Serving Humanity to Honor God
We are broadening the definition of health care beyond providing high-quality care when people are sick to address systemic inequities so that more people can reach their full potential for health and life.
San Antonio (August 25, 2025) – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) announced a $1.26 million grant to St. Mary's University, powering the School of Law's Real Estate Clinic and Consumer Protection Clinic through 2026. This strategic partnership tackles a critical community need: promoting housing stability and strengthening consumer protection by delivering vital legal assistance and education to limited-income residents across San Antonio and South Texas.
Safe and affordable housing stands as a fundamental social determinant of health, a key vital condition essential to family health and well-being. Housing insecurity creates a devastating ripple effect on quality of life, as mounting costs from eviction and relocation drain resources needed for basic necessities like food and health care. The consequences add up quickly: evictions damage credit scores, making future rentals nearly impossible, while forced relocations often push families into deteriorating neighborhoods. Homeowners facing foreclosure teeter on the edge of homelessness. Children bear a particularly heavy burden, as frequent moves disrupt their education and development, while the chronic stress of housing instability takes a severe toll on mental health across all family members. Stabilizing housing for both tenants and low-income homeowners emerges as a critical strategy for building healthier communities.
"Ensuring that our patients and clients have a safe and affordable place to live can have a positive impact on their health and well-being as they will be able to focus their time and energy on reaching their fullest potential for health and life," said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of MHM. "Through this partnership with St. Mary's, we are excited to not only address a critical social determinant of health for many in our community but also contribute to the training and development of future legal professionals who can provide the guidance and counsel clients desperately need."
MHM currently operates a groundbreaking Medical-Legal Partnership (MLP) in collaboration with Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA), serving its patients and clients with integrated care. This innovative partnership creates a direct pipeline, allowing MHM to refer patients seamlessly to the St. Mary’s University School of Law's Real Estate Clinic and Consumer Protection Clinic. The MLP's mission centers on promoting housing stability through comprehensive legal assistance and community education targeting low-income residents throughout San Antonio and South Texas.
Through this collaboration, law students will deliver hands-on legal representation to clients who would otherwise face the legal system without counsel. These emerging attorneys will receive intensive training in housing-related legal advocacy, creating a multiplier effect that increases pro bono representation capacity both immediately and for years to come. The clinic will also develop accessible, client-friendly educational materials that translate complex legal concepts into clear, and actionable guidance, reaching potential clients before they reach a housing crisis point. This comprehensive approach promises to dramatically expand pro bono legal services for this chronically underserved population.
"St. Mary's University is grateful for both the investment being made by Methodist Healthcare Ministries and the opportunity to join this partner organization in supporting those who experience a variety of housing crises," said Winston Erevelles, Ph.D., President of St. Mary's University. "This gift ensures our School of Law Clinics can continue this important work, furthering St. Mary's University's mission as a Catholic Marianist University to serve the common good."
The partnership extends beyond traditional clinic walls, as the Law Clinics will forge strategic community partnerships to serve clients in rural and underserved areas across the region. Students will engage in intensive field work, traveling directly to meet clients and dismantle legal barriers where they live. Additionally, the Law Clinics will produce impactful scholarly research and presentations documenting the partnership's outcomes, creating a roadmap for similar initiatives and demonstrating the transformative potential of this integrated approach to legal aid and community health.
The partnership will deliver services through December 2026.
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About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.
Methodist Healthcare Ministries broadens the definition of healthcare by providing low-cost clinical care for the uninsured and by supporting community-led efforts that improve living conditions that cause people to be sick in the first place. We use our earnings as co-owners of Methodist Healthcare to ensure that people who are economically disadvantaged and uninsured can live their healthiest lives. We do this by advocating for, investing in and providing access to quality clinical care and addressing factors that affect health—including economic mobility, supportive relationships, food security, broadband access, and safe neighborhoods. Ultimately, we fulfill our mission of “Serving Humanity to Honor God” by advancing health equity so that more resilient individuals and families living in the 74 counties we serve can thrive.
About St. Mary’s University
St. Mary’s University, founded in 1852, is the first institution of higher learning in San Antonio and the oldest Catholic university in the Southwest. It offers 75 programs, including doctoral and law programs. Its vision, as a Catholic and Marianist liberal arts institution, is to become one of the finest private universities in the region, a gateway for graduates to professional lives as ethical leaders in Texas, the nation and the world.
