History of Ventana del Soul
 During
the aftermath of September 11, 2001 (9/11), a group of Austin students, business
owners and faith-based community representatives began to discuss the community's
reaction to the tragedy. The group noted a strong sense of togetherness, consideration,
empathy and community in people's behavior that dissipated after a few weeks.
This contrast in behavior highlighted the potential for Community, which inspired
the group to find a way of fostering Community — without tragedy being
the catalyst.
The group found positive factors that shape community in the 40 Developmental
Assets, identified by Search Institute, which now serve as the ideological
foundation for Ventana del Soul (Window of the Soul) and its experience-based
learning. After a year of research and development, in December 2002, the group
incorporated Ventana del Soul as a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization.
Ventana del Soul received tremendous support from the community, in the form
of in-kind donations. Ventana del Soul opened Cafe Ventana with meeting rooms
in September 2003 and the Ventana del Soul Cultural Center with a large conference
space in December 2003. The cafe provides a vocational training area for at-risk
youth and the meeting space attracts hundreds of active, community minded people
involved with non-profit and community organizations -- the ideal role models
for our youth. Funds raised through the cafe help Ventana del Soul fulfill its
mission and help the center become sustainable.
In its first year, the Ventana del Soul helped 73 youth and provided space
for nearly 1,100 meetings and served more than 220 non-profit and community
organizations throughout Austin and Travis County. Today, Ventana del Soul helps
more than 300 youth a year and serves more than 300 organizations.
Timeline
2001
September- 9/11 inspires group to find a way to foster Community
2002
December- Group incorporates Ventana del Soul as a Non-Profit Organization
2003
September- Café and Coffee House opens; December- Cultural Center opens
2004
January - Internal Revenue Service recognizes Ventana del Soul as 501c3 School
/ Charitable Organization. By May 2004, Ventana had hosted 900 meetings
for more than 100 non-profit and civic organizations and community groups; State
Resolution commends Ventana del Soul for "its many contributions in support
of Austin residents affecting positive and lasting change. (Ventana del Soul)
enriches the community in ways benefiting small business, neighborhood groups,
schools, and charitable organizations"
2005
Community Service Learning Program for ages 10-17 begins and provides service
for more than 200 youth in its first year Austin Chronicle recognizes Ventana
del Soul as “Best Cultural Arts Center”; Ventana enlists 20 Advisory
Board Members to help develop programs and partnerships
2006
Cultural Center steps up its Volunteerism, Mentorship, and Intern Programs;
ESL and Food Service Certification Classes begin; Partnerships develop with
the University of Texas at Austin, St. Edwards University, Austin Community
College, Austin Municipal Court, Austin Independent School District, Del Valle
School District, YWCA, Communities in Schools, and Texas School for the Deaf;
Letters of Recognition received by Senator John Cornyn, Representative Eddie
Rodriguez, Mayor Will Wynn and Judges from the Texas Department of Juvenile
Justice; Ventana worked with more than 250 at-risk youth to help keep them from
falling further into the justice system.
2007
Recruitment of 50 college students as Volunteer Job Coach Mentors per semester;
Ventana worked with more than 300 at-risk youth to help keep them from falling
further into the justice system; Conducted studies to find effectiveness of
Mentorship and Community Service Learning Programs are in reducing recidivism,
delinquency and dropout rates.
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