Austin Marathon Gives names HealthStart Foundation an Official Charity for 2022 Austin Marathon11/19/2021  Austin Marathon Gives has named HealthStart Foundation one of its 2022 Austin Marathon official charities. This unique program connects non-profit organizations to passionate race participants and community members willing to fundraise and raise awareness for causes that give back to our local community. This will be HealthStart's 6th year as an official partner of Austin Marathon Gives.
From now until race day on February 20th, 2022, HealthStart will be raising funds with the help of #TeamHealthStart to make a real difference in the lives of young children and their families. With childhood obesity and early onset chronic diseases at all time highs due to the pandemic, teaching young children how their food and fitness choices affects their health is critically important. HealthStart is using the Austin Marathon to launch 20 in '22, a year-long fundraising campaign with the goal of serving 20 new schools and community partners in 2022. This comes at a critical turning point for the organization as in-person engagements begin to return and the demand for quality health education rises from the effects seen from the pandemic. Community members can get involved by joining #TeamHealthStart to make a real difference in the lives of young children and their families. Visit our Austin Marathon event page to learn how you can join #TeamHealthStart. For any questions about getting involved, contact Sharon Robinson at sharon@healthstartfoundation.org.
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 HealthStart Foundation is thrilled to partner with IDEA Public Schools to bring our interactive health and science education to their students at their new Health Professions campus. IDEA Public Schools and HealthStart share the same passion for health and our kids. They recognize that the roots of academic success are more profound than classroom learning alone. To succeed in education and beyond, kids need the foundational skills necessary to maintain their health. It starts with understanding their responsibility for their wellbeing and their role in building a healthy community. IDEA is excited to get started with HealthStart's tools that make teaching health education fun and easy to do. HealthStart’s programs align with the Texas Education Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) health and science standards for Pre-K to 2nd-Grade, making integration for educators effortless. Plus, our resources accommodate remote learning and engage parents with materials in English and Spanish. IDEA is utilizing two of HealthStart's programs (Snack Science Video Series and Health Education Youngsters Curriculum) to set the foundation for lifelong nutritional, physical, and social, and emotional wellbeing with fun and engaging health-science lessons. Our programs provide blueprints for good health through nutritious food and fitness choices and the tools for taking care of one another and the environment. "I am thrilled to be expanding our services into the IDEA Public School system. Their Health Professions campus is ideally suited for the beginning of what we anticipate to be a long and growing partnership between our two organizations," said HealthStart's Executive Director, Javier Valdez We are excited to partner with IDEA Public Schools to teach more children the “WHY” behind good health.
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 | Marissa has always had a passion for serving her community. She understands what a nonprofit needs to succeed and brings her vast nonprofit and legal experience to HealthStart's Board of Directors. "Being healthy promotes good mental, physical, and social health. Therefore, providing a child with information about health at an early age will create the foundation they need to be an overall healthy individual and member of society." |
 | With over 30 years of experience in the school system, Lucio brings his expertise in education and administration and his passion for children to HealthStart's Board of Directors. "I chose to join the HealthStart BOD because the mission of HealthStart falls in line with my interest in service to my country and community by serving our most precious and priceless resource, our children. I truly believe we cannot invest enough resources and time to raising healthy, thoughtful, and intelligent children who will become citizens. " |
Visit our website to learn more about Marissa, Lucio, and the rest of our Board of Directors.
HealthStart is 1 of 26 charities chosen to be a part of The Austin Marathon’s charity program, Austin Marathon Gives. This awesome program connects non-profit organizations to passionate race participants and community members willing to fundraise and raise awareness for causes that give back to our local community. The Austin Marathon will be held on April 25th, 2021 with virtual running options.
With a swift transition to virtual learning, HealthStart has had to make significant changes to continue supporting children and their families how they need us most. This year we are raising funds to continue digitizing our programming to benefit families in the community who may not have access to other disease prevention and mental health resources, especially during times of remote learning.
How can you get involved? Join #TeamHealthStart and...
Every dollar raised will be generously matched by The Moody Foundation (up to $10,000).
