Endeavors serves vulnerable people in crisis across the nation—people experiencing homelessness, Veterans on the brink of suicide, victims of natural disaster, unaccompanied children at the border, and more. 

We are so proud of the work that we do. Beyond that, we are proud of the members of our Endeavors family that make it happen. 

Our 150+ staff is made up of all kinds of people who come from all walks of life—a colorful spectrum of people from different places with different points of view. They make our relationships more dynamic; they make our perspectives sharper; they make our work stronger. 

Our passionate employees are the lifeblood of Endeavors, and we wanted to say “thank you” by recognizing a few of their unique, individual stories. From administrative to marketing to social work, each one is crucial to the work we do. 

Let’s take a look at 4 spotlighted Endeavors employees!  

Jesny Miranda, LMSW 

Clinician 

Tell us more about what you do at Endeavors. 

I’m a clinician at the Steven A. Cohen Clinic in El Paso! I work with children and individuals, and I’ll start seeing couples soon as well. 

How did you come to Endeavors?

I started as an intern, actually. I was very interested in the clinical  side of social work, and I knew that I wanted to work with Veterans and/or military families. So I started my internship here, graduated with my masters degree, and then received a Cohen Fellowship. I recently got hired as a full-time clinician.

What do you like about working for Endeavors?

I love how Endeavors is passionate about helping Veterans and family members. I had family members in the military, and I know it’s not easy going through those different transitions for anyone—the kids, the wives, and the members themselves. So for Endeavors to be willing to help and support them is amazing. 

What keeps you going?

The team! I feel very grateful that I’m part of a group where everyone is very supportive of each other. I like how we all have these opportunities to just be there for each other. It just makes it all feel worth it. 

What advice would you give your younger self?

Believe in yourself and be grateful. I’m honestly just amazed at how opportunities have presented themselves over the course of my career: starting as an intern and then as a fellow and then now a clinician. I never thought I’d be here.

What does success mean to you?  

To me, success means doing your best but still living a balanced life. I love my family and my job and what I do, and I want to be able to fulfill my highest potential, but at the same time, I want to keep my family a priority. Being able to balance my career and my dreams with family time is important to me. 

What’s a fun fact about you?

I like doing CrossFit! I love keeping myself healthy. I also love hiking and mountain biking. 

Emma Comery

Communications Generalist and Social Media Manager 

Tell us more about what you do at Endeavors. 

As Social Media Manager, I create and manage content on our Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram pages. And then as a Communications Generalist, I handle marketing and collateral needs for Emergency Services and Endeavors Unlimited—writing press releases, doing media outreach, and identifying success stories that we can put on the Endeavors blog.

What connection do you feel with Endeavors’ mission? 

As a military spouse, I’ve witnessed and experienced a lot of the challenges that we help our clients mitigate and overcome. And even now, a lot of the writing and conversations that I’ve had at Endeavors has helped me better understand mental health and holistic wellness. It’s actually inspired a lot of my own creative writing outside of the office.

What do you like about working for Endeavors?

I think we all have a responsibility to use our skills to help others, however we can. And so working for Endeavors means a lot to me because now I have a professional position that asks me to leverage my love for writing to provide tangible help to others, to extend a hand to people in crisis. 

What keeps you going when times get tough?

I definitely stress-read! As a writer, I believe creative writing offers us an opportunity to map out the realities that we want, and so reading can be a very hopeful experience for me. I love being able to hit pause on the real world and dive into someone else’s story and feel empathetic and learn something.

What book do you find yourself turning to over and over again? 

Carol Ann Duffy’s poetry collection, The World’s Wife. 

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would say: Advocate for yourself. No one is going to fight for you, and no one is going to know your own skill set the way that you do. Go chase the things you want!

What does success mean to you?  

This is an ever-evolving definition for me, but I think right now I’d say that success for me means making a positive impact in my community.

What’s a fun fact about you?

I practice Muay Thai, which is Thai boxing. It’s a fun way to relieve stress and get moving. 

Ismael Lopez 

Outreach Director for The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Endeavors, El Paso

Tell us more about what you do at Endeavors. 

I just officially started as Outreach Director on May 16th. I help create partnerships and collaborative efforts out in the community to raise awareness of our services. 

How did you come to Endeavors?

When I got out of the Marine Corps in 2010, I ran through so many issues with the VA. I hit every roadblock imaginable. I wanted to help other Veterans with similar issues. I graduated with a degree in psychology, and eventually started working with a grassroots organization helping Veterans in El Paso. Little by little, I built a network, started doing presentations, sitting on panels, mentoring Veterans, etc. But I didn’t have much support. So when I caught wind that Endeavors was opening up the Cohen clinic in El Paso, I was so excited. I knew the programs were going to be amazing. In 2017, I was hired.

What do you like about working for Endeavors?

I love the mission. I love the collaborative effort between CVN and Endeavors. I just love the whole strategy behind it. I love their passion, their genuine interest in actually helping the community. To me, that was like a breath of fresh air.  I’ve worked with other nonprofits who would shrug and say, “We can’t help you.” But with Endeavors, they’re like, “If we can’t help you, we’ll figure out who can.” It’s amazing. 

What keeps you going?

You know, I attributed a lot of my drive and a lot of my resiliency to my past supervisor, Ben Miranda. He brought so much wisdom with him. His guidance and his approach to mentoring me has kept me focused on the mission. To this day, he motivates me by reminding me of the “why.”

What advice would you give your younger self?

Invest in Bitcoin? No, I’m kidding. I don’t know if I would really want to do anything differently. Everything I’ve been through has made me the person I am today.

What does success mean to you?  

Success for me looks like maintaining my genuine interest in helping Veterans and spending time with my family. If I can balance those two, I think I’m doing a really good job.

What would you call your theme song?

So, I have an 11-year-old daughter, and whenever she and I are in a funk or stressed out, we play Count on Me by Bruno Mars. 

What’s a fun fact about you?

I have a crazy sense of humor. I can laugh about anything and everything. 

