SA Youth

With our next graduation ceremony fast approaching, what better time to spotlight one of our upcoming graduates? Meet Gabrielle, a SOAR! student who has demonstrated true leadership during her time with SA Youth. What made you want to participate in the SOAR! program? "I dropped out at 15 due to poor choices I made and the wrong influences I had around me. SOAR! gave me a chance to do things differently and graduate with a diploma. Not many people in my family graduated and I hope to be someone my nephews and nieces can look up to. They also offer a lot of resources so that I can take my next step after graduation, and learning opportunities that will help me in the real world." Anything else you'd like to share about yourself or the program? "I think SOAR! is a great program for young people who are looking for a second chance. The staff helps out each individual to make sure no one is left behind. They truly help you find a career path and not only do they help you with education, they help you find healthy ways to cope with things in your everyday life, and that's something that you can't find at a regular school." Join us in celebrating Gabrielle and all our other incredible SOAR! graduates on September 24th as they cross the stage with their high school diploma, Live! on Facebook and at the Magik Theatre. 🎓✨

It's a bird, it's a plane... no, it's a SOAR! student! Our students recently had the opportunity to engage in team building at Cielo Vista Team Challenge. Facilitated by Fred Borroel from RelateAbility, PLLC students learned how to improve their communication skills and work together to complete challenges. Some courageous students even walked across a cable many feet in the air with the help and encouragement of their classmates. #SAYouth #SuccessBeyondCircumstance

Did you know our SOAR! program is about so much more than academics? In addition to earning their high school diploma, students develop skills and build confidence in many other aspects of daily life, including financial literacy! Our friends at Credit Human taught our students how to stick to a spending plan. Using current grocery store prices, students practiced choosing grocery items wisely with the goal of staying under their budget of $25. #SAYouth #CreditHuman #SuccessBeyondCircumstance

Last week we had the honor of hosting Congressman Greg Casar, Representative of the 35th District of Texas. Mr. Casar had an engaging discussion with our SOAR! students and learned more about what SA Youth is doing for youth and young adults in the district he serves. Thank you for stopping by!

“Owing our own story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we’ll ever do.” -Brené Brown As Pride Month comes to an end, we encourage everyone to celebrate who they are every day of the year. All of us at SA Youth appreciate YOU and everything that makes you unique and wonderful. ✨ #PrideMonth #LoveIsLove #PrideIsEveryday #SAYouth #SuccessBeyondCircumstance

Lift ev’ry voice and sing for Freedom Day! ❤️💛💚 Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in our nation, a day that happened right here in Texas. Join us in celebration and reflection on this historic day. SA Youth offices and program sites are closed and will resume tomorrow, June 20.

The American Heart Association turned 100 yesterday! For 100 years, the #AHA has been funding life-saving #research, #patientadvocacy programs, and #disesaseprevention initatives. Before coming to the AHA I had NO IDEA how much #communityimpact work (i.e., disease-prevention) was being done in #SanAntonio. I've been a fitness trainer for over a decade, so the PREVENTION efforts of the AHA team spoke to my little trainer heart. Our incredible Community Impact Directors--Gyna Juarez and Jordan Campos, M.P.H.--are doing life-changing and life-saving work in San Antonio and surrounding communities. Below are some highlights from their work so far in 2024: The City of Schertz adopted a Comprehensive Smoke-Free Policy. CHRISTUS Health Maternal and Fetal Care Center adopted a food insecurity screening, the AHA’s produce box delivery program and Self-Measured Blood Pressure program. CommuniCare Northwest Clinic adopted a food insecurity screening, produce box, and the AHA’s Measure Accurately, Act Rapidly, Partner with Patients protocol. CommuniCare West Clinic adopted the AHA’s Measure Accurately, Act Rapidly, Partner with Patients protocol. Community Resource & Recreation Center of Canyon Lake adopted a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan. San Antonio Birth Doulas adopted the AHA’s Screen, Educate, Refer program, a food insecurity screening and the AHA’s produce box delivery program. SA Hope Center adopted the AHA’s Screen, Educate, Refer program, a food insecurity screening and the AHA’s produce box delivery program. SA Youth adopted the AHA’s Screen, Educate, Refer program. UT Health San Antonio Lifestyle Medicine Program adopted a food insecurity screening and the AHA’s produce box delivery program. UT Health San Antonio Family Medicine Clinic adopted the AHA’s Measure Accurately, Act Rapidly, Partner with Patients protocol WINGS adopted the AHA’s Screen, Educate, Refer program, a food insecurity screening and the AHA’s produce box delivery program. The Young Women's Leadership Academy adopted a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan. One way you can get involved in our mission is by forming (or joining) a #fundraisingteam for our CycleNation event. CycleNation.org/SanAntonio Register and join us on Thursday June 20! Pedal with a purpose in a 30min #indoorcycling class, hear from #strokesurvivors, #caregivers, and #localcouncilpeople, and enjoy both #happyhour and #brainactivities when you're not riding. Thank you to our amazing ELT members who came to our birthday party! Isabel Abbott and David Cupit of Marek Brothers Construction Inc. Daniel G. Belfort of Turner Construction Company Fraser Sherry of CHRISTUS Health Melodye Tomsu, CPSM of Joeris General Contractors, LLC Jennifer Mansour of Broadway Bank Shout out to our AHA development team :) I'm looking forward to growing with you all in the AHA's second century! Theresa Spiess Amy House Jennifer Trimmier

Mental health matters, so why are we still so afraid to talk about it? If you are looking to learn more about mental health, check out the resources below: NAMI Family-to-Family: a free, 8-session educational program for family, significant others and friends of people with mental health conditions. NAMI Basics: a 6-session education program for parents, caregivers and other family who provide care for youth (ages 22 and younger) who are experiencing mental health symptoms. NAMI Peer-to-Peer: a free, eight-session educational program for adults with mental health conditions who are looking to better understand themselves and their recovery. NAMI Hearts+Minds: a wellness program designed to educate and empower you to better manage your health — mentally and physically. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #MentalHealthMatters

We are going LIVE! on Facebook tonight just before 6:00pm CST to stream the graduation ceremony for our largest graduating class to date! Join us online to celebrate as our incredible SOAR! students walk the stage and receive their high school diplomas. #SAYouth #Classof2024 #SuccessBeyondCircumstance

🚨NEW EVENT ALERT!🚨 We are introducing Sip & SOAR!, a new guided painting class that will allow you to unwind, practice your art skills, and have fun with friends! The best part? Proceeds from each Sip & SOAR! experience go directly to supporting SA Youth and the students we serve. Learn more and see our FAQs on our website, or jump straight to registration by visiting igfn.us/form/HuQQ5w. Class sizes are limited, so reserve your spot today! #SAYouth #SipandSOAR #PaintingwithaPurpose