The AJF Teddy Bear Program provides small Bears and Dalmatians for local public safety agencies to give to children involved in traumatic events. The stuffed animals provide comfort and often aid in the investigations when children must suffer the further ordeal of being questioned. AJF began the Teddy Bear program in the 1980’s. It has grown from a “picnic” where donations of stuffed animals were taken in to a 4K walk and now to the Celebrity Bear Silent Auction.  In 2008, AJF held its first annual Bikerz, Bearz & Dogz Motorcycle Ride which raised funds to support this program.

Austin’s Emergency Service’s – Austin Police Department, Austin Fire Department, Travis County Sheriff and the Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services have relied on AJF for this service. Over the past few years more than 5,000 children have been involved in crisis situations and the numbers continue to rise with the growth of our city. AJF alone provides this service and the need has yet to be fully met.

 

Candlelighters 
The vision of the Candle lighters Childhood Cancer Foundation is that no family should have to go through their journey with cancer alone. Candlelighters is the only program in Austin offering a broad spectrum of outpatient services to families dealing with childhood cancer.One of the many services they provide is Family Night. The evening includes support groups for parents and children enabling them to share experiences and support one another. While the parents and siblings participate in the support groups, AJF volunteers entertain the children.

Family Elderhaven 
Ederhaven Adult day Care provides a safe, secure and stimulating environment for elderly and disabled individuals as an alternative to early nursing home placement and allows caregivers respite during the day. We will help the staff celebrate birthdays with the participants. These events will include crafts, projects, and games (and nail polishing) with participants.

Heart House Parties
Heart House is an after school program whose mission is to provide a safe haven and academic support to low income children and to encourage children to become good citizens. AJF hosts three parties for this group providing games, crafts and snacks.

Hospice 
Hospice Austin provides family-centered, quality end of life care that emphasizes compassion, independence, respect and dignity. This luncheon is for the patients and their families, employees and volunteers of Hospice Austin’s inpatient facility, Christopher House.

Kids on the Block
AJF members form puppeteer troupes which perform at area elementary schools teaching on topics such as drug abuse, disabilities and good citizenship.

Manos de Cristo
Manos de Cristo provides clothing, backpacks, and education items for children from low-income families so that they are adequately prepared for school. AJF will the children select their clothes and supplies, as well as do crafts with them and assist with process the hundreds of people who use this service each year.


Settlement Home
The Settlement Home for Children is a charitable non-profit residential treatment center and therapeutic foster care program for emotionally troubled children. A new book will be read and discussed at each gathering. Food and/or activities will be planned to coordinate with the current book.