Gerina Sampson 

Director of Grants & Contracts

What does your department do? 

We manage the grant and contracts process and oversee all donations and fundraising databases. Our department is responsible for the timely and accurate submissions of all grants, contracts, negotiations, and reporting for all Endeavors programs. 

How did you come to Endeavors? 

I have a background working in grants and government contracts, but I’ve always wanted to make a difference, help people, and have a job that I could be proud and speak highly of. I prayed on it and asked God: “What is my calling?” Two days later, the Endeavors opportunity opened up. I jumped at the opportunity and haven’t looked back. 

What about Endeavors’ mission do you connect with? 

I’m a single mom of three. When I went through my divorce, my kids were still young, and I had to reset. I needed assistance to get me back on track, and some of the services Endeavors offer helped me grow and build a better life for my family. Now I have an opportunity to give back.

What do you like about working for Endeavors? 

The culture here is amazing! I wouldn’t change it for the world. 

What advice would you give your younger self? 

Don’t be afraid to take a chance, and cherish every moment that you have with the people you love. Tomorrow isn’t promised.

What does success mean to you? 

Being happy and doing what I enjoy—for me, that applies professionally, spiritually, relationally, across the board. 

What would you call your theme song? 

One song that really gives me encouragement is “I Smile” by Kirk Franklin. If I’m facing any challenges of any kind, it puts me in a positive mood.

What’s a fun fact about you? 

Before COVID, my bucket list consisted of ziplining everywhere I travel. As of today, Honduras, Belize, Cozumel, and Las Vegas are checked off!! 

Our Employees Matter 

Our vision is a lofty one—we seek to unify families and communities torn apart by poverty, unemployment, or neglect by providing real, practical solutions and a path to earned income. We do this through a wide array of programs and services supporting children, families, veterans and those struggling with mental illness and other significant disabilities.

And our employees make this vision come to life. 

If you’re interested in applying for open positions, visit endeavors.org/careers. 

About Endeavors 

Endeavors is a longstanding national non-profit that provides an array of programs and services in support of children, families, Veterans, and those struggling with mental illness and other disabilities. Endeavors serves vulnerable people in crisis through innovative personalized services. For more information, please visit endeavors.org. 

The post People of Endeavors: The Faces Behind Our Work  appeared first on Endeavors®.

Mark Your Calendars, The Veteran Wellness Center Is Getting Ready To Open Its Doors!

It’s finally happening! The Veteran Wellness Center at Endeavors will officially open its doors on November 11, 2021. (Yes, that’s Veterans Day!) In anticipation, one of our corporate partners, Energy Transfer, has recently committed to helping us make our Wellness Center a game-changing resource for San Antonio’s military community. Read on to find out how!

Partners In Prioritizing Inclusive Fitness

Thanks to a staggering $250,000 donation from Energy Transfer — whose website self-describes as “a Texas-based company that began in 1996 as a small intrastate natural gas pipeline operator and is now one of the largest and most diversified investment grade master limited partnerships in the United States” — the fitness center at the new VWC will be available to members of all ability levels.

Like Endeavors, Energy Transfer’s Texas roots run deep, but they’ve grown to spread their branches across the country (and even the globe!). Also like Endeavors, Energy Transfer has a long history of commitment to social good. In fact, from 2017 to 2019, they donated $46 million to over 70 nonprofit organizations across 38 states. Needless to say, we are honored to be among the many incredible organizations that Energy Transfer supports.

“Recognizing and supporting our country’s Veterans has always been important to Energy Transfer and to our employees across the country,” says Energy Transfer’s Vice President of Corporate Communications, Vicki Granado. “We are especially honored to be able to support the Veteran Wellness Center, an amazing facility in San Antonio that will provide unmatched services for Veterans and their families.”

Thanks to Energy Transfer’s immense generosity, the fitness center at the Veteran Wellness Center, designed to be inclusive for all of our clients, will feature equipment that accommodates those who depend on wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility aids, as well as those who don’t. With their help, we can ensure our fitness center features the best equipment to serve each and every one of our clients as they tend to their physical and overall wellness.

(Read: “5 Reasons Why Fitness Is A Crucial Part Of Mental Healthcare”)

In a press release announcing Energy Transfer’s financial support of our Veteran Wellness Center, Endeavors’ Chief of Development and Communications, Traci Gomez, said, “…we are thankful to [Energy Transfer] for their generosity. We hope others will join Energy Transfer in contributing to naming opportunities for this amazing new building.” 

Wellness For All At The Veteran Wellness Center 

The state-of-the-art holistic wellness center will provide integrated behavioral health with the mission of reducing and preventing suicide through Endeavors’ holistic wellness model. Specifically, the Wellness Center will serve Veterans, active duty military, their families, and caregivers, and will provide a range of services from counseling to fitness classes to childcare. Nearly complete, this facility is going to be a valuable, state-of-the-art resource for all of the San Antonio community.

(Read: “What Is A Veteran Wellness Center? How Endeavors Is Changing The Face Of Veteran Wellness”)

Before the COVID-19 crisis, the Veteran Wellness Center at Endeavors planned to open its doors in early 2021. But when disaster struck the world, the grand opening had to be pushed back. 

While we couldn’t proceed with construction as fast as we planned, we were able to leverage online therapy (aka: Telehealth) to serve San Antonio Veterans, active duty military, and their families remotely. In the midst of severe isolation and national stress, our clinicians knew people would need access to professional counseling services more than ever, and we were thrilled to be able to offer high-quality, secure help directly to our clients’ homes. 

The support Energy Transfer has shown us through this process is a perfect example of what we can all achieve when nonprofit and corporate entities partner to lift up those in need. Thanks to this most recent donation, our grand opening will offer local heroes and their families all of the in-person services they deserve, including high-quality, inclusive fitness programming and equipment.

