Male caregivers come together for 15 weeks in a group setting to build their parenting knowledge and skills, which help them develop strong, nurturing relationships with their children and family.

What does it include?

• 15-session commitment in a group setting
• Case management
• Parent education and support
• Child development screenings
• School readiness and advocacy support
• Basic needs support
• Social Connections – Family Fun Night
• Incentives
• Advocacy – Court Appointments
• Access to mental health services for both male caregiver and child through family therapy at the Harvey E. Najim Hope Center
• Graduation ceremony upon completion of the program

Who is eligible?

• Male caregiver with at least one child between ages 0-17
• Reside in Bexar or surrounding counties

In person at The Children’s Shelter

Free

Community Counselors help people who are uninsured, whose existing coverage does not provide mental health services benefits, who are low-income and lack the money to pay for counseling services, or who would not receive treatment any other way. 

Counseling services are provided by trained, licensed professional counselors, licensed clinical social workers, and licensed marriage and family counselors. Sessions are private and conducted in a safe and familiar environment such as churches and community centers.

The first meeting with a counselor is free. A modest fee based on a sliding fee scale is collected for each follow-up session; however, no one is denied service because they cannot pay.

Family Unit-versity is dedicated to helping young parents in San Antonio raise happy, healthy children by providing the skills, support, and resources they need to succeed.

Learn the skills to help you and your child become your best selves.

What does it include?

• Access to our 10-week course
• Family fun nights
• Play dates
• Parenting Huddles and Meetups
• Baby Gear Items and Supplies

How is the class offered?

• In person at The Children’s Shelter

Moms and dads of kids 0-3 years old in San Antonio.

Click here to register.

The Children’s Shelter is always in need of loving, compassionate, and supportive foster families for children from birth to 17 years old who have been removed from their birth families due to abuse, abandonment, and/or neglect. In Bexar County, the number of children needing help far exceeds the resources available. You can become a haven and change their lives.

We provide a full range of support and resources needed for families and children to be successful, including:

• Free specialized training is required to become a licensed foster parent/family
• 24/7 on-call support with a foster care specialist
• Mental health services through our Harvey E. Najim Hope Center and Hope Center 2
• Healthcare services through a partnership with UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing and UT Health San Antonio Wellness 360 clinic

Children: Birth to 17 years old.

Click here to fill out the foster form

Free.

The Hope Center offers accessible, trauma-informed services by licensed counselors, a psychiatrist, and family support workers in a loving, safe environment.

We help children and families cope with and heal from previous exposure to child abuse, neglect, abandonment, and/or violence.

We serve individuals aged 3-23 who may have experienced trauma, as well as caregivers of 12-19-year-olds who have qualified for our services.

Please call for payment information.

Step (Systematic Training for Effective Parenting) is a free seven-week, multi-component parenting education curriculum. The STEP program helps parents learn effective ways to relate to their children from birth through adolescence by identifying the purposes of children’s behavior. STEP also helps parents learn how to encourage cooperative behavior in their children and how not to reinforce unacceptable behaviors.

What does it include?

• 7-week group setting commitment
• Case management
• Parent education and basic needs support
• Incentives
• Certificate upon completion of the program

Who is eligible?

• Parent or caregiver with at least one child between ages 0-5
• Resides in Bexar County
• Closed groups (no open enrollment after the second week)

Virtually – Microsoft Teams
In person at The Children’s Shelter

Nurse-Family Partnership is free for women who are pregnant with their first baby. When you enroll you will be connected to a registered nurse who will provide the support, advice, and information you need to have a healthy pregnancy, a healthy baby, and be a great mom.

What is included in the program?

• Learn and practice things like breastfeeding, nutrition, child development, safe sleep techniques and much more
• Referrals for healthcare, childcare, job training, and other support services available in your community

Who is eligible? Any woman who:

• Is pregnant with her first child
• Is pregnant 28 weeks or less
• Meets income requirements
• Lives in areas where Nurse-Family partnership is available
  (Father, family, and friends are welcome to participate)

Free

Lend a hand. Get a smile.

If you have time to spare, we can use your help. Whether it’s working with children in our care through tutoring or mentoring, or behind the scenes work assisting with special events or sorting donations, you can be a part of making a child’s life brighter.

Your impact starts here.

It’s not about how much time you put in, but the impact you can make with your skills and passions. We will provide information about orientation, training, and background checks.

Click here for volunteer form.

Email us for any questions you may have!