Economic Empowerment
At YWCA San Antonio's Women's Health Services, championing the well-being of every woman in our community is at the heart of everything we do. Our cervical cancer prevention efforts continue strong through Pap smear screenings offered in collaboration with the CommuniCare Mobile Bus, bringing convenient, accessible care directly to the women who need it most. We are also proud to maintain our longstanding partnership with Christus Santa Rosa Hospital, through which we provide annual routine mammograms as well as diagnostic mammograms with ultrasound for those experiencing symptoms — because timely, accurate screening can make all the difference.
Beyond clinical screenings, we remain committed to education as a cornerstone of women's health. Our community educational sessions bring together women from across San Antonio to share vital information and build a network of support. Whether you are due for a screening or simply want to learn more about protecting your health, YWCA Women's Health Services is here for you. Early detection saves lives — and your health simply can't wait.
The Community Health Education program is driving meaningful change across San Antonio by building the capacity of Community Health Workers (CHWs) and the instructors who train them. Currently, the program manages four active grants — Pfizer Maternal Health and Vaccines, CPRIT Breast and Cervical Cancer, Direct Relief Medical Assistant and Vocational Nurse Stipends, and Community Catalyst Medicaid Defense — each targeting critical gaps in community health. Through these grants, the team develops bilingual English and Spanish training materials that equip CHWs to deliver high-quality, culturally responsive care to the communities they serve. The Direct Relief grant goes a step further, providing stipends and individualized case management to support individuals who have had to step away from their training programs.
The program's reach extends beyond these grants through two key collaborations. The Internship Program provides hands-on, real-world experience to students from local universities, nurturing the next generation of community health professionals. Meanwhile, the Economic Stability and Health Program is being strengthened with new bilingual training materials developed by the team. Together, these initiatives are expanding access to health education, fortifying the CHW workforce, and ensuring that more San Antonio residents receive the community-centered care they deserve.
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YWCA San Antonio proudly hosted its Economic Empowerment Summit on April 8, launching Financial Capability Month with a powerful half-day experience centered on financial confidence, workforce opportunity, and community connection. The event opened with an inspiring keynote from YWCA Board Chair Hayley Ellison, who helped set the tone for a day rooted in empowerment, practical tools, and collective action. We were also honored to recognize Andrea Howard for her leadership and commitment to advancing economic opportunity in our community.
Throughout the summit, attendees engaged in three tailored tracks for financial professionals, motivated individuals, and HR leaders, each designed to offer real-world strategies that could be applied immediately. We are grateful for our partnership with the UTSA Small Business Development Center, as well as the contributions of NALCAB’s Brenda Jimenez and Victoria Lopez, who helped bring Track B to life. We also extend our appreciation to our Track B featured panelists, Lisa Martinez, Tierra Wilson, and Julianna Lopez, and to Mike Ramsey and Misty Moon Harty for their leadership and insight in Track C. Alongside the summit sessions, our free Community Job Fair connected participants with employers and resources that support stability and career growth. The day reflected what economic empowerment looks like in action: meaningful conversations, useful tools, strong partnerships, and momentum toward a more financially secure future for women, families, and our broader San Antonio community.
Child Care
Pending content on Texas Rising Star
April may have marked Financial Capability Month, but the work of building financial stability continues. YWCA San Antonio was proud to launch the TenYour Savings Program, a new opportunity designed to help eligible clients take practical steps toward building a financial safety net, strengthening savings habits, and preparing for life’s unexpected moments. Through this program, participants receive support and structure as they turn financial goals into action.
The TenYour Savings Program connects eligible participants with YWCA San Antonio’s Economic Empowerment Program, includes a savings-related survey, and helps clients begin building stronger savings habits over time. With added support and a unique savings enhancement tied to job loss, the program is designed to help participants build confidence, resilience, and a stronger foundation for the future. Enrollment is still open, and we encourage eligible community members to take the next step toward greater financial stability by joining the program.
Women of Influence
We are getting closer to the completion of the onsite child care and administrative building, scheduled for January 2026, with a ribbon-cutting celebration planned for March!
As we approach this milestone, we are finalizing our capital campaign and invite you to join us in the Pave the Way campaign to bring this dream to completion. Your gift will be commemorated on the bricks of our labyrinth—a lasting symbol of community, empowerment, and hope.
Contact Francesca Rattray, YWCA CEO, to learn more about how you can be part of this incredible journey!
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Health Equity
This season, the Ventanillas de Salud (VDS) has been active across the community, connecting individuals and families to vital health resources. At the Consulate, VDS staff conducted health screenings and provided personalized support to help community members enroll in Medicaid through South Texas Family and Wellpoint. Through a partnership with Radio La Nuestra's Tempranito Program, the VDS reached a broader audience by sharing information on the full range of services available to community members. Additional consulate sessions focused on dental health education in collaboration with DentaQuest, and primary care access guidance with Carelink — ensuring that families know where and how to get the care they need.