(Read: “More Than A Fitness Center: The Veteran Wellness Center’s Holistic Approach To Veteran Suicide Prevention”)

In response to this donation, Endeavors’ Chief of Development and Communications, Traci Gomez, said, “…we are thankful to [Energy Transfer] for their generosity. We hope others will join Energy Transfer in contributing to naming opportunities for this amazing new building.” 

Making A Difference For Our Military Community

The commitment businesses like Energy Transfer show to our military-affiliated folks living with mental health issues and other challenges not only warm our hearts, but changes the lives of heroes in and out of uniform. If you’ve been looking for a way to give back to your community, we invite you to consider making a donation to our Veteran Wellness Center. Every dollar counts, and every gift furthers our mission to restore and improve the quality of life for vulnerable people in need. To make a monetary donation, visit our website or contact our Veteran Wellness Center directly at VWC-SA@endeavors.org.

About Endeavors

Endeavors is a longstanding national non-profit that provides an array of programs and services in support of children, families, Veterans, and those struggling with mental illness and other disabilities. Endeavors serves vulnerable people in crisis through innovative personalized services. For more information, please visit www.endeavors.org. 

The post Wellness For All: Endeavors and Energy Transfer Team Up To Support Veteran Fitness appeared first on Endeavors®.

We could all use a little more kindness and gratitude these days. Here are a few Instagram accounts that make us smile!

These days, opening up your social media feed is a little risky. You may see an adorable photo of a dog or a stunning sunset over a mountain… or you may witness a heartbreaking news story or a group of loved ones tearing each others’ political opinions to pieces.

It’s great to stay informed and in dialogue, but we firmly believe that positivity and kindness are extra necessary in today’s world. Which is why we follow a few great Instagram accounts that brighten our feed every day.  

If you’re looking for a little more love and a little less negativity, consider following a few of these awesome accounts! 

1. South Alamo Regional Alliance for the Homeless (@SARAHomeless)

Why we love it: One of our partners in Bexar County, SARAH does incredible work aiding homeless populations in the San Antonio area. Their colorful, thoughtful posts remind us that it’s possible to make a change in your own backyard! 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SARAH (@sarahomeless)

2. United Way (@Unitedway)

Why we love it: A worldwide nonprofit, United Way is hyper-focused on community, which is a strong value of ours as well. We love seeing the joy and hope they infuse into the world.  

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by United Way (@unitedway)

3. Red Cross (@americanredcross)

Why we love it: The American Red Cross reminds us that we are always taken care of. Seeing people give their time, energy, and money to aid and disaster relief always inspires us to be better people.  

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by American Red Cross (@americanredcross)

4. Allyson Dinneen (@notesfromyourtherapist) 

Why we love it: 

As mental health advocates, we love Allyson Dinneen’s handwritten reminders! She posts little nuggets of wisdom and truth that make us breathe a little deeper and believe in ourselves. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Allyson Dinneen (@notesfromyourtherapist)

5. Amnesty International (@amnesty) 

Why we love it: Change is happening around the world, and Amnesty International is proving it! This organization fires us up and gets us on our feet. They tell stories of activism and how people around the world are making a difference

.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Amnesty International (@amnesty)

6. Cohen Veteran’s Network (@CohenVeterans)

Why we love it: As a Cohen Network partner, we love seeing the work that other clinics are doing around the country. Their commitment to Veteran and military visibility is unmatched, and we’re thrilled to see it on our feed.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cohen Veterans Network (@cohenveterans)

7. Charity Water (@CharityWater) 

Why we love it: Water is something that connects us all, Charity Water’s work seeks to provide clean water for everyone. We are inspired towards gratitude and also admiration and joy by this account. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by charity: water (@charitywater)

8. United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (@unicef)

Why we love it: Our children are our future, and we want to invest in them. This account reminds us to value the futures of little ones around the world. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by UNICEF (@unicef)

9. Global Fund for Women (@globalfundwomen)

Why we love it: This incredible organization fights for equality and visibility for women around the world. We love their boldness and are inspired by their eye for both reflection and change. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Global Fund for Women (@globalfundwomen)

10. Endeavors (@EndeavorsOrg) 

Why we love it: Hey, it’s us! We love sharing our work with our Instagram community. Our incredible clients deserve the spotlight, and we love shining it on them! 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Endeavors® (@endeavorsorg)

Regardless of which accounts you choose to follow, we hope you found something that sparked joy! 

About Endeavors and Cohen Veterans Network

Endeavors is a longstanding national non-profit that provides an array of programs and services in support of children, families, Veterans, and those struggling with mental illness and other disabilities. Endeavors serves vulnerable people in crisis through innovative personalized services. For more information, please visit www.endeavors.org. 

Cohen Veterans Network is a 501(c)(3) national not-for-profit philanthropic network of mental health clinics for post-9/11 veterans and their families. CVN focuses on improving mental health outcomes via a network of outpatient mental health clinics for veterans and their families in high-need communities, in which trained clinicians deliver holistic, evidence-based care to treat mental health conditions. The network currently has 19 clinics in operation serving veterans and their families across the country. Learn more about Cohen Veterans Network.

The post 10 Instagram Accounts That Will Brighten Your Feed With #Kindness and #Gratitude appeared first on Endeavors®.

A Legacy Of Community Support

The Genevieve and Ward Orsinger Foundation has been a Texas philanthropic institution since well before it was even an official nonprofit organization. Genevieve and Ward Orsinger began investing in their community when they donated fifteen acres to Bexar County for a community park in 1980. Genevieve had taken an early interest in philanthropy since young adulthood when she organized dance performances to raise money for local charities and gave personal gifts to the community through her trust at the San Antonio Area Foundation. When she met her husband, Ward, she found a perfect match in kind-heartedness and community vision. Genevieve and Ward’s generosity built a beautiful natural space with walking trails and a playground right in the heart of San Antonio — an oasis for residents to come together and enjoy their city. Today, Orsinger Park remains a community space for fun, adventure, and togetherness.

