Why Donate?
Build our future.
The positive impact from quality preschool programs on students’ lives increases the likelihood that these students will do better in public school in the future.
Read below on how one of our former students attributes her success to
her experience at Mainspring.
Strenghten our future.
Every $1 invested in high-quality pre-k saves taxpayers up to $7. Accodring to Pre-k Now, Pre-k results in savings by reducing the need for remedial and special education, welfare, and criminal justice services, according to a number of studies. (Sources: "The Economics of Investing in Universal Preschool Education in California", Rand Corporation; The High/Scope Perry Preschool Project).
Support our future.
All of this depth of programming comes at a cost. The school relies on financial donations to keep these services that are so crucial to giving children a great start in life. Many of our families are low-income and are using subsidized child care vouchers in their transition from welfare to work. The subsidy rates are far below the true cost to deliver a full array of services. The Austin community has a proud tradition of maintaining this service by generously supporting it.
Donate Now
Please consider a tax-deductible donation to the school that will be used to fund early education, social services to families, classroom art supplies, or educational supplies. Your gift will be greatly appreciated and carefully managed. We can accept MasterCard and Visa donations.
Online: Network for Good
Mail : Mainspring Schools, 1100 W. Live Oak St., Austin, TX 78704
Connie Morales and her child, Russell, (not their real names) were at Mainspring Schools since Russell was 2 ½ .
Connie had been through an abusive relationship with Russell's father. In spite of that, she had managed to hold on to a good job with good benefits. Russell’s father had recently been sent to prison, and Connie and Russell had moved in with her mother-in-law. The new arrangement was not working well, however, because Connie felt that Russell was blamed for things he did not do.
Russell acted very aggressively with teachers and other children. He seemed to be self destructive and could not control himself at all. He often threw things and hit children and teachers without provocation.
Mainspring Schools’ social worker discussed with Connie that Russell needed help to deal with his aggression and recommended she seek help through her health insurance or through Safe Place. Russell’s teachers also met with Connie and the social worker. They were able to help him more effectively once they understood the nature of his difficulties. Connie sought help, and Russell is now receiving weekly counseling through Safe Place.
Many parents at Mainspring Schools do not have as many options as Connie did for assistance. Too often, it takes several weeks for a family to obtain counseling services. Mainspring staff can begin working on a plan to help children before counseling begins. Such a plan was designed especially for Russell. Connie gave her consent and cooperation, and the plan was set in motion.
Russell is now doing very well and getting along with others and listening to his teachers.
Connie has changed jobs and is now working as a paralegal. She has moved out on her own and is continuing counseling for herself and Russell.
Many things came together to make this family’s story one of success: Connie has worked hard to provide a good life for herself and Russell; Mainspring Schools had a social worker on staff who reached out to the family and made a referral for services; and SafePlace provided quality services. This community came together to successfully intervene in this family’s life and to help them get started on the road to success.
Your Generosity
Families in poverty can qualify for childcare subsidies from the City, the Housing Authority, or WorkSource. The subsidies only pay about 70% of real costs. Contributions close the gap between costs and public reimbursements.
Your donations directly provide teaching staff and supplies.
The very things that make Mainspring Schools so effective at helping families move off of welfare are the things that are expensive: low student-to-teacher ratios, more educated teachers, support for the whole family, and healthful meals.