Fashioning a Future for Youth in San Antonio

Youth from BCFS Health and Human Services-San Antonio’s Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) program took part in a fashion show promoting personal style and professionalism at the Granberry Hills Event Facility on the northeast side of San Antonio, Texas.

“We have held this event for several years now and think it’s very important for the professional development of the young people we serve. The students always show a lot of confidence, and it is such a joy watching them blossom and taking ownership when it comes to their future success.,” said Celeste Garcia, Executive Director of BCFS Health and Human Services’ Community Services Division.

Sofia Gayou delivers message on professionalism and building impressions

Sofia Gayou, a Learning Development Professional and the speaker for the evening, offered tips on first impressions and professionalism in action. “When I walked up here, it only took you seven seconds to make a judgement about me,” said Sofia. Her advice was aimed at making an impact on a future employer that would last well after the interview was done.

Sofia reminded attendants that the vast majority of communication is nonverbal. Just as dressing professionally is important for making a great impression, equally important are your tone, posture, and gestures.

Sofia then asked youth to write down a list of attributes they felt described them – the attributes that they wanted to define their professional lives – and challenged the youth to put energy into making that list a real representation of who they are and how they present themselves.

Volunteers from Alamo City Barber College provide fresh cuts for the young men participating in the fashion show

After hours of getting dressed, made up, and running through dress rehearsal, it was time to begin the show. Outside, the sun passed behind the horizon. The lights in the main hall dimmed down and the music hit a rhythm worth walking to. A pair of spotlights centered on the small, curtained entrance at the back end of the room. The walkway in the center was waxed, flanked by the audience on both sides; ready for the night’s participants to display their best professional attire.

The youth went through two rounds of showcase, the first casual and the second formal wear. Between the two rounds, a few local celebrities made guest appearances on the runway, including Miss San Antonio, Miss Black Texas, and Toddler Miss BRP USA.

At the end of the show, each of the youth were handed a bouquet of red roses. Several of the dresses and suits worn by the youth were donated to them to take home, adding to the box of professional tools from which they can fashion their future.

Learn more about BCFS-San Antonio’s work with youth in foster care, or stay up to date with BCFS Health and Human Services on Facebook. 

For the donation of their time, finances, resources, knowledge, and encouragement, BCFS-San Antonio thanks the following sponsors:

  • Granberry Hills
  • Brava Events
  • H-E-B
  • Walmart
  • Hair & Makeup by Ana
  • Alamo City Barber College
  • Unique Creations Plus
  • San Antonio Threads
  • Galdina’s Dresses
  • Rex Formal Wear
  • Monte Carlo Studio & Bridal
  • Vega’s DJ Services
  • Pretty Petals Floral Boutique
  • Chaunice Holley, Ms. Black Texas

A Weekend in Sports at BVT

Breckenridge Village of Tyler (BVT) had a busy start to the month, with two days of athletic events in a row taking over the weekend schedule of the BVT sports team, the Eagles.

On Friday, March 1, the BVT Eagles visited The Brook Hill School in Bullard, Texas, for an afternoon basketball game against the school’s team. Brook Hill students filled the bleachers while the drumline played spirited music, rivaled only by the volume and energy of the crowd.

“I really enjoyed all the cheerleaders and students cheering us on,” said Laci, a BVT resident. “I had fun trying to make baskets. This was my first year to participate on the team, and it was a challenge but fun.”

Although they were the visiting team, BVT’s Eagles were the clear crowd favorite throughout the game. Once the ball was in play, BVT wasted no time taking Brook Hill to task. Eagles’ player Jonathan took a pause in his first possession, tucking the ball underneath his left arm and waving his free hand with pure showmanship, causing the crowd to stand to their feet and reach a renewed level of excitement.

Things moved quick during the game, with Eagles’ player Tammy putting up big points for the team. The Eagles finished the game with a 29-8 victory and a center-court celebration, followed by a photo shoot with students and supporters. This was BVT’s first basketball game with Brook Hill, and their second sports event with the school.

“I’ve had the privilege to coach our residents in various sports for a little over a year now, and this game with Brook Hill has set the bar high for all special Olympic competitions,” said Rachel Parker, Recreation Coordinator at BVT. “As a coach, you not only want your team to win, you want them to have time of their life while they are playing.”

The basketball game was only part one of a two-part weekend. Residents of BVT woke up early the next morning to attend FRESH 15, a race hosted by a well-known food and pharmacy company in the East Texas area.

