|

Beethoven, Bach, Mozart…most of these names are familiar to us, even if we wouldn’t consider ourselves musical. But what we might not be aware of is the benefits that classical music has on children. If you have a little one at home, it might be time to add some Bach to your everyday playlist. Keep reading to learn why!

Classical Music Soothes

Why is it that we tend to sing lullaby songs to soothe infants and children? We often see a noticeable emotional response in children to music. Soothing music has been proven to lower heart rates

5 Eco-Friendly Ways to Dispose of Common Household Goods

June 29, 2022|Categories: Community & Culture|

5 Eco-Friendly Ways to Dispose of Common Household Goods

By Rachel Perez, Guest Contributor

In commemoration of World Environment Day* this month (observed annually on June 5), we’re highlighting some simple ways to make an impact locally, starting with your home.

Keeping a fresh and tidy home is a great aspect of living a healthy life. However, there are many times that call for the removal of some everyday household things. Items like clothes and toys accumulate over time, and electronics are regularly outpaced by newer models. In other words, we all end up with plenty of stuff

Documentary Directed by YMCA CEO Debuts on NFL Network June 23

June 22, 2022|Categories: Community & Culture, Sport|

AUSTINOPEN FIELD, an award-winning documentary about women’s professional football directed and produced by Austin resident and local YMCA CEO Kathy Kuras, will debut on the NFL Network, Thursday, June 23, at 9pm CDT. The film’s broadcast premiere will be part of the network’s program lineup to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the 1972 legislation that helped expand women’s participation in sports. 

Austin Playgrounds

April 19, 2022|Categories: Community & Culture|

With warmer weather making its appearance, we can’t wait to get outside more! Austin is full of amazing playgrounds for families. Bookmark this page and come back to it next time you’re looking for a playground in Austin! If you’re in San Antonio, be sure to check out our favorite San Antonio playgrounds.

RAMSEY NEIGHBORHOOD PARK

This park has a playground, pool, and even courts for sports!  Address: 4301 Rosedale Ave, Austin  Learn more.

SPRINGWOODS PARK

There are two playgrounds at this fun park. One is specifically for smaller children  Address: 9117 Anderson Mill Rd, Austin  

Black-Owned Businesses you can support this Black History Month

January 31, 2022|Categories: Community & Culture|

Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate Black achievement. It’s also a chance to recognize where systemic racism persists and take steps to undoing it wherever we find it.

At the YMCA of Austin, we believe in creating environments that bring people of all backgrounds together and identifying concrete steps we can ALL take to make positive change in our communities. Although historic systemic discrimination in the past continues to shape today’s racial inequities, one way we can make a tangible positive impact in the ongoing fight for justice and equality is by supporting Black-owned businesses. When we amplify the voices, services and

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