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.
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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