San Antonio (August 25, 2025) – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) announced a $1.26 million grant to St. Mary's University, powering the School of Law's Real Estate Clinic and Consumer Protection Clinic through 2026. This strategic partnership tackles a critical community need: promoting housing stability and strengthening consumer protection by delivering vital legal assistance and education to limited-income residents across San Antonio and South Texas.
Safe and affordable housing stands as a fundamental social determinant of health, a key vital condition essential to family health and well-being. Housing insecurity creates a devastating ripple effect on quality of life, as mounting costs from eviction and relocation drain resources needed for basic necessities like food and health care. The consequences add up quickly: evictions damage credit scores, making future rentals nearly impossible, while forced relocations often push families into deteriorating neighborhoods. Homeowners facing foreclosure teeter on the edge of homelessness. Children bear a particularly heavy burden, as frequent moves disrupt their education and development, while the chronic stress of housing instability takes a severe toll on mental health across all family members. Stabilizing housing for both tenants and low-income homeowners emerges as a critical strategy for building healthier communities.
"Ensuring that our patients and clients have a safe and affordable place to live can have a positive impact on their health and well-being as they will be able to focus their time and energy on reaching their fullest potential for health and life," said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of MHM. "Through this partnership with St. Mary's, we are excited to not only address a critical social determinant of health for many in our community but also contribute to the training and development of future legal professionals who can provide the guidance and counsel clients desperately need."
MHM currently operates a groundbreaking Medical-Legal Partnership (MLP) in collaboration with Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA), serving its patients and clients with integrated care. This innovative partnership creates a direct pipeline, allowing MHM to refer patients seamlessly to the St. Mary’s University School of Law's Real Estate Clinic and Consumer Protection Clinic. The MLP's mission centers on promoting housing stability through comprehensive legal assistance and community education targeting low-income residents throughout San Antonio and South Texas.
Through this collaboration, law students will deliver hands-on legal representation to clients who would otherwise face the legal system without counsel. These emerging attorneys will receive intensive training in housing-related legal advocacy, creating a multiplier effect that increases pro bono representation capacity both immediately and for years to come. The clinic will also develop accessible, client-friendly educational materials that translate complex legal concepts into clear, and actionable guidance, reaching potential clients before they reach a housing crisis point. This comprehensive approach promises to dramatically expand pro bono legal services for this chronically underserved population.
"St. Mary's University is grateful for both the investment being made by Methodist Healthcare Ministries and the opportunity to join this partner organization in supporting those who experience a variety of housing crises," said Winston Erevelles, Ph.D., President of St. Mary's University. "This gift ensures our School of Law Clinics can continue this important work, furthering St. Mary's University's mission as a Catholic Marianist University to serve the common good."
The partnership extends beyond traditional clinic walls, as the Law Clinics will forge strategic community partnerships to serve clients in rural and underserved areas across the region. Students will engage in intensive field work, traveling directly to meet clients and dismantle legal barriers where they live. Additionally, the Law Clinics will produce impactful scholarly research and presentations documenting the partnership's outcomes, creating a roadmap for similar initiatives and demonstrating the transformative potential of this integrated approach to legal aid and community health.
The partnership will deliver services through December 2026.
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About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.
Methodist Healthcare Ministries broadens the definition of healthcare by providing low-cost clinical care for the uninsured and by supporting community-led efforts that improve living conditions that cause people to be sick in the first place. We use our earnings as co-owners of Methodist Healthcare to ensure that people who are economically disadvantaged and uninsured can live their healthiest lives. We do this by advocating for, investing in and providing access to quality clinical care and addressing factors that affect health—including economic mobility, supportive relationships, food security, broadband access, and safe neighborhoods. Ultimately, we fulfill our mission of “Serving Humanity to Honor God” by advancing health equity so that more resilient individuals and families living in the 74 counties we serve can thrive.
About St. Mary’s University
St. Mary’s University, founded in 1852, is the first institution of higher learning in San Antonio and the oldest Catholic university in the Southwest. It offers 75 programs, including doctoral and law programs. Its vision, as a Catholic and Marianist liberal arts institution, is to become one of the finest private universities in the region, a gateway for graduates to professional lives as ethical leaders in Texas, the nation and the world.
San Antonio (July 31, 2025) – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) announced the addition of two new members to its board of directors. These individuals will help guide the nonprofit organization that has been dedicated to improving the well-being of the least served since 1995. The new board members began their three-year term on July 1.
“We are excited to welcome these outstanding individuals to our board where they’ll join an incredible group of caring servants, equally committed to helping this organization advance health equity across our 74-county service area ,” said Mike Porter, Chair of the Board of Directors for Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “I look forward to seeing the impact they will make on this organization as we continue to fulfill our mission of ‘Serving Humanity to Honor God.’”