Beyond the Consulate, VDS expanded its reach through several community events. Alongside Radio La Nuestra, the team hosted a vaccination and health screening event with UT San Antonio, offering blood pressure and cholesterol checks to attendees. A dedicated children's vaccination event was made possible thanks to the support of UIW. At the Consulate, Clínicas del Azúcar joined VDS to provide blood glucose testing alongside blood pressure monitoring. Rounding out the season's efforts, Prevent Blindness partnered with VDS to offer vision evaluations both at community events and during consulate service hours.
RESET
Are you between the ages 16 to 24 and want to go to school or working and need options and resources to be guided toward becoming a financially, emotionally, and socially secure adult. RESET offers educational coaching, life skills, case management, and possible paid training opportunities for those selected to participate.
Services include:
Educational Coaching – Support with high school completion, GED prep, and postsecondary planning
Career Readiness – Workshops, resume building, job search support, and job placement
Life Skills Training – Topics such as self-confidence, communication, financial literacy, and conflict resolution
Case Management – Ongoing one-on-one support to navigate barriers and set achievable goals
Paid Training Opportunities – Access to selected short-term training programs that lead to employment
RESET is more than a program, it’s a pathway to independence, stability, and growth. Staff is here to strengthen partnerships and referrals, and would love your continued support in sharing our services with eligible individuals.
If you know anyone that is interested in enrolling, they can click here and read more about the program and complete the intake form.
Feel free to reach out if you’d like additional information or would like to schedule a presentation.
Thank you for being a valued partner in helping young women reset their path forward.
Event Recap
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Youth
Spring Break Camp was a huge success, with 25–30 teens attending daily and building meaningful connections throughout the week. Campers enjoyed fun activities like swimming and a movie outing, while also giving back by volunteering at our food pantry and with BCFS. These experiences created a balance of fun and purpose, helping teens stay engaged and connected during their break. Overall, the camp reflected our mission by providing a safe space for youth to grow, lead, and make a positive impact.
Looking for Summer Camp for your teens?
We are currently registering middle and high school teens.
Teens will have the opportunity to engage with other teens, learn life skills and enjoy fun trips and cool off on swim days.
Register your teen by scanning the QR code in the Summer Camp flyer.
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Pave the Way
The Maternal Health Club is thriving, with 41 participants currently enrolled across three specialized clubs — Preconception, Expecting Mothers, and Postpartum — designed to meet women exactly where they are in their maternal health journey. Each club offers a welcoming space where participants receive education on key health topics, meaningful peer support, and direct connections to community resources that can make a real difference for growing families.
To ensure that every woman can fully participate, the program provides meals at each session and offers child watch services so that mothers do not have to choose between attending and caring for their little ones. Participants also receive a gift card incentive for each session they attend, reflecting the program's deep commitment to honoring their time and investment in their own health. The Maternal Health Club continues to be a place where women feel seen, supported, and empowered throughout one of life's most important seasons.
Pending content on photos
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Join us with an impactful gift that will make a difference in the lives of the children, women, and families we serve by considering a named brick for the prayer and meditation labyrinth, formerly used by the Sisters of the Congregation of Devine Providence.
A labyrinth is an ancient spiritual tool designed to foster contemplation and spiritual transformation. In modern culture, we often use the terms labyrinth and maze interchangeably, but as Lauren Artess says,
“A maze is designed to make you lose your way, while a labyrinth is designed to help you find your way.”
Each brick within the donor labyrinth is symbolic; these small yet sturdy building blocks represent the many impactful actions our donors have taken to get the YWCA to where we are today: transforming profound hardships into life-altering opportunities.
Filled with the names of supportive friends and neighbors, the labyrinth will be an inspiring oasis, reflective of San Antonio’s cultural and community values of love, family, respect, selflessness, and innovation. As women and children gather in the labyrinth to enjoy one another’s company, engage with nature, and reflect on their journeys, they will be reminded of all who walk alongside them, down the road to recovery and reformation.
Steps to become part of our legacy.
1. Click theLINK
2. Select "Pave the Way Brick Campaign"
3. Purchase your brick for $500
4. Contact Michelle at mserna@ywcasa.org to personalize your brick with your name or the name of a loved one
Thank you for your continued support of the YWCA mission.
Ribbon Cutting
We are getting closer to the completion of the onsite child care and administrative building, scheduled for January 2026, with a ribbon-cutting celebration planned for March!
As we approach this milestone, we are finalizing our capital campaign and invite you to join us in the Pave the Way campaign to bring this dream to completion. Your gift will be commemorated on the bricks of our labyrinth—a lasting symbol of community, empowerment, and hope.
Contact Francesca Rattray, YWCA CEO, to learn more about how you can be part of this incredible journey!
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Community Connections Resource Fair
On September 20th, the San Antonio Food Bank hosted YWCA’s Community Connections Resource Fair. Over 60 community partners joined the fair and approximately 200 families and individuals received resources and services. Some services offered were: mammograms, glucose and cholesterol screenings, immunizations and other health services. Community partners provided resources and were available to answer questions.
Thank you to the San Antonio Food Bank for hosting us and thank you to the many community partners that joined the event.
