Half Helen

09/22/2025

Welcome to the Team!

We’re excited to officially welcome Barb Klepfer to the half Helen staff! Many of you may already know Barb as one of our most dedicated volunteers—so dedicated, in fact, that she was named 2024 Volunteer of the Year.

Now, Barb joins us as our Pediatric Program Coordinator, where she’ll work directly with schools to plan and manage our Vision Field Trip Program as well as the Student Vision Voucher Program. With her extensive background in healthcare systems, she’s already helping us streamline operations and expand our reach. We’re thrilled to have her on board and can’t wait to see the incredible impact she’ll make in this new role.

“In my 35 years of living in Austin and working in healthcare, I’ve had the privilege of working with a not-for-profit organization that provided care to vulnerable individuals, including those who may not be able to afford healthcare services. That mission has deeply shaped my own values, and I strongly believe in it. Along with having a wonderful group of colleagues, I see half Helen as a perfect fit for me and a reflection of what I believe healthcare should offer people.”

09/18/2025

Happy Birthday Chelsea!

Please join us in wishing Chelsea the happiest of birthdays! Drop your well wishes in the comments and help us celebrate the incredible person who started it all. From a big idea to a life-changing mission, Chelsea is the heartbeat of half Helen. Because of her passion, thousands of children and families have received access to the vision care they deserve.

09/12/2025

Thank you for joining us and being part of our inaugural Jukebox Bingo fundraiser! Your energy and enthusiasm helped make the evening an unforgettable success. Whether you are a long-time partner or just learned about half Helen, we are truly grateful for your support. We are absolutely blown away. Because of your generosity, we surpassed our fundraising goal by more than $5,000, bringing the total raised to over $30,000!

Sincerely, we couldn’t make this happen without you. Thank you for helping people see the world clearly.

- The half Helen Team

Your feedback is invaluable in helping us make the next Jukebox Bingo even better. Please take a few moments to share your thoughts in our short survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScn2o_HDhJQguU753Fzgd9U8cTdaQQ6TGOqRLyCf_2SXdN2Rw/viewform

09/06/2025

The wait is over—Jukebox Bingo is tonight!

The Brewtorium Brewery & Kitchen
6015 Dillard Cir A, Austin, TX 78752

Doors open at 6:30 PM

Dress to impress! Whether you’re channeling retro vibes, disco fever, or pop-star glam, tonight’s your time to shine. You might just take home a fun prize!

We’ve got music, bingo, prizes, and plenty of fun waiting for you. Thank you for supporting half Helen. We can’t wait to see you there!

08/26/2025

There are only a handful of tickets left for Jukebox Bingo next week! If you’ve been planning to join us, now’s the time! Grab your spot before it’s too late! Don’t miss a night of music, bingo, prizes, and fun for a great cause.

Get your tickets today: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/halfhelenfoundation/event/bingonight?blm_aid=0

08/19/2025

We’re excited to welcome Omar, our newest tech, to the half Helen family!

I truly enjoy my role as an Optometric Technician, where I get to work closely with patients, assist in vision care, and contribute to improving their overall eye health. I find satisfaction in both the technical and personal aspects of the job whether it’s performing pre-testing or making patients feel comfortable during their visit. Outside of work, I like being active by hitting the gym and also unwinding with a good movie, which helps me keep a balanced and energized lifestyle.

08/15/2025

As if you’d miss Jukebox Bingo! This week, we’re throwing it back and highlighting the totally awesome 90s—boy bands, grunge, pop princesses, and all the sing-along hits you still know by heart. But like, seriously… time is running out to get your tickets!
Don’t be the one stuck at home while everyone else is livin’ la vida loca.

When: September 6th, 6:30 PM
Where: The Brewtorium Brewery & Kitchen
Tickets: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/halfhelenfoundation/event/bingonight?blm_aid=0

08/13/2025

Happy Back to School Day! Whether it’s reading the board, following along in class, or exploring a new world in a book, clear vision makes all the difference and we are so proud to help students see their full potential.

Help a child start the new year with the gift of sight. A $75 donation covers the cost of an eye exam for a child in need. Let’s make sure every student starts the year with the tools to succeed! Donate today: https://halfhelen.org/donate/

08/11/2025

We’re thrilled to share that half Helen has been selected as one of 99 nonprofits to receive funding from the Austin Community Foundation’s Forever Austin Fund!

Austin Community Foundation continues to be one of our longest supporting partners, and their generosity has helped us grow and sustain our mission over the years. This latest grant will help us continue improving access for individuals across Central Texas, ensuring everyone has the chance to see the world clearly.

We’re honored to be part of such an incredible group of organizations working to make Central Texas a better place for everyone. Learn more about the Forever Austin Fund and see the full list of grant partners:

In 2025, ACF awarded $2.3 million in grants through the Forever Austin Fund. Meet our 99 grant partners and the donors who made this possible.

08/05/2025

Help Build the Playlist! Think your favorite song deserves the spotlight? Time is running out to submit your song for the Jukebox Bingo playlist! For just a $20 donation, you can add one song that will get the whole room singing.

https://halfhelen.org/bingo/

Feeling extra bold—or just always the one who makes the road trip playlist? A $50 donation lets you add three songs to the lineup.

When is Jukebox Bingo?
Date: September 6th, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: The Brewtorium Brewery & Kitchen
Address: 6015 Dillard Cir A, Austin, TX 78752, USA

07/29/2025

Thank you to We Are Austin for the opportunity to share half Helen’s mission and highlight the importance of clear vision! When kids can see clearly, they can learn, grow, and thrive—and we couldn’t do this work without the support of our community.