Join #TeamHealthStart and make twice the impact give children the tools to form smart health habits, creating a strong foundation for lifelong well-being.
With a swift transition to virtual learning, HealthStart has had to make significant changes to continue supporting children and their families how they need us most. This year we are raising funds to continue digitizing our programming to benefit families in the community who may not have access to other disease prevention and mental health resources, especially during times of remote learning.
How can you get involved? Join #TeamHealthStart and...
- Be a HEALTHSTART CHAMPION – Join #TeamHealthStart and select "Run for Charity" to set up a personal fundraising page and help raise funds on HealthStart’s behalf between now and race day. (April 25th, 2021)
- DONATE – Give a gift of any amount directly at [add link for your personal fundraising page]
- SHARE – Share #TeamHealthStart campaign page with friends and family or on social media using the hashtag #TeamHealthStart
- RUN – Plan to run? Just choose #TeamHealthStart at checkout upon registering to run the 5k, half marathon, or full marathon on April 25th, 2021 (virtual options available).
Every dollar raised will be generously matched by The Moody Foundation (up to $10,000).
Join #TeamHealthStart and make twice the impact give children the tools to form smart health habits, creating a strong foundation for lifelong well-being.
AUSTIN – After ten years of building healthier communities through children's health and science education, today the HealthStart Foundation took another step in its evolution by naming Javier Valdez its Executive Director, effective 10/12/2020.
Valdez joins the organization with 25 years of experience as a corporate executive and nonprofit leader. Professionally, his prior roles have included senior leadership roles at Oracle, Electronic Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and Cisco Systems, Inc., among others. In the community, he’s led several local and national nonprofits, including Breakthrough Central TX, Con Mi Madre and the Economic Growth Business Incubator (EGBI).
“Our organization operates at a unique intersection of health, community and technology, which is what makes Javier such a great leader to lead us into the future,” said Kate Norton, Board Chair for HealthStart Foundation. “His technology, sales, and operations experience will help us expand the reach of our programs while his nonprofit leadership experience will ensure the technology never overshadows the human connections crucial for any community program.”
A native of El Paso, Texas, and a Central Texas resident for 20 years, Valdez has seen firsthand the importance of empowering communities to take their health into their own hands through education and outreach. Personally, he’s an avid cyclist and believer in the power of community to positively change lives.
According to Valdez, “In both my nonprofit and professional involvement, I’ve been drawn to endeavors where a great idea or product is poised to scale, and that’s what I believe I can bring to HealthStart Foundation. There is so much potential in the organization’s programs, curriculum and resources, and I look forward to partnering with the team to explore how we can share those with broader audiences.”
About HealthStart Foundation
Since 2010, HealthStart Foundation's early, science-based health education programs have set a strong foundation for a healthier tomorrow. HealthStart teaches kids the science behind good health with lessons on how our bodies work and the food and fitness activities to keep every part of the body healthy and strong. HealthStart kids also learn when they care for one another and our environment, they help build healthy communities. To learn more, visit www.healthstartfoundation.org.
Valdez joins the organization with 25 years of experience as a corporate executive and nonprofit leader. Professionally, his prior roles have included senior leadership roles at Oracle, Electronic Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and Cisco Systems, Inc., among others. In the community, he’s led several local and national nonprofits, including Breakthrough Central TX, Con Mi Madre and the Economic Growth Business Incubator (EGBI).
“Our organization operates at a unique intersection of health, community and technology, which is what makes Javier such a great leader to lead us into the future,” said Kate Norton, Board Chair for HealthStart Foundation. “His technology, sales, and operations experience will help us expand the reach of our programs while his nonprofit leadership experience will ensure the technology never overshadows the human connections crucial for any community program.”
A native of El Paso, Texas, and a Central Texas resident for 20 years, Valdez has seen firsthand the importance of empowering communities to take their health into their own hands through education and outreach. Personally, he’s an avid cyclist and believer in the power of community to positively change lives.
According to Valdez, “In both my nonprofit and professional involvement, I’ve been drawn to endeavors where a great idea or product is poised to scale, and that’s what I believe I can bring to HealthStart Foundation. There is so much potential in the organization’s programs, curriculum and resources, and I look forward to partnering with the team to explore how we can share those with broader audiences.”