Sadly, the Orsingers were just starting to leave their mark on their hometown when Ward passed away in 1983. Determined to continue building upon the good she and her husband had started, Genevieve built a pavilion in Orsinger Park in Ward’s memory. But a park was just a small piece of the vision the Orsingers had for their community, and  Genevieve went on to establish the Foundation to set larger goals and reach a wider community. 

Helping Women And Children In San Antonio

Since then, the Genevieve and Ward Orsinger Foundation has grown to support organizations and institutions in Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Hays, Kendall, and Travis Counties. Its goal is to provide community members in need with a “hand up” by providing Cultural Enrichment, Education, and Human Services grants to organizations that offer people tools for education, health, and self-reliance. Though Genevieve passed away in 2004, the foundation continues to further its mission to cultivate and provide a nurturing environment for families and future generations of Texans. In 2020 alone, the Orsinger Foundation granted over $1.8 million to organizations fighting hunger and homelessness and supporting family and education initiatives. 

And Endeavors was fortunate to be one of those organizations! 

The Orsinger Foundation generously granted financial support to our Fairweather Family Lodge (FFL) in San Antonio, which serves single mothers and their families who are experiencing chronic homelessness. At the FFL, our mission is to help families emerge from severe duress and difficulty and rebuild their lives. When we realized this mission aligned with the Orsinger Foundation’s dedication to achieving “a community where all people can access opportunities to be their best selves, build stronger family dynamics, and provide a nurturing environment for the success of future generations,” we were thrilled to find such an amazing partner in serving San Antonio! 

New Beginnings At Endeavors’ Fairweather Family Lodge

Our clients at the Fairweather Family Lodge, who reside long-term at our safe, secure, and private campus, come from harrowing circumstances. Often, they have lived in cars or on the streets, suffered from addiction, or fled domestic violence. Due to heartbreaking circumstances, they may be at risk of having their children taken away from them. These strong, amazing women come to the FFL desperate and in need of help. Our goal is to support and provide them with the tools and resources to someday leave our lodge having built a stable, self-sufficient, and dignified life for themselves and their children.

With the Orsinger Foundation’s funding, the FFL instituted a range of new in-person and virtual programming to support the mothers and children who live there. Thanks to the Orsinger Foundation’s immense generosity, we were able to implement not one but three new pillars of family development and support for our residents: Parent Education, Early Childhood Education, and Family Engagement.

Parent Education

The parenting curriculum provides mothers with skills that will help them raise self-confident, motivated children who are ready to go out into the world and thrive. Thanks to the grant, the FFL was able to host regular educational programs led by child psychology and family development experts throughout 2020. 

Early Childhood Education

Meanwhile, the Early Childhood curriculum was built on activities that both mother and child can engage in together to replace old thought and behavior patterns with healthy new ones. Over the summer, the FFL’s Children’s Activities Coordinator also provided activity kits for families to focus on children’s sensory, literacy, discovery, and fine/gross motor skills to help foster the essential development of a child’s early years.

Family Engagement

Perhaps the broadest-ranging program brought to the FFL through the Orsinger grant was Family Engagement.  The program included multiple formal educational programs for mothers to learn how to set and enforce limits with sincere compassion and empathy. This parenting technique would allow their children to make their own decisions and mistakes while instilling an understanding of natural or logical consequences. The Family Engagement programming also included Family Reading Nights to reinforce literacy, Healing Arts classes to encourage expression and healing from past trauma, and Family Game Nights to support positive relationships during the difficult times of 2020. 

Throughout these programs, our FFL coordinators, clinicians, and staff witnessed immense personal growth among the participating families. One day at a time, the FFL staff and residents worked together to develop practices of strength, independence, and resilience.

Read more success stories from our strong, resilient, and inspiring clients at the Fairweather Family Lodge!

Heartfelt Thanks To Our Local Partners

The truth is, we at Endeavors could not do what we do without the help and support of organizations like the Orsinger Foundation. This incredible nonprofit inspires us with its dedication to supporting San Antonio residents and their well-being. When we think about Ward and Genevieve, we know that it takes an exceptional person to inspire such a long and passionate legacy of philanthropy. To everyone at the Orsinger Foundation today, we say, “Thank you. Thank you for helping us improve the lives of women and children struggling to survive in our city.” And to Ward and Genevieve, if we could, we would say, “Thank you for believing in a San Antonio for everyone.” 

About The Fairweather Family Lodge

FFL was established in 2004 to provide permanent supportive housing, case management, professional counseling, life skills training, and employment opportunities for chronically homeless women with mental illness and their children in San Antonio. The Fairweather Family Lodge receives all referrals for admission from Coordinated Entry through the South Alamo Regional Alliance for the Homeless (SARAH), an agency that works with agencies across San Antonio and Bexar County to end homelessness. For volunteer opportunities with the Fairweather Family Lodge, contact the San Antonio Lodge Coordinator at 210-208-5700 or cfernandez@endeavors.org

About Endeavors

Endeavors, a San Antonio-based nonprofit, is a longstanding national nonprofit agency that provides an array of programs and services supporting children, families, Veterans, and those struggling with mental illness, disabilities, disasters, or emergencies. Endeavors has served vulnerable people in need since 1969 through personalized services. For more information, please visit www.endeavors.org.

The post Supporting Strong Families Together: The Orsinger Foundation and Endeavors appeared first on Endeavors®.

A Local Business Helping to Keep San Antonio Safe

Locally-owned and family-operated, the IWC Group has been an institution of business and community in San Antonio for over fifteen years. IWC’s two main businesses are IWC Oil and Refinery, and IWC Cleaning, which specializes in residential, commercial, industrial, and construction sanitation. During the pandemic, IWC has stepped up to the plate to keep our city’s professionals healthy and safe. Their sanitation team “provide[s] the most up to date air disinfection and decontamination services that eradicate 99.9% of airborne pathogens, molds, and viruses, including SARS CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.” Excellence, integrity, and servant leadership are cornerstones of their business philosophy, and IWC continuously demonstrates their dedication to helping their community feel safe and clean. 

