AUSTIN, Texas — A local nonprofit is continuing its mission to support at-risk youth and strengthen the community through its annual “CARY It Forward” event.

Sierra Waggoner sat down with Executive Director Shana Fox and CARY Vice Chair Dr. Laura Middelberg to talk about the organization’s impact and how the upcoming event helps further its mission across Central Texas.

{p}Sierra Waggoner sat down with Executive Director Shana Fox and CARY Vice Chair Dr. Laura Middelberg to talk about the organization’s impact and how the upcoming event helps further its mission across Central Texas.{/p}

Sierra Waggoner sat down with Executive Director Shana Fox and CARY Vice Chair Dr. Laura Middelberg to talk about the organization’s impact and how the upcoming event helps further its mission across Central Texas.

“CARY is a nonprofit. Our mission is to empower at-risk youth with the skills to avoid crime and violence. We are in 20 schools working with 2,000 kids. We’ve been around for 26 years, serving over 30,000 students. We work to close the school-to-prison pipeline,” Fox said.

{p}“CARY is a nonprofit. Our mission is to empower at-risk youth with the skills to avoid crime and violence. We are in 20 schools working with 2,000 kids. We’ve been around for 26 years, serving over 30,000 students. We work to close the school-to-prison pipeline,” Fox said.{/p}

“CARY is a nonprofit. Our mission is to empower at-risk youth with the skills to avoid crime and violence. We are in 20 schools working with 2,000 kids. We’ve been around for 26 years, serving over 30,000 students. We work to close the school-to-prison pipeline,” Fox said.

Dr. Middelberg explained the measurable impact the program has on students who participate in CARY’s services.

“CARY has two concurrent research projects going on, and students who participate in two semesters have decreased disciplinary referrals, decreased pipeline into the juvenile justice system, and increased grades and attendance, all because of our youth leaders and caring adults at school,” Dr. Middelberg said.

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The organization’s upcoming “CARY It Forward” event will take place on April 23 at the Austin Public Library downtown and will bring the community together for an evening of celebration and support. “This is an opportunity for people who are curious and want to get involved to get to know CARY more personally and understand our mission,” Dr. Middelberg said.

{p}Organizers say events like this play a key role in sustaining year-round services for students. “CARY is fortunate to have so many stakeholders. Our events help fill in the gaps for students and allow us to continue providing services not just during the school year, but through the summer as well,” Fox said.{/p}

Organizers say events like this play a key role in sustaining year-round services for students. “CARY is fortunate to have so many stakeholders. Our events help fill in the gaps for students and allow us to continue providing services not just during the school year, but through the summer as well,” Fox said.

“We’ll have Austin artist Blakchyl performing,

{p}“We’ll have Austin artist Blakchyl performing, food from Eldorado Cafe, and a silent auction featuring donated items from local businesses. You can gather a table with friends and leave feeling like you’ve done something meaningful.”{/p}

“We’ll have Austin artist Blakchyl performing, food from Eldorado Cafe, and a silent auction featuring donated items from local businesses. You can gather a table with friends and leave feeling like you’ve done something meaningful.”

food from Eldorado Cafe, and a silent auction featuring donated items from local businesses. You can gather a table with friends and leave feeling like you’ve done something meaningful.”

{p}Organizers say events like this play a key role in sustaining year-round services for students. “CARY is fortunate to have so many stakeholders. Our events help fill in the gaps for students and allow us to continue providing services not just during the school year, but through the summer as well,” Fox said.{/p}

Organizers say events like this play a key role in sustaining year-round services for students. “CARY is fortunate to have so many stakeholders. Our events help fill in the gaps for students and allow us to continue providing services not just during the school year, but through the summer as well,” Fox said.

Organizers say events like this play a key role in sustaining year-round services for students. “CARY is fortunate to have so many stakeholders. Our events help fill in the gaps for students and allow us to continue providing services not just during the school year, but through the summer as well,” Fox said.

{p}Organizers say events like this play a key role in sustaining year-round services for students. “CARY is fortunate to have so many stakeholders. Our events help fill in the gaps for students and allow us to continue providing services not just during the school year, but through the summer as well,” Fox said.{/p}

Organizers say events like this play a key role in sustaining year-round services for students. “CARY is fortunate to have so many stakeholders. Our events help fill in the gaps for students and allow us to continue providing services not just during the school year, but through the summer as well,” Fox said.

With a focus on education, mentorship, and prevention, CARY continues to work toward its goal of keeping students on a positive path while building stronger futures across Central Texas.

Get your tickets, make a donation, volunteer, and find out more information at the website linked here and head to Cary4Kids.org!

Get your tickets, make a donation, volnteer, and find out more information at the website linked here!

Get your tickets, make a donation, volnteer, and find out more information at the website linked here!