About HealthStart Foundation
Since 2010, HealthStart Foundation's early, science-based health education programs have set a strong foundation for a healthier tomorrow. HealthStart teaches kids the science behind good health with lessons on how our bodies work and the food and fitness activities to keep every part of the body healthy and strong. HealthStart kids also learn when they care for one another and our environment, they help build healthy communities. To learn more, visit www.healthstartfoundation.org.
AUSTIN - The HealthStart Foundation has received a grant from the Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation, a private foundation based in Austin, TX, in the amount of $7,500 for the continued development of HealthStart’s Snack Science Video Series (SSVS).
“The need for children’s science and health education will not disappear when COVID-19 is under control. In fact, this pandemic has only emphasized the urgency for ensuring our kids have the tools to understand how their bodies work and the importance of taking care of themselves with sound health practices.” explains founder Robin Herskowitz.
This grant will help expand the SSVS library and continue the development of accompanying materials for educators to easily incorporate the SSVS program in their elementary school science, health, and physical education classrooms. The SSVS has extended HealthStart's reach outside of Central Texas, to 48 states and 18 countries, increasing their impact more than ever before.
The videos' health-science lessons explain how to prevent disease and maintain physical and mental wellbeing. Teachers and parents will find science experiments, physical activities, snack recipes, and opportunities for students to practice new skills like putting on a mask or maintaining proper social distance.
To learn more about HealthStart’s Snack Science Video Series, visit www.healthstartfoundation.org/snackscience
About Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation: The Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation makes grants to qualified non-profit organizations serving 50 specific counties in south and central Texas. They award grants for arts/culture, charitable, education, literacy, medical and scientific purposes.
“The need for children’s science and health education will not disappear when COVID-19 is under control. In fact, this pandemic has only emphasized the urgency for ensuring our kids have the tools to understand how their bodies work and the importance of taking care of themselves with sound health practices.” explains founder Robin Herskowitz.
This grant will help expand the SSVS library and continue the development of accompanying materials for educators to easily incorporate the SSVS program in their elementary school science, health, and physical education classrooms. The SSVS has extended HealthStart's reach outside of Central Texas, to 48 states and 18 countries, increasing their impact more than ever before.
The videos' health-science lessons explain how to prevent disease and maintain physical and mental wellbeing. Teachers and parents will find science experiments, physical activities, snack recipes, and opportunities for students to practice new skills like putting on a mask or maintaining proper social distance.
To learn more about HealthStart’s Snack Science Video Series, visit www.healthstartfoundation.org/snackscience
About Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation: The Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation makes grants to qualified non-profit organizations serving 50 specific counties in south and central Texas. They award grants for arts/culture, charitable, education, literacy, medical and scientific purposes.
Did someone say virtual happy hour?
We are less than a month away from HealthStart's Cooking 4 Kids Virtual Gala on September 17th. The event officially starts at 7pm CST, but if you tune in at 6:50pm (just 10 minutes early) you can join us a for a virtual happy hour, sponsored by Still Austin Whiskey Co.!
HealthStart Sharon will serve up a delicious Blackberry Ginger Smash, plus an alcohol-free mocktail for your kids to enjoy! There’s even a healthy boost of antioxidants in there from the blackberries so you can drink AND be healthy. We will provide the recipe for both our antioxidant filled concoctions prior to the event so you can make them right along with us at home.
So, come early, have a drink, and enjoy the celebration on September 17th!
We are less than a month away from HealthStart's Cooking 4 Kids Virtual Gala on September 17th. The event officially starts at 7pm CST, but if you tune in at 6:50pm (just 10 minutes early) you can join us a for a virtual happy hour, sponsored by Still Austin Whiskey Co.!
HealthStart Sharon will serve up a delicious Blackberry Ginger Smash, plus an alcohol-free mocktail for your kids to enjoy! There’s even a healthy boost of antioxidants in there from the blackberries so you can drink AND be healthy. We will provide the recipe for both our antioxidant filled concoctions prior to the event so you can make them right along with us at home.