The BVT crew – including residents, staff, and family members – began their 1-kilometer race at 9:30 a.m. Although the time to finish the race varied between runners, what remained consistent was the support residents found throughout the race, especially at the finish line.

“This was my first year to compete in the FRESH 1K race with the BVT group,” said Tanner, a resident at BVT. “I did really good. It was a fun experience to run with my friends and getting a medal.”

Breckenridge Village of Tyler has been invited to FRESH 15 for the past four years to participate in the 1K race. As a charity partner of the event, BVT has received a total of $38,000 in donations from the past three years combined.


To see more of the BVT Eagles in action, click here. And learn more about how Breckenridge Village of Tyler offers residence, fellowship, and community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in East Texas.

“…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

This story originally stated the donations received from the years 2017 and 2018 alone. It has been updated to reflect proceeds from 2019’s race as well, and now includes a photo from the $13,000 donation in June 2019.

A Night to Shine

For the second year, Breckenridge Village of Tyler (BVT) took part in the Tim Tebow Foundation’s A Night to Shine global event. The foundation describes the occasion as “an unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love for people with special needs, ages 14 and older.”

This year, “655 churches from around the world came together to host Night to Shine events for approximately 100,000 honored guests through the support of 200,000 volunteers,” according to the foundation’s website.  

Residents and community supporters at BVT and around the world reserve this night to celebrate a deserving group of individuals.

Taking time to prioritize individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities on the international stage is a way to let these communities celebrate each other – and celebrate with each other – while also garnering support, awareness, and attention of special needs that many do not fully understand.

See what residents had to say about the night, check out photos from the event at BVT, and view the highlights from the global event below.

This was my first year to attend Night to Shine. I really enjoyed the dancing, the meal, and the fellowship with everyone. I felt like a princess, and had the best time riding to the prom in a limo. I had so much fun, and I plan to go again! — Jennifer Wallace

My favorite part about Night to Shine was just getting to see all the new people that attended and to see it all come together for people with disabilities. I had fun watching my friends sing karaoke. I really enjoyed getting dressed up and riding to the red carpet in a blue viper. The highlight of the night was just the opportunity to attend the prom again. I am already looking forward to next year! — Tanner Hensley

I really enjoyed when we got to the prom and walked down the red carpet, they touched up our make-up and hair. My buddy was super awesome, we danced a lot. We took photos in the photo booth together. I felt so happy when I was crowned the “queen of the prom!” I cannot wait to go back next year! — Michele Youree

I was humbled at how many people willingly gave their time and talents to give these families a special night. My daughter loved it and is already talking about going again next year. God bless you all. — Laura Hughes (mother of BVT resident Jillian Hughes)

Straightening up for the big night.
Adding some finishing touches.
Three ladies pose at BVT before heading to the venue.
What's going on? These gentlemen know as well as any of us.
Out of the limo, into the limelight.
A walk down the red carpet offers a brief showcase for each of the night's attendants.
Looking ready for a Hollywood-level interview.
A red jacket adds a warm tone, a soft touch, and a stylish statement.
It's not a dance without dance moves.
The smile of a king.
Are they having a good time? We may never know.
The local church is filled with the bustle of fellowship.
A limo filled with party-goers.

BCFS-Corpus Christi Begins New Program for Hurricane Victims

BCFS Health and Human Services-Corpus Christi serves nine counties throughout the Coastal Bend area, hosting informative and engaging group events in the area while also working to bring positive life changes to individuals directly.

In December 2017, after several families served by BCFS-Corpus Christi were negatively affected by Hurricane Harvey, the Services to At Risk Youth (STAR) program expanded coverage to include victims of the hurricane that brought immense damage and a record amount of rainfall to the area.  

Marissa Cano, Regional Director of South Texas for BCFS Health and Human Services, reported that issues facing hurricane victims, even years after the date of disaster, often do not have a simple resolution. Health issues can take much longer to prioritize and solve, especially for those who have lost access to transportation. Repairing structural damage to homes and restoring personal possessions requires consistent effort on the part of victims. Completing insurance forms, filing claims, accessing government paperwork: all of this takes time.

With Corpus Christi’s situation in mind, a grant was proposed to Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS), a fellow Texas-based nonprofit headquartered in Austin, which was able to secure $50,000 for BCFS-Corpus Christi to establish a new program: Safety Nets for Students and Families (SNSF).

