2024: A reflection of stories, strides, and service
The start of a new year symbolizes a time of new beginnings; it represents renewed hope and optimism, as well as new intentions and goals. Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas Inc. (MHM) shares in this excitement as 2025 is expected to be a significant year for the organization. MHM will also celebrate a monumental milestone; 30 years of Serving Humanity to Honor God. As team members continue to live out this mission in the new year, it is important to reflect on the work and compassion that has laid the groundwork for the year ahead. Below are some of the highlights that made 2024 an unforgettable year of service.
United under the same banner:
Camaraderie and unity rippled across the organization in 2024. Team members throughout MHM’s service area engaged in several internal events and gathered to celebrate fellowship and friendship. Each event was also an opportunity to illuminate the value every team member brings and the importance of their work.
2024 Connection Point Kick-Off: One of the biggest gatherings of the year was the 2024 Connection Point Kick-Off. It was an occasion that brought team members from near and far together in one place. The Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio hosted the in-person event, which takes place once a year. There were exchanges of introductions and information as the event also served as a learning opportunity for all team members. The theme was ‘Fingerprint to the Future’, which honored the impact team members have in the journey to advance health equity.
MHM Annual Team Retreat: It was a ‘Day of Enchantment’ for MHM during the annual team retreat which took place at Pedrotti’s Ranch. Team members embraced the theme, as some adorned flower crowns and others fairy wings. Departments were encouraged to design t-shirts that illustrated the magic of their work. Activities ranged from art and craftsmanship, to dancing and karaoke. A volleyball tournament also brought out friendly competition between players. Every year, MHM dedicates a day for team members to re-energize and reflect on their meaningful work and shared mission.
Wesley Nurse Forum: The Wesley Nurse Forum took place twice in 2024, May and October. Wesley Nurses, Community Based Counselors, and Community Health Workers across the service area gathered in San Antonio for two days of learning and engagement. There were several speakers and workshops; however, it was also a time of solidarity as team members discussed their shared compassion and dedication to provide care and services to the least served in our 74-county region.
New approaches and new heights:
It was a year of change and achievement across every level of the organization. From a website re-design to a new grant cycle process, new innovations were introduced that refined how MHM serves its patients, clients, and community partners. MHM was one of two organizations that received the Governor’s award for its exceptional performance and practices at the Quality Texas Foundation Regional Program Awards. Community programs also reached new milestones during the year.
MHM Website Redesign: MHM sought to better communicate its message and services to stakeholders as part of its website redesign. Departments carefully reviewed specific information and resources to ensure stakeholders could access what they needed. The new site illustrates the work and impact from across the region. The website re-design is one-way MHM is committed to advancing health equity.
Grant Cycle Process: Last year, MHM introduced innovative approaches to the 2025 grant cycle process. The Community Investments team had previously examined how its grant support could be most impactful. The team spent time reviewing philanthropic industry best practices and identifying gaps in MHM’S 74-county service area. The process incorporated feedback from stakeholders across the region and within the organization. Equitable grant practices were incorporated in an effort to reduce administrative burdens for grantees and provide more flexible funding.
Governor’s Texas Award for Performance Excellence (TAPE): MHM received the TAPE award for the highest level of achievement regarding best practices for participating organizations – given by the Quality Texas Foundation Regional Program (QTFRP). MHM was one of only two Texas organizations to receive the recognition after successfully adopting and utilizing the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence, a program that raises awareness about the importance of performance excellence and empowers organizations to reach their goals while improving results.
Parenting Program: Last year, MHM’s Parenting as Teachers (PAT) program earned the prestigious Blue-Ribbon award. The recognition is a reflection of the program’s commitment to high-quality home visitation and parent education. The national recognition highlighted the hard work of everyone involved and set the benchmark for excellence in the field. The Parenting team also celebrated its first cohort of Laredo parents. The parents completed classes as part of the Peer Parenting program, which seeks to deepen parents’ knowledge on child development as they build networks of resources and support.
Across the service region and beyond:
MHM had another busy year of travel. Every trip was a learning experience accompanied with an interchange of thoughts and ideas. It was also a chance for regional team members to connect with various leaders across MHM. Conversations and collaborations even excelled to the national and global stage.
Regional Tours: Various delegations made up of MHM team members and leaders travelled across the service area in 2024. They visited the tight-knit community of Kerrville and met with local partners at the Doyle Community Center and Light on the Hill. In the mid-border region, they were introduced to Val Verde Border Humanitarian and Mission Border Hope and learned of the aid provided to immigrant families. From the Rio Grande Valley to the Hill Country, the traveling delegations were led by regional team members, who are embedded across communities.
Grantmakers in Health: MHM has a partnership of philanthropy with Grantmakers in Health (GIH); its Board of Directors along with members of MHM’s executive team and staff travelled to the Rio Grande Valley to learn more about the colonias along the Texas-Mexico border. The representatives met with staff members from La Union del Pueblo Entero (LUPE), an organization that assists working-class and immigrant families. They toured several colonias and were introduced to the friends and families who live there. The trip ended with a deeper understanding of the unique barriers and inherent strengths that exist along the border.
Aspen Ideas: Health: The journey to advance health equity led MHM to Aspen Ideas: Health. The international summit draws in thousands of attendees each year to engage in discussions with leaders and thinkers across a multitude of sectors. MHM leaders took part in one-on-one interviews, panel discussions, and live podcasts. They pointed to the organization’s long-standing history in providing access to care, and shared how MHM’s strategic plan and framework has helped move its mission forward. It was also an opportunity to learn about practices other organizations are utilizing in their respective fields.