The two new board members include:
- Larry Wilson Howard, Real Estate Development
- Dr. Pamela E. Ray, Director of Service Learning & Career Development at Texas Lutheran University
MHM board members play a vital role in setting the direction and guiding the organization to advance a more level playing field for health in 74 counties across Texas. Since 1995, Methodist Healthcare Ministries has provided more than $1.66 billion in health care services through its clinical programs, as well as through partnerships, and is one of the largest private funding sources for community health care to low-income families and the uninsured in South Texas.
As a 50-50 co-owner of Methodist Healthcare, MHM board members play an important oversight role in the governance of the healthcare system ensuring it provides quality care to all regardless of ability to pay. The earnings from the co-ownership of the health system allows MHM to fund efforts that strengthen communities and families, provide clinical care to the uninsured and the economically disadvantaged, and promote a more level playing field for healthy living—now and for generations to come.
Board members serve three-year terms and may serve up to three consecutive terms. In addition to serving on the general board, they also serve on one standing committee, such as the Executive Committee, Finance Committee, Governance Committee, Mission Committee, Investment Committee and Operations Committee. The board currently has 26 regular board directors and may have up to 27 at a given time. The board bylaws also dictate that at least 60 percent of the regular directors be members of The United Methodist Church.
“At Methodist Healthcare Ministries, we are broadening the definition of health care as we continue our efforts to advance health equity throughout the communities we serve,” said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “These new board members will bless us with the leadership and the unique talents they will impart in the coming years, as we strive to improve the lives of the least served so all have an opportunity to thrive.”
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About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.
Methodist Healthcare Ministries broadens the definition of health care by providing low-cost clinical care for the uninsured and by supporting community-led efforts that improve living conditions that cause people to be sick in the first place. We use our earnings as co-owners of Methodist Healthcare to ensure that people who are economically disadvantaged and uninsured can live their healthiest lives. We do this by advocating for, investing in and providing access to quality clinical care and addressing factors that affect health—including economic mobility, supportive relationships, food security, broadband access, and safe neighborhoods. Ultimately, we fulfill our mission of “Serving Humanity to Honor God” by advancing health equity so that more resilient individuals & families living in the 74 counties we serve can thrive.
San Antonio, Texas (August 15, 2025) Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) has released the second installment of its special podcast series, “What Could You Do? The Power of Perspective”. MHM President and CEO Jaime Wesolowski and ABC News correspondent, John Quiñones continue their inspiring conversation around the connection between stories and service.
https://youtu.be/y8kvHCHusmA?si=vFNsxnig3aZPWqmg Watch the second installment here! https://youtu.be/BN-uPSXiLDc?si=M0JSJU3qkxZnrLua Watch the First installment here!
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San Antonio, Texas (August 8, 2025) - Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) will release the first episode of a two-part podcast series What Could You Do? The Power of Perspective on Friday, August 8 on MHM.org. This series features an inspiring conversation between MHM President and CEO Jaime Wesolowski and ABC News Correspondent John Quiñones, recorded at the Aspen IDEAS: Health (AIH) festival.
Stories of lived experience inspire MHM in both its service and its partnerships. This guiding principle was the central theme of Wesolowski and Quiñones discussion which explored how community stories have the power to change perceptions, build empathy, and drive meaningful acts of service and empowerment. The second installment of the series is scheduled for release on August 15, 2025.
“MHM believes communities hold the solutions to creating better health outcomes and it begins by listening to and learning from those closest to the challenges, “said Wesolowski. “I am grateful for the opportunity to sit down with a world-renowned storyteller like John Quiñones who also has a personal story of lived experience that resonates deeply with listeners and those we serve.”
Recorded in June at the Aspen Institute in Colorado, What Could You Do? The Power of Perspective takes inspiration from Quiñones’ What Would You Do? series and focuses on the connection between storytelling and service.
Click here to read a reflection on MHM’s time at the 2025 AIH, a global convening of visionary thinkers and doers across various sectors of government, public health, and philanthropy. MHM also hosted a panel discussion Follow the Money, For Good in which Wesolowski was a speaker and Quiñones moderated.
