Half Helen

19/08/2025

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.

15/08/2025

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

13/08/2025

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/

11/08/2025

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.

05/08/2025

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

29/07/2025

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.

29/07/2025

Which 80s hit should make the Jukebox Bingo playlist? Vote now!

“Take On Me” – a-ha
“Livin’ on a Prayer” – Bon Jovi
“Girls Just Want to Have Fun” – Cyndi Lauper
“Billie Jean” – Michael Jackson

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.

For more information: www.halfhelen.org/bingo

23/07/2025

We’re thrilled to announce that half Helen has been selected as a grant recipient by Texas Mutual Insurance Company!

As one of 66 nonprofits chosen across the state, we’re honored to receive funding as part of Texas Mutual’s commitment to helping working families thrive. This support will directly strengthen our efforts to provide access to quality vision care.

Texas Mutual’s generational learning grants are designed to improve health outcomes, support early childhood education, and offer wraparound services that empower families to seize opportunities. We’re proud to be part of this incredible cohort of changemakers working toward a healthier, more resilient Texas.
Thank you, Texas Mutual, for investing in the future and for helping people see the world clearly!

For more information, check out this blog post:

Texas Mutual has selected 66 Texas nonprofits to receive a combined $4.5 million in grants for their dedication to helping working families get the support and health care they need.

21/07/2025

Meet Destiny!

"To see someone's face light up, whether it be adult or child, when they put on their glasses for the first makes my job even more worth it."

Destiny recently celebrated one month as half Helen's newest Patient Support Specialist! With years of experience in customer service, food service, and hospitality, Destiny brings warmth, organization, and a genuine love for helping others to her role at the front desk.

You’ll see her friendly face when you check in for your appointment, pick up your glasses, or need help selecting the perfect frames. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Destiny is here to make sure every patient feels welcomed and supported throughout their visit.

18/07/2025

Feelin’ groovy? Jukebox Bingo is just around the corner, and we’re throwing it back to the funky 70s for this one! If bell bottoms, disco balls, and lava lamps are your vibe, come dressed to impress in your favorite 70s attire! We’re celebrating every decade, but this one deserves a spotlight.

Speaking of the spotlight, we’re turning it on some of our incredible bingo prize sponsors—local favorites who’ve generously contributed to make our prize lineup truly unforgettable:

Amy's Ice Creams - Antonelli's Cheese - Austin FC - Class Axe Throwing Austin - Great Room Escape Austin – Hat Creek Burger Company – Kendra Scott – milk + honey spa – Ranch Brand Wine & Spirits – Six Flags Over Texas – Thinkery – Tito's Handmade Vodka

Tickets include dinner, drinks, and your first set of bingo cards—with some far-out prizes on the line for our lucky winners! Want to boost your chances? Additional cards will be available at the event.

To purchase your tickets, visit: www.halfhelen.org/bingo

So gather your crew, grab your tickets, and let’s make it a night to remember. Check our Pinterest boards if you need some style inspiration!

17/07/2025

Earlier this week, we turned up the heat with an office-wide chili cook-off, and the competition was as fierce as the flavors. From classic recipes to bold new twists, our team brought their A-game to the kitchen.

Big congratulations to Destiny, who brought the flavor and took home the top marks!

These cooking challenges have become one of our favorite half Helen traditions. They’re a fun way to celebrate our team’s creativity and camaraderie, and this one did not disappoint.

Until next time… pass the cornbread!