MEDIA ALERT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Jason Rubio, 512-236-8315, jarubio@swkey.org

BENEFIT CONCERT FOR AUSTIN’S FORGOTTEN KIDS
Freestyle/Latin Hip Hop artists Johnny O., Peter Fontaine, and Danny Damian perform to raise funds for alternative school students

AUSTIN, TX (October 12, 2011) – Southwest Key’s Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program (JJAEP) Director Jason Rubio has organized a concert benefiting the often “forgotten” students of Southwest Key’s alternative school.

WHAT: The Freestyle Legends Flashback benefit concert, featuring Johnny O., Peter Fontaine, Danny Damian, Austin radio icon DJ 2DQ, along with several other Austin-area DJ’s will share the stage to help raise funds for the JJAEP. An online donation campaign has been created for those who do not wish to attend the concert, but still want to help by donating here

WHEN: Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 8:00 p.m.

WHERE: Villa’s Music Garden (Villa’s Taco Shack), 4406 S Congress Ave., Austin

WHO: Southwest Key’s Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program (JJAEP) and Jason Rubio

WHY:

Struggling students in Travis County school districts like Austin, Pflugerville, Round Rock, Del Valle, and Lake Travis, all have one thing in common: If they get expelled from their school districts for some reason, they all must continue to attend school somewhere. Southwest Key’s Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program (JJAEP) was established in 1996 to educate these students.

When districts expel a child, the student can often be forgotten. Although these students are no longer allowed to attend school within the district, their need for an education does not go away. These youth have very unique needs, often greater than other students within Travis County. While 8.5 percent of students are receiving Special Education Services in AISD schools, at JJAEP, the number of students is closer to 20 percent. Many students enter JJAEP with reading and math skill levels well below grade level. It is the JJAEP’s goal to improve each student’s skills and enable them to catch up to their grade level.

In addition to their academic needs, JJAEP students often have other multiple needs. Public schools may not have the resources to address the behavioral, mental health and emotional issues in ways that can help the student correct their behavior to prevent further disruptions; the JJAEP provides a positive reinforcement-based environment, as well as clinical support to help the student address the root problem of the behavior leading to their expulsion and prevent continued behavioral issues. When a student’s needs are met, learning can finally happen. Like all schools, in order to meet those needs effectively, it takes resources and tools.

To that end, Program Director Jason Rubio realized that more has to be done to help these students reach their potential. Mr. Rubio has organized a benefit concert and plans to donate 100% of the profits to JJAEP. Mr. Rubio has also created an online campaign to help raise funds for his students at JJAEP, “Even if you aren’t able to attend the concert, you can donate through our online campaign,” explains Rubio. “Even $1 will make a difference in the life of a student at the JJAEP. Our students often come from disadvantaged situations; they need a quality education.”

Visit: http://www.swkey.org/schools/travisjjaep.html

About Southwest Key Programs
For almost 25 years, Southwest Key Programs has worked to keep doors to opportunity open for young people so they can achieve their dreams. Through family- and community-based programs for children caught in the juvenile justice system, youth can be rehabilitated and build positive and productive lives upon release. Through the East Austin Children’s Promise initiative, a model program designed to offer quality education to the children in East Austin, adult education, job training opportunities, cultural arts programs, and community building, Southwest Key is empowering families to improve their own lives, and their communities as a whole. For more information, visit www.swkey.org.

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