At the heart of the SNSF program is a counseling and support service capable of identifying and addressing the burdens imposed by a natural disaster. This includes meeting people where they are locally (even in their own homes), securing immediate needs, and, importantly, establishing safety nets that can help those around Corpus Christi prepare for unforeseen events in the future.

“It is about counseling, but it’s also about seeing what people need beyond that. It’s about looking at emotional and physical needs together, and seeing how we can help them all around,” said Marissa. “We are starting with 15 families in the area who are STAR clients, but we hope to expand and help more families as time goes on; as we see the demand and as we’re able to financially meet that demand.”

The SNSF program will assist families with basic needs, like car and home repairs, or provide an established outlet for networking with insurance companies, acting as an advocate and a source of support. Throughout the case management process, Family Support Specialists and SNSF Clinicians will accompany those under the care of BCFS-Corpus Christi to decrease their total time to recovery. 

Safety Nets for Students and Families plans to begin service at the end of February or the beginning of March.

Learn more about how BCFS-Corpus Christi serves the Coastal Bend.

Human Trafficking: Recognizing the Signs

More than 20 professionals from a variety of fields and a diversity of communities came together on January 18 to discuss the issues of human trafficking in and around Del Rio, Texas. Attendees took part in a full day of training provided by Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA), hosted at the offices of BCFS Health and Human Services-Del Rio.

Angela Alvarado, an Equal Justice Works Crime Victims and Justice Corps Fellow at TRLA, led the training for the event. Guests came from the consulates of Mexico and Guatemala, the United States Air Force, sexual assault response teams, and other partner organizations united by the desire to see human trafficking come to an end. Angela is a legal representative for people in 68 Texas counties, and knows what to look for when it comes to human trafficking.

“The goal of the training was to bring awareness to human trafficking – what it is in regards to labor trafficking and human sex trafficking – and my hope is that, one, [attendants] would be able to recognize symptoms [from clients], and second, that we can assist them in making the appropriate referral, whether that be to an attorney or how to safely report to law enforcement authorities,” said Angela.

Geographically located on the border of Texas and Mexico, the international dynamic in Del Rio makes preventative efforts against human trafficking uniquely important. A 2016 report by The University of Texas at Austin found “approximately 79,000 minor and youth victims of sex trafficking in Texas,” in addition to an estimated “234,000 workers who are victims of labor trafficking in Texas” at the time of research.1 The estimated value of wages lost by victims of labor trafficking was nearly $600 million annually.1

Delia Ramos, Director of Community Based Services at BCFS-Del Rio, shared that this kind of training can be crucial for advocates to “take the immediate steps when they see people with these characteristics” that can mean the difference between abuse and freedom.

Angela plans to return to Del Rio as soon as April, where she would make a similar presentation  to employees at United Medical Center, alongside BCFS-Del Rio.

Read more about programs and services in the Del Rio area, and see our coverage of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month here.

[1] Busch-Armendariz, N.B., Nale, N.L., Kammer-Kerwick, M., Kellison, B., Torres, M.I.M., Cook Heffron, L., Nehme, J. (2016). Human Trafficking by the Numbers: The Initial Benchmark of Prevalence and Economic Impact for Texas. Austin, TX: Institute on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault, The University of Texas at Austin.

Boots on the Ground: CERI in Ukraine

Employees and supporters of Children’s Emergency Relief International (CERI) headed to Ukraine for the 2018 Shoe Mission, helping deliver warm boots to children from struggling circumstances as the Shoe Mission has for 19 years across 22 mission trips.

For this year’s Shoe Mission, Ukraine was chosen as the destination of service because of the need CERI witnessed in the country. In 2014, Ukraine’s economy fell to the second lowest GDP per capita in Europe. Such a high poverty rate adds to the risk of separation between parents and children, and increases the likelihood that children will be placed in an orphanage or other institutional facility. Currently there are more than 100,000 children in Ukraine who either lost their parents or were separated from their parents due to war, abuse, or extreme poverty.

Though they cannot spare children completely from the situations they may face, CERI visited the country at the end of December to once again offer relief. The Shoe Mission team spent more than eight days helping children from the cities of Kherson and Odessa in the country of Ukraine. Two organizations – My Home and Heritage – served as partners with CERI to make the distribution process in Ukraine effective. While in the area, 27 CERI volunteers helped deliver 5,000 pairs of warm winter socks and boots to the orphans.