Providing thousands of jobs and professional disinfection and sanitation services are just some of the ways that IWC serves the San Antonio community. Endeavors has been fortunate to partner with IWC multiple times as we further our mission of serving vulnerable persons in need. 

This past December, IWC donated a generous amount of gifts (worth nearly $1,000!) to our Fairweather Lodge in San Antonio, which provides supportive housing and case management for individuals with mental illness. IWC’s donations included essentials like clothing and toiletries, but also gifts to help make our residents’ holiday a warm and festive one.

Last fall, IWC hosted two charity events to support our efforts to serve the San Antonio community. In September, IWC supported us at Give Back San Antonio, a socially-distanced arts and culture fundraiser to raise money for our Fairweather Family Lodge (slightly different than our Fairweather Lodge!), which serves vulnerable single mothers with disabilities experiencing chronic homelessness, and their children. A month later, they hosted yet another fundraiser and donated the proceeds to the FFL. Their hard work, generosity, and total donation of over $5,000 directly impacted the lives of the women and children we serve at our programs, and we could not be more grateful for them. 

IWC has selected Endeavors as their “Charity of Choice” for 2021, which means they plan to help raise funds for Endeavors throughout the year and encourage their employees to volunteer with us! Beginning March 1st, IWC Cleaning is running a fundraising campaign to benefit the Endeavors Veterans Wellness Center program. IWC Cleaning will match up to $10,000 for all cleaning services booked. Follow IWC and Endeavors on Facebook for updates on this fundraising event and how you can double your impact to help others!

Get Involved: Help Improve The Lives Of San Antonians In Need

Have we mentioned how much we love our Alamo City? Our Military City, USA? The people…the businesses…the diverse and historic culture…we could go on and on. Our love for this city and our fellow San Antonians is why we strive to meet the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. Whether it’s fighting to end homelessness or supporting post-9/11 Veterans as they manage the symptoms of mental health illnesses, we are dedicated to supporting and advocating for the people of San Antonio. But we couldn’t do what we do by ourselves! Join Endeavors and IWC in uplifting our communities. Our Supportive Housing programs, and our Veterans Supportive Services programs are always accepting donations to help provide our residents with the safety and stability they deserve. Follow Endeavors on Twitter and Endeavors Texas on Facebook for updates on high-priority item needs. 

To donate, or for more information about our housing programs, email us at txhousing@endeavors.org. Or, you can always give on our website! 

If you’re interested in giving with your time, you can volunteer with one of our programs! Send an email to volunteer@endeavors.org and we can get you started.

ABOUT ENDEAVORS
Endeavors, a San Antonio based nonprofit, is a longstanding national nonprofit agency that provides an array of programs and services supporting children, families, Veterans, and those struggling with mental illness, disabilities, disasters, or emergencies. Endeavors has served vulnerable people in need since 1969 through personalized services. For more information, please visit www.endeavors.org.

The post Thank You, IWC, For Helping Us Help San Antonians in Need appeared first on Endeavors®.

Anyone who lives in San Antonio (or who has just visited!) knows that Military City, USA boasts such a vibrant and rich culture because of the diverse cultures and communities that call it home. From those whose ancestors lived here long before the Alamo was even an idea to those who found their way here more recently, we are fortunate to live amongst a diverse mix of born-and-raised and transplant San Antonians. 

Each year, these people, who come from all walks of life, come together to celebrate, discuss, and advocate for the people of San Antonio during one of our favorite events of the year: DreamWeek! 

What Is DreamWeek?

DreamWeek is a 10-day series of events dedicated to celebrating and uplifting the people of San Antonio. Framing Martin Luther King Jr. Day, DreamWeek is a city-wide summit created to address universal issues facing San Antonio’s multicultural community by advancing and modernizing the teachings of Dr. King’s vision. Think, tolerance. Think, multi-cultural and inter-community dialogue. Think, exchanging ideas to advance diversity and equality. It’s a big mission, no doubt, but it’s one that San Antonio is dedicated to furthering together.

The 10-day schedule of events includes a jam-packed series of celebrations, speaking engagements, mixers, and events to foster discussion and exchange…and most are free admission! Each day is dedicated to a different theme: City, Sports, Cuisine, Health, Energy, Technology, Education, Arts, Youth, Spirit, Justice, and Business.

With six to eighteen events every day, DreamWeek truly offers something fun and interesting for everyone. Because there’s no way we can attend eighteen events in one day, here’s a list of just a few of the events we can’t wait for! 

“Songs Of The Civil Rights And Black Arts Movements” 

Sing along with famous songs from the Civil Rights and #BLM movements!

Saturday, January 16, 3:00-4:30pm

“Notable People of San Antonio In 2020 Portrait Collection ‘A Collective Vision’” 

Master Portrait Artist Kevin G. Saunders showcases his fine art portraits of San Antonio’s leaders.

Saturday, January 16, 6:00-9:00pm 

“Global Citizens On Local Civic Engagement: When Growing Up Everywhere Can Ground You Locally”

The ultimate panel discussion for anyone who’s ever struggled to answer the question, “Where are you from?”

Saturday, January 23, 6:00-7:30 pm

“Changing Outcomes Through Education And Outreach (Topic: Working With Male Survivors)”

Free training in the myths and facts of masculinity, self-esteem, and identity, and how we can continue to support male survivors during their recovery.

Thursday, January 14, 10:00-11:00 am

“Using Poetry To Connect In Time Of Displacement” 

Join the discussion on how poetry can create connections for refugees and others facing trauma and displacement.

Friday, January 22, 11:00am-12:30pm

And that’s just a start! There are film screenings, theatrical productions, art exhibits, tea parties, panel discussions, workshops, and more!

This year, of course, the regular schedule of events is transitioning to a virtual platform, and you can join in on the movement by registering for any of the DreamWeek 2021 events on their website!  

