Ella Austin Community Center
About Ella Austin Community Center
Ella Austin Community Center grew out of Mrs. Ella Austin’s 1897 orphan home, and that history still shapes how it serves San Antonio today. The center offers early childhood care, youth programming, senior nutrition, and family support for Eastside neighborhoods and Bexar County, so a single visit can connect people to more than one kind of help. It is the kind of place that meets people where they are, from the first years of life through older adulthood.
What sets Ella Austin apart is how much it does in one neighborhood-based center without losing its local focus. It offers early childhood development, youth programming, family assistance, and senior services, which is why it describes itself as a one-stop shop in San Antonio’s eastern sector.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Early Childhood Development
Licensed child care and early childhood development for children ages 6 weeks to 11 years, including certified teachers and parenting classes for families.
Early Head Start
A partnership with the City of San Antonio that provides education, health, nutrition, and other support services for infants and toddlers under age 3 and pregnant women.
Reading Program
A named reading program listed among the center’s leadership and services.
After School Program
An after-school program for elementary and middle school students.
Summer Program
An 8-week summer program with a STEM curriculum focus for elementary and middle school students.
Youth Leadership Conference
An annual youth leadership conference for middle and high school students.
Senior Nutrition Program
Free nutritious noon meals with health and wellness programs plus socialization activities for seniors age 60 and older.
Senior Activities
Socialization and activity opportunities for seniors.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
A volunteer income tax assistance program listed among the center’s community services.
Food, Clothing, and Utilities Assistance
Assistance for individuals and families in crisis with food, clothing, and utilities.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
To empower individuals and families across their life span by providing multiple, integrated services that meet the needs of San Antonio’s Eastside neighborhoods and beyond.
Who they serve
Children ages 6 weeks to 11 years, youth ages 6 to 14 and middle and high school students, seniors age 60 and older, and individuals and families in San Antonio’s Eastside neighborhoods and Bexar County.
Their impact
- The early head start program served 115 children.
- The senior nutrition program served 125 people and provided 6,910 meals.
- The youth development program served 150 youths.
How your donation helps
- Early childhood development services
- Youth after-school and summer programs
- Senior nutrition and socialization activities
- Food, clothing, and utilities assistance
- Parenting classes and family support services
Our story
In 1897, Mrs. Ella Austin opened her home to orphaned children and founded Ella Austin Orphans Home. After her death at age 46, community members carried that work forward, and on November 1, 1968, the children’s home became a multi-purpose community center and moved to Pine Street. From there, it grew into the neighborhood-based agency it is today, serving San Antonio and Bexar County.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Ella Austin Community Center’s services.
Children ages 6 weeks to 11 years can enroll in early childhood development services. Youth ages 6 to 14 can participate in after-school and summer programs. Seniors age 60 and older can receive free nutritious noon meals, health and wellness programs, and socialization activities. Individuals and families in crisis can seek food, clothing, and utilities assistance.
Events
Summer Extravaganza
Mondays, 8:00am to 6:00pmA scheduled summer event listed by the center.
Chair Yoga
Mondays, 10:30am to 11:30amA yoga session listed in the events schedule.
SA Outlaws Youth Co-Ed Basketball
Mondays, 6:00pm to 8:00pmA youth basketball activity listed in the events schedule.
Mat Yoga
Wednesdays and Saturdays, 10:30am to 11:30amA yoga session listed in the events schedule.
Pee Wee Co-Ed Basketball
Fridays, 6:00pm to 8:00pmA youth basketball activity listed in the events schedule.
Youth Leadership Conference
AnnualAn annual youth leadership conference for middle and high school students.
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What ages can enroll in the early childhood program?
Children from 6 weeks to 11 years old can enroll in the early childhood development center.
What youth programs are available?
Youth services include an after-school program, an 8-week summer program with a STEM focus, and an annual youth leadership conference.
What does the senior nutrition program provide?
It offers free nutritious noon meals, health and wellness programs, and time to socialize for seniors age 60 and older.
What kinds of family assistance are offered?
The center helps individuals and families in crisis with food, clothing, and utilities.
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