AUSTIN CRICKET Association
Founded in 2006, the Austin Cricket Association (ACA) began with a mission to promote cricket in Austin, create a platform for youth to play the sport, and serve the Austin community. Guru Krish, chairman of the board and an ACA founding member, says the organization is currently working with the Central Texas Cricket League to boost youth interest in the sport, like playing cricket in schools. Krish reveals that ACA also plans to organize a summer camp and a year round youth league. Today, there are more than 50 members of ACA, including youth and adults, with three teams: the Gladiators, Chargers, and Hurricanes. Wanting everyone who’s interested to get involved, Krish explains those wanting to learn about the sport can practice free of charge for a few months before becoming a member. Practices are held on Wednesday and Thursday, and games are played on Saturday or Sunday. Whether a team player or an encouraging fan, visit the ACA fields at 6013 Loyola Lane to catch a game. austincricket06.wixsite.com/home
Going to Bat
FOR AUSTIN’S CHILDREN RBI Austin. Although the acronym stands for Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities, this organization is so much more than that. On and off the field, players interact with their coaches, forming long-term mentoring relationships that create an environment where children and teenagers are self-sustained and able to thrive. Due to the program’s dedication to serving AISD’s underprivileged youth who are only required to pay $10 a season, RBI runs on volunteers and donations. In fact, 94 percent of their budget is funded through charitable donations, many of which are offered at their annual Now At Bat fundraiser. This year, 1,171 RBI Austin kids will continue to play and develop their support systems thanks to the generosity of their neighbors. rbiaustin.org
Soma Vida
Soma Vida is a co-working space which strives to connect people, whether it’s encouraging collaborative working partnerships or building a community of healing. Laura Shook Guzman, founder of Soma Vida, is “committed to offering affordable space that supports [the] arts, wellness, [and] groups that are inclusive.” A few
40 EASTside | April/May2018
of the groups housed in Soma Vida who are committed to doing just that include: Community Healing Circle, Kirtan Austin, Yoga in Color, Inward & Artward, and Sacred Sexuality. Each of these groups explore different aspects of wellness and community. Inward and Artward, organized by Story Bar, studies the intersection of mindfulness,
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creativity, and community, while Community Healing Circle gives people an opportunity to learn about wellness modalities from energy healing to sound bowls to acupuncture. At Soma Vida, there are programs and classes offered for various ages, numerous needs, and a variety of interests. somavida.net