YOUNG WOMENS CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION

The YWCA San Antonio offers programming for at risk youth. The Teen Volunteer Program is a leadership initiative that encourages 370 teens each year to volunteer in the community to acquire work skills and explore career interests.

 

Mi Carrera is a drop-out prevention program serving 180 teen girls through activities that encourage self-exploration and goal setting.

Economic empowerment is one of the hallmark initiatives of the YWCA.  The YWCA San Antonio operates several programs in the area of financial strengthening for individuals and families.
Ventanillas de Asesoria Financiera , with the Consulate General of Mexico, provides education on healthy financial habits such as savings; access to reliable financial services in the U.S.,; tax payment; credit for house, car, other purchases; and budgeting. 
 
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program provides free income tax preparation services to 4,000 low income families annually, resulting in over $7 million in refunds returned to the community.

The YWCA San Antonio offers health and wellness services for medically underserved and at risk populations.  The ENCOREplus Program provides referral services and education on early detection of breast cancer to 1,500 medically underserved women annually.  As part of breast cancer awareness activities, the agency hosts "Thnk Pink in October", an annual community health fair held in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness month.  The event features workshops, screenings, low cost mammograms, and nutrition education. 

 

The YWCA San Antonio's Postive Youth Development (PYD) program organizes sports activities for 400 children between the ages of 4 and 12 to promote social  and character advancement.  In additionm PYD teaches children the importance of a health life style.

 

The YWCA San Antonio's Senior Connection Program enhances the physical and mental health of 230 older adults annually through exercise activities, workshops and field trips.

Racial justice is embedded in the mission of the YWCA USA.  The YWCA implements racial justice with other YWCA's across the country in an annual "Stand Against Racism", a day long event where local communities sponsor activities to highlight the issue of racism and commit to working toward its elimination. In addition, YWCA is exploring Racial Justice Programming and Community Forums to begin programming in 2019.