Endeavors And DreamWeek 2021

The Endeavors Veteran Wellness Center is thrilled to participate in DreamWeek 2021 by hosting a diverse virtual panel discussion on January 21st! The panel will address COVID-19, its effects on the overall wellness across communities in Texas and San Antonio, and the possible solutions to overcome those effects. We’re calling it “The State Of Wellness In The Time Of Covid” and diving into resiliency and quality of life during and after an unprecedented pandemic. Our panelists will be discussing the importance of mental, emotional, and physical health and how our programs can bring wellness to those who pursue it. 

“We strive every day to educate others on the importance of ‘Choosing Wellness,’” says Margarita Ochoa-Smith, Director of Mental Health and Wellness at the Endeavors Veteran Wellness Center in San Antonio. Wellness, she continues, “may look or be different for each person. We also promote the value that every person is deserving to be free of suffering and have improved quality of life, regardless of skin color, gender identity, or socioeconomic status.” 

• Dequindra Quinn, Family Nurse Practitioner at Care Clinic in Detroit and CEO/Founder of Restoration Health, LLC
• Dr. Amy Kemter, LCSW-S, DWS, Therapist, and Director of Clinical Operations at Street2Feet, and Clinical Supervisor for Methodist Healthcare System Clinicians
• Dr. George A. Williams, Jr., PhD., Vice President for Student Affairs and Assistant Professor of Education at Our Lady of the Lake University
• Margarita Ochoa-Smith, LPC, LCDC, ICADC, Director of Mental Health and Wellness at Endeavors Veteran Wellness Center

Join us for an educational and thoughtful discussion of how we can all work towards a stronger and healthier tomorrow for the entire San Antonio community. This event is free to the public and is being held virtually, so please join us on Thursday, January 21 at 11:30 am (CST). You can learn more and register here! 

What Is The Endeavors Veteran Wellness Center?

The Endeavors Veteran Wellness Center in San Antonio is a state-of-the-art holistic wellness center for post-9/11 Veterans and their families. The Wellness Center offers a wide array of services to clients (at little or no cost), including:

• Mental Health: psychiatric services and medication management, evidence-based psychotherapy, Telehealth, group therapy, art therapy, and intensive outpatient therapy.
• Physical Health: health coaching and screenings, nutritional support, individual exercise equipment, group fitness, yoga, and tai chi. 
• Holistic Health: massage therapy, acupuncture, mindfulness and meditation classes, and functional medicine treatment.

In addition, the center offers wellness education and supportive services that include: 

• Support Groups 
• Client Educational Classes
• Professional Development Trainings
• Peer Support 
• Volunteer Opportunities 
• Drop-in Childcare

To learn more about the Endeavors Veterans Wellness Center and the services we are currently offering virtually, click here. 

About Endeavors 

Endeavors is a longstanding national non-profit that provides an array of programs and services in support of children, families, Veterans, and those struggling with mental illness and other disabilities. Endeavors serves vulnerable people in crisis through innovative personalized services. For more information, please visit www.endeavors.org.

The post DreamWeek San Antonio: 10 Days Of Celebration And Discussion appeared first on Endeavors®.

If you have ever spent time in Texas, you are probably well-acquainted with H-E-B. 

As one of the nation’s largest independently owned food retailers, H-E-B serves families all over Texas and Mexico in 155 communities, with more than 340 stores and over 100,000 employees.

The familiar bright red signs are visible across the state, welcoming shoppers to step inside and discover a different kind of grocery experience— one infused with kindness, care, and delight. From their incredible customer service to their one-of-a-kind products (think: Texas Pecan coffee beans), H-E-B is an embodiment of Texas hospitality. 

However, this regional grocery darling is more than just a grocery store: it’s a community establishment committed to investing in its cities and state. 

H-E-B’s incredible commitment to public service is an integral part of the brand’s value system. As a nonprofit operating in Texas, we’ve seen firsthand the amazing ways this company has shown up to help its communities. 

So, in case you weren’t already a fan of Texas’ favorite grocery store, we’d like to spotlight a few of the ways shopping at H-E-B is actually a vote for a better Texas. 

1. Financial Donations

When you shop at H-E-B, your money doesn’t just go to the business. Rather, this company proudly displays what it calls a “Spirit of Giving,” contributing five percent of pre‑tax earnings to public and charitable programs. This commitment has been going strong since the 1930s! Way to go, H-E-B! 

2. Education Support

One major way H-E-B- invests in its communities is by supporting local schools. Since 2002, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards have focused on rewarding Texas educators who go the extra mile each and every day to serve their students and faculty. This past year, the company donated $430,000 in cash awards and grants to eight educators, two school districts, an early childhood agency, and a public school board.

3. Disaster Relief 

When disaster strikes, H-E-B is committed to providing aid in times of need. H-E-B’s “Helping Here” philosophy promises to stand by communities during times of crisis. Their commitment to this philosophy has taken many shapes— from donating financial support to emergency supplies to drinking water and food. On top of all of this, H-E-B also allows its customers to be a part of the solution, providing efficient ways for shoppers to assist those affected by a natural disaster.

4. Veteran Aid & Assistance 

Hailing from the great state of Texas, H-E-B’s commitment to supporting and appreciating military men and women shines through on a majorly patriotic level. “Operation Appreciation” is a company-wide H-E-B campaign created to honor the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces. A major part of this campaign, “Homes Built For Heroes” gives away ultra-accessible, mortgage-free, fully furnished homes to severely wounded Veterans and their families across Texas.

5. Hunger Relief 

As a part of the grocery industry, H-E-B takes food and hunger very seriously. Started in 1990, the H-E-B “Help End Hunger campaign” has been giving customers the opportunity to help their local food bank in the fight against hunger and malnutrition among thousands of children, elderly, and needy families in communities throughout Texas and Mexico. Last year, H-E-B customers across Texas raised $696,400, or 3 million meals for 20 Texas food banks.

6. Community Donations (Endeavors + HEB)

We have witnessed H-E-B’s Spirit of Giving in plenty of ways. As we fight to help vulnerable populations in Texas, H-E-B has shown up plenty of times to assist our efforts to help people. 

