Southwest Key Programs

????? #GivingTuesday is on December 3! We hope you’ll join Southwest Key Programs in donating to the Victor R. Garza Community Center to better provide for the #AustinCommunity! ?? Learn more about the services and programs they offer that you can help support ?? https://swk.la/vrgdonate #GivingTuesday2024 #GiveToVRG #Austin #AustinTX

?????? #SomosSWKey: Gabriela Cantu is a cook at Casa Esperanza in #Brownsville. ?? For the past 7 years, she has provided youth with meals they recognize from their own culture. She has been proud to welcome them to the program through food based on their country of origin. ?Gabriela says, “Every day, it’s different. It’s amazing work to be a part of the girls’ lives. They deserve a better life. That’s the magic. I love it.” ??? ?She recalls how she became a cook at the program, originally hearing about the opportunity from one of her nephews. Gabriella remembers, “He said there was space in the kitchen. He asked me ‘you know how to cook?’ I was working for restaurants and this was something different. I didn’t think I would make it, but I said, ‘why not?’ And now I'm here!” ? Gabriela has found food to be an impactful way to reach the youth. She shares, “The magic is in taking care of them, especially because they come from different countries. They come to a place that they don't know at all, so we have the opportunity when they arrive here to give them a part of ourselves, and a part of ourselves is the food.” ?? #SomosSouthwestKey #WeAreSouthwestKey

?? In honor of our late Board Chair, Southwest Key Programs is proud to have founded the Victor R. Garza Community Center in East #Austin. This local resource has provided free community classes for dance, mariachi, and more! ??? Since 2021, the VRG has been a local haven of opportunity, hosting a variety of cultural events such as the Hispanic Arts, Health, and Wellness Festival, along with free classes through Ballet East Dance Company, Sana Yoga, and Austin Soundwaves. The Victor R. Garza Community Center also funded scholarships, in collaboration with community organizations. This #GivingTuesday, with your help, we aim to raise money to fund scholarships and other programming in 2025 and beyond! Learn more about the services they offer and contribute to their mission this #GivingTuesday on December 3rd ???https://swk.la/vrgdonate

???For the third year in a row, Southwest Key Programs proudly partnered with the YWCA El Paso del Norte Region for their Annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event in #ElPaso! We were honored to sponsor and participate in this powerful event, where hundreds marched through San Jacinto Plaza to raise awareness about domestic violence. Together, we’re standing up for change and supporting the YWCA’s Sara McKnight Transitional Living Center.????#WalkAMileInHerShoes #EndDomesticViolence #CommunityIsKey #SouthwestKey

?? RMTAC offers Consultation and Technical Assistance (CTA) through foundational and advanced guidance for behavioral health care providers and organizations. ?? Learn more or submit a request today ?? https://swk.la/cta Through these requests, RMTAC assists professionals and organizations in setting goals, and improving staff skills and understanding to improve services for refugees and migrants. #BehavioralHealth #BehavioralHealthCare

?? ? ?? Don't forget to attend Hiring Red, White & You! ?? ? ?? ?? ?? ??

?? #SomosSWKey: Arturo Maldonado is a Shift Supervisor in #SanBenito. He has been with Southwest Key for nearly a decade, helping out at various programs while living in South Texas, Houston, and Arizona. He says, “My favorite part is making a difference with the children but also with employees, sharing knowledge and advice with them. I never thought I would do this when I started here. At first, I thought I would be here for a few months, but it turned into 9 years.” ?? While teaching an art class, Arturo recalls a talented student who opened up about his hope for reunification and his drive to pursue art professionally. The youth cited the class as having a major positive impact on his life, helping him to imagine a future beyond the program. ?? During the weekend, Arturo reenergizes by going for a run, spending time with his family, and enjoying self-care time alone. ?? #SomosSouthwestKey #WeAreSouthwestKey

??? Today is #VeteransDay. ?? Thank you to all our brave veterans for their service and sacrifice. Your courage and dedication to our country inspires us. Let’s honor the legacy of veterans and show our gratitude for the freedom they made possible. ???? #ThankAVeteran #VeteransDay2024

???? Since 2021, the?Victor R. Garza Community Center?has partnered with Austin Community College?to empower our #ATXCommunity through FREE #AdultLearning programs! Hear inspiring stories from our graduates about how these opportunities have changed their lives! ?? #CommunityIsKey #VRGCenter #AustinCommunity

November is #NationalFamilyLiteracyMonth! Let's celebrate the power of family literacy! ??? This November, let's #ReadTogether and promote the importance of reading and learning. Whether you enjoy reading fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or another genre, this month is for you. Visit your local library, buy a book digitally, or support a bookstore to find a new page-turner. ?? #FamilyLiteracyMonth #FamilyLiteracy