In February, Horacio Necoechea stood on stage at Free Arts’ annual partner agency conference and accepted the “Spirit of Free Arts” award along with the original artwork Vision by Oliverio Balcells. ...
“The best part of my job is seeing the changes we’ve been able to help put in motion. It can feel like you might not have an impact when you’re helping these kids turn their lives around, but when they reach back out and tell us about their successes it makes it all worth it.”...
Luis is the Assistant Lead Clinician for Southwest Key Programs at Casa El Presidente. On an average day, Luis works to make sure the physical and mental health needs of the youth in our care are met. This often includes designing and planning group counseling sessions, assisting with psychological follow-ups and making sure his team...
I began my career at Southwest Key Programs over 13 years ago. In my first role, I worked in Youth Justice helping kids stay accountable for their whereabouts in an Outreach and Tracking program. I went on to work with students at East Austin College Prep, initially as the youth services coordinator and then transitioned...
Most of us first hear the phrase ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ at a young age. I can remember my family reminding me to look beyond appearances and always try to find the good in people. I’m grateful for their guidance because it’s been deeply embedded in how I try to view the...
Marissa began her educational career as a preschool teacher and explored working with elementary and junior high students. During her time as an educator, she learned the value of play at work, positive reinforcement, and how a safe nurturing environment shapes attitudes, socializing, relationships, and educational outcomes....
Daniel Simon Cardoso - Feria Youth Care Worker. Southwest Key staff do everything in their power to help the children feel safe and at home while they are in the shelter. Daniel Cardoso at Casa Conroe is one such employee. He uses his passion for tai chi to teach hundreds of kids this ancient martial art...
Victor Monge - Head Cook at Casa Las Palmas Mesa, Arizona. I started at Casa Campbell 7 years ago as a youth care worker and culinary arts teacher for our residents. Although I have 14 years of culinary experience, I was drawn to the mission of Southwest Key, because I like helping and mentoring others’ skill...
Douglas Ward - Teacher at Casa Esperanza in Brownsville, Texas. Before I started working at Southwest Key, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect, but I have always enjoyed working with adolescents and I knew this was an opportunity to make a difference. I realized I’d be working with minors who had come from violent areas,...