Burned Out? You Might Have Compassion Fatigue
May 26, 2021
To undertake the noble task of being a mental health hero and providing care to people who have experienced severe forms of trauma, it’s important to have compassion....
Why We Use Trauma-Informed Care (And You Should Too)
September 29, 2020
Trauma-Informed Care practices enable Southwest Key Programs to do our best work and truly help children and families thrive....
5 Reasons You Should Vote (Even If You Think It Doesn’t Matter)
September 28, 2020
There are a lot of reasons why people don’t vote, even though it’s in everyone’s best interests to make their voices heard on election day. So we put together a short list of common reasons why people don’t vote—and why those reasons are nonsense. ...
Alyssa’s Heartwarming History (And Future) Helping Others Heal
July 10, 2020
Six years ago, Alyssa Hernandez spent her evenings assisting immigrants at a local emergency shelter located at Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Brownsville, Texas. She was the only volunteer at the time with medical experience, helping incoming immigrants to recover from injuries and illnesses after a dangerous journey to the United States. ...
Are You Resilient? Strengthen Your Personal Resilience With These Tips
June 8, 2020
When you think of the word resilience, what comes to mind? Maybe it reminds you of a sturdy material like wood or steel. Or maybe you think about the resilience of groups like certain communities or institutions. Have you ever asked yourself if you’re resilient? Can a single person even be called resilient? ...
SWK Employee Horacio Necoechea Wins “Spirit of Free Arts” Award
May 27, 2020
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. ...
Hearing For the First Time
September 27, 2019
Mateo was a 17-year-old boy from Honduras who was born deaf and whose mother was unable to afford medical care or provide schooling for him to learn sign language. When Mateo was seven, his mother moved to the United States to find work, leaving him in the care of his aunt and uncle. When he...
Guitarists Shine at Special Performance
September 23, 2019
Over the summer in 2019, Carlos Urtey, a musician and actor, came to Casa Lighthouse to teach youth how to play the guitar....
Camaraderie and Creativity Through Cooking
September 23, 2019
Nothing brings people together like food and friendship. Southwest Key Programs partnered with Free Arts, a hands-on art programming provider in Phoenix, Arizona, to use the healing powers of the arts to inspire and comfort children in our care. ...
The Role Art Therapy Plays in Shelters
September 18, 2019
Through many different outlets – music, painting, drawing, acting, dancing and more – children in our care can express themselves, communicate traumatic memories in a safe manner and continue their healing process....