So, come early, have a drink, and enjoy the celebration on September 17th!
Each year we host a gala to raise funds to support HealthStart's mission, programs, and community. With your support, we have provided thousands of young kids and their families with the tools to build a healthy future.
This year, our goal is to raise $30,000 to get internet-ready tablets in the hands of 100 low-income families who live in housing managed by the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA).
It has never been more critical for children to know how their bodies work and how to keep themselves healthy. That’s why on April 1st, HealthStart launched our Snack Science Video Series to teach young children and their families critical skills to not only prevent illness but to set the foundation to make good health choices for life. The tablets will provide these families with access to this vital resource to teach them how to stay healthy, happy, and return to school safely.
This year, our goal is to raise $30,000 to get internet-ready tablets in the hands of 100 low-income families who live in housing managed by the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA).
It has never been more critical for children to know how their bodies work and how to keep themselves healthy. That’s why on April 1st, HealthStart launched our Snack Science Video Series to teach young children and their families critical skills to not only prevent illness but to set the foundation to make good health choices for life. The tablets will provide these families with access to this vital resource to teach them how to stay healthy, happy, and return to school safely.
Few HACA residents have internet-ready devices at home. The few places where they could use computers and tablets, such as resident community rooms and public libraries, remain shut because of the pandemic. Money raised from our Cooking 4 Kids Virtual Gala will help us eliminate this barrier to learning for these low-income children and their families.
Together we can build a healthier future for our children. Get your tickets now and join us on September 17th, 7 PM CST.
Together we can build a healthier future for our children. Get your tickets now and join us on September 17th, 7 PM CST.
Begin by joining us for a VIRTUAL HAPPY HOUR before our event begins. HealthStart Sharon will serve up signature cocktails both you and your little ones can enjoy!
Find something you love. Bid on some fantastic silent auction items, full of experiences you can do right from your own home!
Then get out your chef hats and watch how world-class Chef, Robert “Bobo” Surles, whips up his famous Jambalaya!
Learn about HealthStart’s impact from our amazing speakers.
Best of all, your support helps HealthStart build a healthier future for our children.
Register now for your FREE ticket.
The HealthStart Foundation is pleased to announce that we have received a Google Grants award. The Google Grants program supports registered nonprofit organizations that share Google’s philosophy of community service to help the world in areas such as science and technology, education, global public health, the environment, youth advocacy, and the arts. Google Grants is an in-kind advertising program that awards free online advertising to nonprofits via Google AdWords.
We are beyond grateful to receive the Google Grant award. Our new Snack Science Video Series will be a focal point in working with the grant. This award will allow HealthStart to expand our reach and awareness outside of Central Texas and help families all over the country find the resources they need to stay healthy and strong.
“Our goal is that every parent who has found themselves in the role of home school parent has the tools to help their child build a foundation to make good health decisions for life.” – Robin Herskowitz, Founder
The HealthStart Foundation is a local nonprofit that has been helping kids and their families build good health habits since 2010 through science-based health education. HealthStart pivoted to producing videos of their award-winning health-science lessons in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Their Snack Science lessons for children 3 to 10 years of age are available for free online to keep young children healthy, happy, and learning.
HealthStart’s Snack Science Video series can be found at www.healthstartfoundation.org/snackscience.
We are beyond grateful to receive the Google Grant award. Our new Snack Science Video Series will be a focal point in working with the grant. This award will allow HealthStart to expand our reach and awareness outside of Central Texas and help families all over the country find the resources they need to stay healthy and strong.
“Our goal is that every parent who has found themselves in the role of home school parent has the tools to help their child build a foundation to make good health decisions for life.” – Robin Herskowitz, Founder
The HealthStart Foundation is a local nonprofit that has been helping kids and their families build good health habits since 2010 through science-based health education. HealthStart pivoted to producing videos of their award-winning health-science lessons in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Their Snack Science lessons for children 3 to 10 years of age are available for free online to keep young children healthy, happy, and learning.
HealthStart’s Snack Science Video series can be found at www.healthstartfoundation.org/snackscience.
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