Though it may seem like a small gift from the perspective of more temperate parts of the world, sturdy winter boots give children the freedom of mobility to face the winter season in Ukraine, where at least three months of the year have an average low temperature below the freezing point, and where 40 days of the year are predicted to see snowfall[1]. With torn and tattered shoes, children often suffer frostbite and are unable to attend school due to the harsh temperatures and snow and ice they must trudge through. 

Circumstances like these are complicated and demanding for the children they affect, but the resilience and hope that CERI witnesses in the young people they serve remains evident. Throughout their travels in the orphanages of Ukraine, CERI volunteers were regularly treated to special Christmas shows from the children they visited, sometimes even being offered the chance to participate. Connie Belciug, Executive Director of CERI, shared that although there were some unexpected delays and unavoidable hurdles during the trip, the end result was another successful investment into the lives of children in need.

CERI raised a total of $117,036.72 from more than 100 donors for the 2018 Shoe Mission. Half of those proceeds were used to purchase the boots needed to keep children warm, and half help provide personal case management that ensures more children are given a family to call their own.

Read more about how CERI is helping the lives of children in Eastern Europe, and view photos from Shoe Mission 2018 here.

[1] https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/ukraine#odessa

PAL Dinner Celebrates the Spirit of Christmas

 

The youth and young adults from BCFS Health and Human Services-San Antonio’s Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) program set aside a night for genuine celebration, enjoying ballet performances, mariachi music, honest friendship, and a great meal.

More than 260 members and partners from the PAL program came to the Historic Sunset Station to celebrate with the community that has grown around them. To dress for the night, Hair 27 Salon and the National Council of Jewish Women both donated time and supplies to a number of the ladies who attended (starting three hours before the event began to ensure everyone looked their best). Case workers, members of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, and staff from across BCFS Health and Human Services made the environment a welcoming space to commemorate the holidays.

To navigate the evening’s events, Omar Davila, Lead Family Support Specialist for Services to At-Risk Youth, served as master of ceremonies. After welcoming attendants and thanking all partners and supporters for their help with the Christmas Dinner, Omar introduced ballerinas from the Ballet Arts School in San Antonio. Each dancer performed her own solo routine, capturing the room’s attention with fluid momentum.

Later, the Mariachi Los Galleros de San Antonio entertained attendants during dinner with a blend of traditional Spanish and Latin-American songs and American Christmas staples. Their finale for the night was a festive rendition of Feliz Navidad.  

Towards the end of the night, attendants took pictures at a photo booth, danced with friends, caught up with case managers, and enjoyed hot cocoa.

Jennifer Conn, a PAL Case Manager, shared that, “The PAL holiday dinner gives our young adults an event that they can look forward to each year. It provides our alumni an opportunity to connect with those they’ve grown up alongside in foster care, and professionals who have supported them through the years. The holiday dinner is a special event that enables our young adults to actually see and interact with the community that surrounds and supports them.”

 

To learn more about the PAL program in San Antonio, click here. 

 

Mariachi Los Galleros de San Antonio wish everyone a Merry Christmas from the bottom of their heart (from the top of the stairs)
Ballerinas from the Ballet Arts School take a bow
The train outside of the Historic Sunset Station served as the background for many attendants' photos
MC Omar Davila extends an official welcome
Mariachi Los Galleros perform for a table of staff members from several organizations
Santa Claus took a paid vacation day from the North Pole and decided to spend it with the youth and partners of PAL. What a nice guy.
A solo performance from a member of the Ballet Arts School
It's not a dance without a dance circle
(from left to right) Alexa, Omar, and Claudia stand by to serve guests at the Candy Bar
Staff from BCFS Health and Human Services join at the end of the party to commemorate a successful, event-filled night

____________________________________________________________________________

BCFS Health and Human Services-San Antonio thanks the following supporters and partners:

  • The Historic Sunset Station
  • The RK Group
  • Hair 27 Salon
  • Dior
  • The National Council of Jewish Women
  • Ballet Arts School: the Home of Alamo Arts Ballet Theatre
  • Mariachi Los Galleros de San Antonio
  • Texas Department of Family and Protective Services

Texas Representative Selects BVT Christmas Ornament

 

Since 2009, the Texas Capitol has displayed a Christmas tree in their House Chamber every holiday season. To decorate the tree, Texas House Representatives from each of the state’s 150 districts choose an ornament from an organization, individual, or group that they feel aligns with and is representative of their district’s unique voice and distinct culture.