MHM travels to the D.C.: MHM leaders and its policy team joined advocates with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in Washington, D.C. for its annual Leadership Summit & Lobby Day. President & CEO, Jaime Wesolowski, along with board members Ashley Landers and Dr. Penn Wickersham participated in three days of hands-on training, educational seminars and events. Hundreds of advocates championed for increased funding for cancer research and passage of the Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage (MCED) Act. The MHM delegation also attended the Light of Hope ceremony where ACS CAN honors cancer survivors and remembers those lost to the disease.
Stories of impact:
There were several stories that illustrated MHM’s health equity journey and impact across its 74-county service area. Videos and blogs were shared across various social platforms, including YouTube, MHM Connect, and the MHM website. The stories addressed the health inequities communities experience and the people who are committed to making a difference.
Funded Partner Spotlights: The Funded Partner Spotlights series opened with the city of Pharr and how they are advancing digital equity in their community. TEAMPHARR.net is a program which connects residents to affordable, high-speed internet. Vibrance Health highlighted its efforts to increase food security in Matagorda County. Working with area school districts, they underscored the importance in agriculture and sustainable food sources. Community Resource & Recreation Center (CRRC) of Canyon Lake is known as “the Hub” for community members, serving as a food pantry and crisis assistance. Healthcare services and recreation programs are also offered.
Health Equity Series: The communities of Del Rio and Hidalgo County were featured as part of MHM’s Health Equity series. Although each community is unique, similar barriers still exist. The series depicts various nonprofits and community partners, who are working together to address the issues which range from healthcare, transportation, and food insecurity.
In-Depth Pieces: Informative blogs were written throughout the year. Between County Roads: A Reflection on the Health Hardships and Resilient People of South Texas Colonias outlined the systemic inequities that exist within rural communities along the Texas-Mexico border. The piece also highlighted the strong and unified spirit of colonia residents. Latino culture and its impact on mental health was explored in Barriers to Bridges: Mental Health “Cultura” Examining the pride of South Texas ‘cultura” and the stigma of mental health.
A commitment to serve and support:
The term “caring servants” was exemplified across all levels of MHM in 2024. Team members lent their time and support to other community centered organizations and events throughout the year. There were also various volunteer opportunities which allowed for team members to become more immersed in communities.
MHM Volunteers: MHM introduced a new Volunteer Time-Office policy in 2024. The purpose was to support team members as they identified and engaged in volunteer opportunities with other charities, causes or nonprofit organizations in the community. One of the volunteer highlights was with Gardopia Gardens. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to enhancing food security through urban gardens in underserved communities. Team members rolled up their sleeves and prepped a new garden plot for students of the Young Women’s Leadership Academy. The plot gives students a place to plant fresh produce and learn about sustainable gardening.
Refresh Campaign: Over $50,000 was raised as part of the 2024 Refresh campaign, MHM’s annual employee giving campaign. The funds went to four different organizations: the American Cancer Society, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, United Way, and Bike MS 150: Ride to River. The fundraising initiatives were led by MHM team members – also known as Refresh champions, Sandra Moreno, Ana Castillo, Michelle Mihelich and Richard Herrera. President and CEO Jaime Wesolowski and MHM’s Board Chair, Mike Porter teamed up with some of the champions to support the respective causes.
Thanksgiving Community Service: The spirit of giving was alive throughout the holiday season. MHM supported several community centered events including the Jaime P. Martinez Annual Thanksgiving in the Barrio; hosted by the Cesar E. Chavez Legacy and Educational Foundation. Team members also showed support for the city of Seguin during the annual The Table: A Community Thanksgiving Meal.
Community celebrations:
Throughout the year there were several other MHM events that brought hundreds of community members together at the Wesley Health & Wellness Center and the Dixon Health & Wellness Center. Each event was layered with helpful resources and fun activities that were catered toward the families.
Heart Health Fair: The annual February Heart Health Fair event at the Wesley Health & Wellness Center was an opportunity for the public to learn the importance of cardiovascular health. Over 200 attendees engaged with team members and community partners as they shared health tips and services. There were various activities and free produce available to families. Representatives from AugustHeart, San Antonio’s free heart screening program also provided screenings and information for teens. The screenings help to identify potential heart issues that may go unnoticed during adolescence.
Family Fiesta: MHM kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month with its third annual Family Fiesta. The event took place at the Wesley Health & Wellness Center and served as a day of health and fun for families. Over 350 attendees gathered for several activities, and valuable resources from 17 partners such as CPS, SAWS, The Diaper Bank and various other MHM services.
Trunk or Treat: The annual Trunk or Treat brought out the community for festive fun and amazing costumes. Vehicles were decorated in accordance with the occasion, where candy and goodies were distributed. The event serves as a safe alternative for families to go from car trunk to car trunk to collect candy. The event serves as another opportunity to strengthen communities and build stronger relationships with the families MHM is proud to serve.
Thanksgiving Luncheon: A Thanksgiving Luncheon was held at the Wesley Health & Wellness Center. Patients and clients were invited to break bread and spend an afternoon of gratitude together. MHM Board of Directors volunteered their time at the event and were able to engage with people in the community.
Christmas Tree Givewaway: MHM teamed up once again with Methodist Healthcare and the San Antonio Spurs to spread holiday cheer at the Wesley Health & Wellness Center. More than 150 fully decorated Christmas trees were gifted to select MHM patients and clients during the annual Christmas Tree giveaway.
The next steps forward:
MHM will continue to build upon its 30-year legacy in 2025. As team members embark on the year ahead there will be occasions and opportunities to learn and grow. The year will be filled with more commitment and compassion as MHM champions for the least served. Across the region, there will be meaningful partnerships and shared visions for healthier communities. As MHM begins a historic year of service, it is good to pause and cherish the steps that have been made. The work demonstrated in 2024 gave new meaning to MHM’s mission of Serving Humanity to Honor God; work that will continue in 2025 as we walk alongside communities we are honored to serve.