H-E-B has donated thousands of dollars in gift cards as well as fitness equipment (yoga mats) to our Veteran Wellness Program and Veteran Wellness Center, pantry items to our McAllen Veteran Supportive Services office, and flowers to the women at our Fairweather Family Lodge.

We’d like to say a big holiday “Thank you” to H-E-B for their continued support as we seek to help vulnerable people in crisis in Texas and beyond. 

About Endeavors

Endeavors is a longstanding national non-profit that provides an array of programs and services in support of children, families, Veterans, and those struggling with mental illness and other disabilities. Endeavors serves vulnerable people in crisis through innovative personalized services. For more information, please visit www.endeavors.org.

The post 6 Ways HEB Goes Beyond Groceries To Serve Communities appeared first on Endeavors®.

Young People In Need

Fact: Each year, an estimated 4.2 million youth and young adults in the United States experience homelessness. That’s 4.2 million Americans ages 13-25 who should be surrounded by family and friends, focusing on learning and growth, and building their educational and professional futures. But instead, they live on the streets without a safe place to sleep or access to basic amenities. 

Imagine a teenager showing up to their 1st-period class after having “showered” in a public restroom, or a recent graduate trying to keep their wits about them during a job interview when they haven’t had a proper meal or night’s sleep in months. Imagine a young adult pitching themself a cheap tent in a park, wrapped in whatever discarded clothing they could find tangled in the leaves and trash of the gutter. The truth is, homelessness can happen to anyone. 

What’s more, approximately 41,000 homeless youth are unaccompanied minors, which means they face nights in shelters, under bridges, in public parks, or in their cars. Alone. 

These young people are incredibly vulnerable to such threats as mental health disorders, sexual exploitation, physical harm, and suicide. 

Furthermore, the long-term impacts can catch young people in a paralyzing cycle of homelessness. In addition to mental health issues such as PTSD, young people who experience homelessness are highly likely to experience severe setbacks in their personal and professional development. The teen and young adult years are pivotal for a person’s development, and the challenges and trauma of homelessness can be crippling for one’s growth and transition into independent adulthood. When a young person lacks a safe and permanent home with caring adults, it can stifle the development of their decision-making, planning, and reasoning, leading to high-risk behavior and unsafe situations. 

Allies Against Homelessness

Fortunately, there are incredible humans in our neck of the woods who are doing everything they can to provide safe, stable, and supportive homes for people in need. In Bexar County, Texas, SARAH is leading community-wide planning efforts to end homelessness in the San Antonio area not just among youth, but for all of our neighbors experiencing homelessness. SARAH’s vision is built on funding, education, empowerment, and accountability. So it’s not just about finding one person a home. It’s about building systems that prevent homelessness from ever being a possibility in the first place. 

SARAH collects copious amounts of data on housing and homelessness in the Bexar County community by getting out into the community and listening to those facing and experiencing homelessness. As the Continuum of Care (CoC) Lead Agency for San Antonio and Bexar County, SARAH uses that data to oversee funding designated by the federal department of Housing and Urban Development for housing with services to prevent and end homelessness in the community. Essentially, the Board of Directors awards grants to nonprofits and community organizations providing housing and preventing homelessness. They also create committees for the annual Point-In-Time Count, the local Homeless Management Information System, Bexar County’s Coordinated Entry System, and the Youth Action Board. They do the boots-on-the-ground research, and then they turn around and fund boots-on-the-ground programs helping Texans find safe and stable housing. 

Programs like Endeavors. 

Partners In Preventing Homelessness

From receiving a Supportive Housing Grant to assist single mothers and their children experiencing chronic homelessness to our recent collaboration with their #WeSay #HouseAllYouthMovement to house youth and young adults in Bexar County, Endeavors has been able to help hundreds of people thanks to the generosity and organizing efforts of SARAH. 

Our individualized, comprehensive approach to homelessness prevention aligns perfectly with SARAH’s values of listening to people with lived homelessness experience, prioritizing people without homes, and emphasizing the importance of education in effecting long-term change.

In short, their vision, networking, and dedication drives so much of the homelessness prevention work happening in our community, and it helps Endeavors further our own mission of helping vulnerable people in crisis…from Veterans to single mothers with disabilities to young adults. 

Truly, the work SARAH is doing — the number of lives they are changing — blows us away. And we are honored to call them a partner in serving others. With their help, we recently launched our Youth Resilient Project, a re-housing program designed explicitly for Bexar County youth ages 18-24 of all self-identified genders. And we’re especially proud that our own Annie Erickson, Senior Director of Veteran and Community Services at Endeavors, serves on SARAH’s Board of Directors, too! 

Of the program and the partnership, SARAH’s executive director Katie Vela said, “We are very excited about the work the YHDP partners are doing, and Endeavors is a spectacular part of that team to house all youth and young adults! We look forward to a year in 2021 of many successes with these programs. We are delighted HUD committed this important funding to San Antonio and Bexar County. Stay tuned!” 

With years of experience helping San Antonians in need find a place to call home, SARAH knows just how important it is to listen, engage, and make data-driven decisions to educate and lead in ways that drive positive change.

How Can You Help Fight Homelessness?

Looking to make a difference for a neighbor in need this holiday season? Our Youth Resilient Project is currently seeking donations to support young residents:

• food
• hygiene products to include: shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, loofahs, lotion, deodorant, combs, feminine hygiene products
• linens to include: bedding sets, pillows, shower curtain, bathmat, towels
• household items: utensils, bowls, plates, Tupperware, dishrack, cleaning supplies, microwaves, coffee machine
• gift cards for HEB and Walmart
• furniture to include mattresses, bed frames, nightstands, loveseats, small kitchen tables
• monetary donations

To donate, or for more information about the program, email us at txhousing@endeavors.org. Or, you can always give on our website! 