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About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.: Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. is a private, faith-based not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating access to health care for the uninsured through direct services, community partnerships and strategic grant-making in 74 counties across South Texas. Guided by its mission of “Serving Humanity to Honor God,” Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ vision is to be the leader for improving wellness of the least served. The mission also includes Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ one-half ownership of the Methodist Healthcare System, the largest healthcare system in South Texas, which creates a unique avenue to ensure that it continues to be a benefit to the community by providing quality care to all and charitable care when needed. For more information, visit www.mhm.org.
About John Quiñones: John Quiñones is an award-winning broadcast journalist, acclaimed news magazine and reality show host, author, and sought-after motivational speaker. Currently in its 17th season, What Would You? continues to captivate audiences with its thought-provoking social experiments, offering a unique lens into human behavior.
What Would You Do? is the latest chapter in a remarkable broadcast news career spanning 50 years. Quiñones began humbly, working at a country music radio station in San Antonio—where one of his first duties included feeding horses behind the studio. From those beginnings, he rose to become a network news trailblazer, delivering compelling coverage of consequential stories for ABC News and 20/20.
As the host and creator of What Would You Do?, Quiñones inspires audiences of all ages around the globe, encouraging empathy, courage, and meaningful conversations about how we treat one another.
Round Rock, TX (July 29, 2025) – When healthcare meets legal advocacy, lives change. Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) has proven this powerful combination works, earning the organization the 2025 MLP Champion of the Year Award from the Texas Medical-Legal Partnership Coalition (TxMLPC). The award was presented during the TxMLPC's 2025 MLP Conference and Annual Member Meeting held May 8-9.
“Our Medical Legal Partnership program has made incredible progress in a short amount of time and is now providing our patients and clients with access to a valuable legal resource that can help them resolve critical, life-altering issues that can impact their health and well-being,” said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “We are incredibly proud of our policy & advocacy team that is spearheading this effort and grateful to the TxMLPC for the recognition and leadership in this area.”
Legal problems can make people sick. Housing disputes, benefit denials, and workplace issues don't just create stress, they create health crises. MHM’s Medical-Legal Partnership (MLP) program integrates the unique expertise of Texas RioGrande Legal Aide’s (TRLA) attorneys into the organization’s Dixon Health & Wellness Center and Wesley Health & Wellness Center. These advocates work hand-in-hand with clinicians, case managers, and social workers to address problems at the root of health inequities that contribute to poor health, as well as population health inequities. In the past year, this service has been expanded to support patients in the Coastal Bend and Mesquite County regions.
MHM partnered with TRLA to provide our patients with an experienced and dedicated legal team, fully integrated within MHM’s clinical locations for on-site service and coordination. "It has been a pleasure partnering with MHM to expand access to justice to some of the most medically and financially vulnerable people in our state. MHM has pioneered a stronger, more effective and sustainable Medical-Legal Partnership model that has allowed our legal advocates to coordinate their efforts with medical providers in a way that has been incredibly impactful,” said Robert Doggett, Executive Director of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid.
MHM’s MLP program helps staff provide comprehensive care to patients, ensuring they achieve their best possible medical outcomes by removing obstacles to a healthy life that are outside of their doctor’s office. Since its inception, the MLP program has managed more than 2,000 referrals from MHM providers for patients facing barriers that require legal advocacy. The MLP team assists MHM patients with almost any civil legal issue they might be facing that could hamper their health or access to medical care, whether that might be securing stable housing by fighting unfair evictions, appealing erroneous denials of insurance, securing protective orders for those facing violence at home, or ensuring patients obtain and understand their advanced directives, guardianship plans, or face any other legal needs.
“The Texas Medical-Legal Partnership Coalition is proud to announce Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. as our 2025 MLP Champion of the Year,” said Keegan Warren, JD, LLM, President of the TxMLPC Board of Directors. “This esteemed award recognizes their outstanding commitment and significant contributions to advancing medical-legal partnership and improving the health and well-being of Texans. Their dedication to addressing health-harming social needs through integrated healthcare and legal services exemplifies the spirit of the MLP movement.”
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About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.
Methodist Healthcare Ministries broadens the definition of health care by providing low-cost clinical care for the uninsured and by supporting community-led efforts that improve living conditions that cause people to be sick in the first place. We use our earnings as co-owners of Methodist Healthcare to ensure that people who are economically disadvantaged and uninsured can live their healthiest lives. We do this by advocating for, investing in and providing access to quality clinical care and addressing factors that affect health—including economic mobility, supportive relationships, food security, broadband access, and safe neighborhoods. Ultimately, we fulfill our mission of “Serving Humanity to Honor God” by advancing health equity so that more resilient individuals & families living in the 74 counties we serve can thrive.
