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...
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...
East Austin College Prep graduate, Eli Hernandez, was awarded the Rodolfo Mendez Performing/Visual Arts Scholarship from the local chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens. The $1,000 scholarship was awarded to Eli based on his talent and achievements within the dance community. This scholarship and 14 others were awarded to East Austin youth...
Isabella is a young female minor that came to Southwest Key's Casa Franklin. When she arrived she was almost emotionless and looked defeated and disappointed, which is understandable because these children often come from unfortunate situations and have difficult travels....
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...
In July, a group of Kansan Mennonites embarked on a learning tour of the U.S. Mexico border. The group visited courthouses, charities and immigrant shelters to gain a better understanding of what immigrants are experiencing when they cross the border....
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...
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Their number one job when they come into this facility is to get these kids home. NPR was granted access to tour Southwest Key Program's Houston shelter, Casa Sunzal, which houses up to 223 youth from 16-17 years old. Houston Public Media noted that the shelter was adorned with international flags and bright decorations, similar to a...
Ana is a 15-year-old girl from El Salvador who was placed at Casa Campbell in Phoenix with her siblings. At intake Ana was unable to have a coherent conversation with others. She was unable to write her name or identify letters or numbers. This is because Ana has a developmental disability....