ESYSSO

East Side Youth Services and Street Outreach

ESYSSO

East Side Youth Services and Street Outreach

Committed to Helping the Youth of Austin, TX

Who We Are

We are a nonprofit organization that strives to bring health, fitness, and motivation to young individuals. We dedicate our time to develop their health, wellness, and core values, which include respect, honesty, and responsibility.

Education

To ensure a lifetime of positive activity, we educate children about the importance of maintaining their health. They will leave our field with a bevy of information, tips, and tricks that will keep them on the right path to a healthy life.

What We Do

It is never too early (or late) to set good habits in motion. These, combined with motivation and fun, can ensure a lifetime of smiles and knowledge. Our mission is to promote and fund programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all youth.

Our Backstory

In 1992, Thomas Henderson moved back to his hometown of Austin, TX. After everything that occurred, including the NFL, he wondered what he could do to give back to his community. He had already started scholarships and helped his family immensely, but felt that there was more that could be done.

Carrying this proposition in his mind at all times led him to a beautiful conclusion: As he was driving past his old high school football field, he saw that it had not been maintained for years. It had become a parking lot—asphalt all over and dead trees left covering the place where his story and love for the game illuminated. There were even children playing football on a baseball field. That was when enough was enough. The following day, Thomas took action because this was something he was truly passionate about. He met with the district, and the rest is history.

“Can I fix this?” and “yes” are words that started this foundation. A 501(c)(3) was made later that evening. With the generous donation of $40,000 from UT Legend Darrell Royal, the materials were purchased. Family, friends, and volunteers all came out to clear out the lot, shredding asphalt, laying grass, placing goal posts, and even installing a score board. The love that was put into that field is astonishing, and there was never once a payroll, just good people doing good work.

The field was mainly used for Pop Warner Little Leagues where they could fulfill their love of the game as well. In 1999, the idea of “We need a track” surfaced. Then in October, Thomas attempted to raise $200,000 to cover the cost for a new track for the children of ESYSSO. At his very own disbelief, he exceeded this target when he was able to raise $300,000. They built that track, and the Austin youth have been chasing their dreams on it ever since.

Our Backstory

In 1992, Thomas Henderson moved back to his hometown of Austin, TX. After everything that occurred, including the NFL, he wondered what he could do to give back to his community. He had already started scholarships and helped his family immensely, but felt that there was more that could be done.

Carrying this proposition in his mind at all times led him to a beautiful conclusion: As he was driving past his old high school football field, he saw that it had not been maintained for years. It had become a parking lot—asphalt all over and dead trees left covering the place where his story and love for the game illuminated. There were even children playing football on a baseball field. That was when enough was enough. The following day, Thomas took action because this was something he was truly passionate about. He met with the district, and the rest is history.

“Can I fix this?” and “yes” are words that started this foundation. A 501(c)(3) was made later that evening. With the generous donation of $40,000 from UT Legend Darrell Royal, the materials were purchased. Family, friends, and volunteers all came out to clear out the lot, shredding asphalt, laying grass, placing goal posts, and even installing a score board. The love that was put into that field is astonishing, and there was never once a payroll, just good people doing good work.

The field was mainly used for Pop Warner Little Leagues where they could fulfill their love of the game as well. In 1999, the idea of “We need a track” surfaced. Then in October, Thomas attempted to raise $200,000 to cover the cost for a new track for the children of ESYSSO. At his very own disbelief, he exceeded this target when he was able to raise $300,000. They built that track, and the Austin youth have been chasing their dreams on it ever since.

Our New Track!

Thank you to all who took this journey with us, and help bring the youth off the streets and onto our field. In 2019, we installed the new track in east Austin, Texas. 

Now, our community can enjoy the brand new track and practice different sports. 

Track2
track1

For more information on how to make donations, please contact Thomas Henderson directly at [email protected]