ABOUT ENDEAVORS

Endeavors, a San Antonio based nonprofit, is a longstanding national nonprofit agency that provides an array of programs and services supporting children, families, Veterans, and those struggling with mental illness, disabilities, disasters, or emergencies. Endeavors has served vulnerable people in need since 1969 through personalized services. For more information, please visit www.endeavors.org.

The post Partner Spotlight: How SARAH is Fighting Homelessness in Bexar County appeared first on Endeavors®.

So, just what does homelessness look like today? Here are a few facts and figures to help put things in perspective. 

• The United Nations conducted a worldwide survey in 2005 and estimated that approximately 100 million people were homeless worldwide. 

• In a 2019 count, it is estimated approximately seventeen out of every 10,000 people in the United States experienced homelessness, amounting to 568,000 individuals.   

• In Texas, approximately 25,000 Texans are experiencing homelessness. 

• In Houston, the 2020 Point-in-Time Homeless Count & Survey indicated that nearly 4,000 individuals are experiencing homelessness on any given night. 

We are incredibly passionate about empowering people to build better lives for themselves, their families, and their communities— including those without a place to call “home.” 

For years, this has meant supporting Veterans experiencing homelessness throughout Texas. And now we are able to expand our reach to a more general homeless population in Houston! 

Endeavors was recently selected as a Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) service provider and awarded over $2 million by the City of Houston as part of the Community COVID Housing Program to support individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

What will we do?

Thanks to this generous grant, we will be able to offer case management, rapid rehousing, and temporary financial assistance for 200 clients who have been impacted by COVID! This work is especially important because of the pandemic. Due to underlying health conditions and a lack of access to facilities, people experiencing homelessness are more susceptible to COVID-19 and at higher risk of experiencing severe symptoms. We hope that this work will help keep folks safe and healthy, and housed.

“We must take care of the most vulnerable among us during this time,” said Annie Erickson, Endeavors Senior Director of Veteran and Community Based Services.  

How can you help? 

For individuals seeking to help and spread awareness, you can make a donation or follow our social media accounts to share and spread the word. 

If you’re a local property manager in Houston and would like to participate in our rapid rehousing program, contact Ashlie Young, Manager of Landlord Engagement, at ayoung@homelesshouston.org or call the “landlord hotline” at 832-531-6051.

To learn more information about the program, visit www.homelesshouston.org/CCHP. 

Homeless individuals looking for assistance can contact Endeavors at txhousing@endeavors.org. 

About Endeavors 

Endeavors, a San Antonio based nonprofit, is a longstanding national nonprofit agency that provides various programs and services supporting children, families, Veterans, and those struggling with mental illness, disabilities, disasters, or emergencies. Endeavors has served vulnerable people in need since 1969 through personalized services. For more information, please visit www.endeavors.org. 

The post How Do You Tackle World Homelessness? One City At a Time  appeared first on Endeavors®.

It’s been a long and bumpy road, but we are so thrilled for our clients, proud of our amazing Disaster Case Managers, and grateful for our partners in disaster recovery.

Facing Disaster Head-On

Hurricanes affect everyone differently. Financial hardship, devastating home damage, loss of power that can put those with medical devices in critical danger…when we work with a community to recover from disaster, our Disaster Case Managers develop individualized disaster recovery plans to meet every client’s specific needs. And if there’s something we can’t fix ourselves, we find someone who can. That’s why nonprofit and community partnerships are essential to doing social good. 

And we are so, SO grateful for our nonprofit partners who help us help others. We especially want to thank the American Red Cross, whose generosity of time, talent, and funds helped further our mission of serving vulnerable people in crisis.

Stronger Together

Dedicated to “preventing and alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies,” the American Red Cross — like Endeavors — knows the importance of compassion and action. When our teams worked together to respond to the Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma crises in 2017, we were able to make a rapidly tremendous impact, reaching 13,583 households through outreach efforts. And at every step, the American Red Cross was right by our side, ready to provide help and support and to change lives. 

Here are four big ways the American Red Cross helped Endeavors help hurricane survivors:

1. Training

In the wake of Harvey, the American Red Cross provided onboarding training for our 200+ Case Managers, familiarizing us with their client data system and financial assistance program that they activated for homeowners affected by Harvey. This training greatly increased our ability to go out into the community and assist those in need quickly and effectively.

2. Financial Relief

As our Case Managers assisted Harvey survivors with long-term recovery, we were able to refer thousands of cases to the American Red Cross for financial assistance. This was huge, since natural disasters can cause financial difficulty for individuals and families of all income levels, but they are especially debilitating for low-income survivors. When an organization can help lessen the burden of replacing lost belongings, re-furnishing homes, or repairing houses, that is hugely impactful. 

3. Collaborative Outreach Grant

Nonprofit and disaster recovery grants can be complex, and sometimes they allow the grantee to assist clients who meet specific criteria. The American Red Cross awarded Endeavors a collaborative grant to provide outreach to Harvey survivors who may have been left behind during the initial recovery effort. Through their generosity, we were able to help people in need who might have otherwise not had access to the help and services they needed.

4. Rebuilding Homes

In Florida, Endeavors and the American Red Cross collaborated to organize volunteers and supply donations to rebuild many of the homes damaged by Hurricane Irma. (Learn more about Endeavors Disaster Case Management in Florida.)

We’re not exaggerating when we say that in our nine years of disaster recovery, the American Red Cross has been one of the most generous providers of private recovery dollars that we’ve ever seen. Their financial response to Harvey enabled Endeavors to serve thousands of people in need, and they deserve a tremendous round of applause. 

About Endeavors

Endeavors is a longstanding national non-profit that provides an array of programs and services in support of children, families, Veterans, natural disaster victims, and those struggling with mental illness and other disabilities. Endeavors serves vulnerable people in crisis through innovative personalized services and Emergency Services/Disaster Response. For more information on our Disaster Case Management services, please visit endeavors.org. 

The post Partners In Hurricane Recovery: Endeavors And The American Red Cross appeared first on Endeavors®.