This year, Representative Matt Schaefer selected Breckenridge Village of Tyler (BVT) as the inspiration for the 2018 Christmas tree ornament for his district. Two BVT residents, Alex and Brynne, served as the lead artists for the ornament, creating a design that featured the Robert M. Rogers Chapel flanked by pine trees, as well as a red rose accompanied by the words, “Tyler: Rose Capital of the World,” reiterating the Texas city’s claim to fame.

Rep. Schaefer visited BVT to pick up the completed ornament. While there, he took time to chat with residents, discuss future plans with administrators, and take a tour of the campus.

BVT is honored to represent Texas House District 6 this Christmas at the state capitol with their hand-crafted ornament. In doing so, they join a list of past artists that has included organizations from Tyler Junior College, in addition to students from both Grace Community School and All Saints Episcopal School.

The ornament by Alex and Brynne will be on display from Nov. 29 till Jan. 2 on the 23-foot Christmas tree in Austin, Texas. To view more pictures, click here.

 

Discover more of BVT here, or learn about the Christmas tree tradition here.

BCFS Health and Human Services-Abilene Bets the Farm This Halloween

 

The entire BCFS Health & Human Services’ Community Services Division (CSD)-Abilene office got in the Halloween spirit this year. The staff decorated doors and dressed up in costumes in a fun, lighthearted farm theme. BCFS-Abilene invited the families served through the Healthy Outcomes Through Prevention and Early Support (HOPES) program and the youth served through Preparation for Adult Living (PAL), Texas Workforce Commission, and Our House to take part in the event.

This year’s party gave families and youth the opportunity to trick-or-treat in a safe, fun environment on a rainy day. Among the families who celebrated with BCFS HHS-Abilenewasa farmer, a chef, a honey-bee, a pig, and even a corn stalk.

CSD-Abilene has more events lined up for the holiday season, including a Christmas Breakfast for youth, and a Polar Express-themed party for those in the HOPES program to include a special guest appearance by Santa himself.

 

A bumblebee buzzes by.

 

Read more about the BCFS HHS programs in Abilene.

Domestic Violence Awareness in Del Rio

Each October, BCFS Health and Human Services-Del Rio joins organizations nationwide in support of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

In a country where intimate partner violence accounts for 15 percent of all violent crime, and where one in four women have been victims of severe physical violence by an intimate partner at some point in their life, BCFS-Del Rio works diligently to engage the community and share knowledge to identify and prevent domestic abuse.

As part of the month-long movement, a Candlelight Vigil was held October 16 at the Paul Poag Theatre. BCFS-Del Rio joined in honor of those whose lives had been altered or lost to domestic violence. “136 victims passed away in 2017 due to domestic violence,” said Delia Ramos, Director of Community Based Services at BCFS Health and Human Services-Del Rio, in an interview. “We want to show our community that love shouldn’t hurt – to show how important it is to walk away from a violent situation, and that although it is often very difficult, it’s ok to ask for help.”

Bruno R. Lozano, Mayor of Del Rio, presented a proclamation against domestic violence. In its eighth year, Delia said the Candlelight Vigil remains an effective tool at spreading a message that can prevent harm in the Del Rio community, creating knowledgeable warriors for a worthy cause.

Later in October, a few days after the Candlelight Vigil, local representatives gathered for an interagency meeting. More than 50 individuals from over 11 organizations met to discuss how domestic abuse could most effectively be averted.

“It’s a great time to get to know names and faces of our community organizations,” said Delia, noting that the annual meeting is an important avenue for understanding how entities throughout the Del Rio community can work together to reach common goals.

____________________________________________________________________

BCFS HHS-Del Rio recognizes and thanks the organizations and government representatives who attended this year’s interagency meeting (which include but are not limited to) :

  • Laughlin Air Force Base
  • Office of U.S. Congressman Will Hurd
  • Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
  • Val Verde Sherriff’s Department
  • Val Verde Regional Medical Center
  • Consulado de Mexico
  • Consulado de Guatemala
  • Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)
  • Serving Children and Adults in Need (SCAN)
  • San Felipe Del Rio Independent Consolidated School District
  • Del Rio Police Department

Read more about how BCFS Health and Human Services-Del Rio is working to end violence in their community.