Demarion came to Southwest Key Programs experiencing issues with drugs, school and gang-affiliated friends leading him down the wrong path. The pressure from all of these issues was weighing heavily on him and he began making poor choices and wasn’t on track to graduate from high school....
Paula Geronimo was born and raised in Colonia Los Obispos in Laredo, TX. Growing up, she was a bit nervous and shy, but was known as a determined student who always had a smile on her face and kind word for her friends. Paula's mother had been a hairdresser but decided to return home to raise...
Southwest Key Programs offered five deserving youth scholarships toward furthering their education. This is the first scholarship program geared toward youth participating in Youth and Family Service programming. Scholarship recipients were nominated by staff who have worked closely them and have watched them grow during their time with Southwest Key. They have been recognized as...
A.J. came to the Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program (JJAEP) campus in November 2018 after being expelled. When he arrived, he fought the rules and tried to buck the system. However, as he adjusted to the program and began to trust the staff, he began using the program to his benefit. He began regularly attending...
Vicky became a mentee in the Youth Justice program at 16 years old after having problems in school and following a negative path. She was struggling academically, had a high number of school suspensions, surrounded herself with peers that had a negative influence on her, and became involved in the juvenile justice system. Eventually, Vicky’s growing...