Initially, Luis came into Workforce Solutions Cameron to further his job search after experiencing many barriers and challenges . There, he received more assistance than he ever expected....
Fernando, 16, arrived at Casa Amanecer a bit unsure of what was to come, and hoping he and his 13 year-old-brother had ended up somewhere safe. Both boys had worked as fishermen in their home country of Honduras and had come to the United States in search of their father....
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...
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....
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,...
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...