Alysia Friday, President and Chief Executive Officer of Business Assets Enterprises, LP & Business Assets Resources, LLC, knows all too well the challenges of growing up in a low-income housing unit in East Austin.

“No one came back for us. As a matter of fact there was no encouragement to be more than what we saw lived before us. I have a responsibility if no one else does to reach back and empower someone to launch forward”–Alysia Friday

Returning to the Elm Ridge Apartments, located at 1161 Harvey Lane for the 5th year this upcoming fall, Alysia will bring an arsenal of support to help this community for the 2009-2010 school year. This community where most of the families live on government assistance now seems to be plagued with violence and murder. On June 3rd of 2007, and July 3, of 2008, there were fatal shootings in this community. Due to the ongoing violence, safety concerns almost prohibited continuing the program. Yet staying true to her commitment to encourage, empower and enrich the lives of the individuals in these neighborhoods, Alysia and her volunteers will continue to “reach back”.

As the “Reach Back to Launch Forward” initiative continues, Alysia continues to “reach out” to other business owners to be a part of these efforts. Growing from one low-income community to now five communities is a testament to what can happen when businesses and community members partner to enrich the lives of others.

This year, Reach Back to Launch Forward will solicit the help of everyone to continue to make the program successful.

“I believe it is critical that families and individuals in these neighborhoods see success stories of people like me who has lived where they live and want to show them how they too can be successes in their own way”. Growing up – we felt like no one cared to let us know we had options and a better way, so it’s my personal commitment to not only go back and bring another out, but to go back with the support of the business community that surrounds these communities as we help them launch forward”.

For more information on how to help this year, contact us using the information listed below:

1433 Grand Avenue Parkway Suite 300, Pflugerville, TX 78660, O: 512.990.9654, F: 512.990.8309, www.baelp.com