Measuring What Matters: Evaluating and Communicating Your Impact

Steven Cavazos on November 4, 2026

Our fourth webinar, Measuring What Matters: Evaluating and Communicating Your Impact, featured Travis Lozier of Jordan Johnson, Inc. and focused on helping nonprofits move beyond counting activities and toward demonstrating meaningful outcomes and lasting impact. Designed for nonprofit leaders, program managers, and community organizations, the session provided practical tools for evaluating programs, simplifying data collection, and communicating results in ways that resonate with funders, boards, and community stakeholders.

Throughout the 90-minute webinar, participants explored the differences between activities, outputs, outcomes, and impact, and learned why outcome-focused measurement is essential for telling a compelling story about organizational effectiveness. Travis introduced practical frameworks for identifying meaningful metrics, using existing data more effectively, and avoiding the common pitfall of measuring too many things that provide little value for decision-making.

The session also highlighted strategies for translating data into clear, compelling narratives. Attendees learned how to combine quantitative results with real-world stories, tailor communications to different audiences, and create concise impact messages that demonstrate both accountability and mission-driven success. By emphasizing simple, purposeful measurement practices, the webinar encouraged organizations to focus on collecting data that informs action and strengthens community outcomes.

Key Points:

Understanding the difference between activities, outputs, outcomes, and impact.
Identifying meaningful measures using the “Rule of Three” framework: reach, change, and participant experience.
Evaluating programs without overcomplicating data collection or building new systems.
Leveraging existing organizational data to inform decisions and demonstrate results.
Developing clear and compelling impact stories that combine data with real-world outcomes.
Tailoring impact communications for funders, boards, and community audiences.

Whether you are responsible for program delivery, evaluation, fundraising, or organizational leadership, this webinar provides practical guidance for measuring what matters most and communicating your impact with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

The Roots of Well-Being: Building Lasting Community Connections

Steven Cavazos on November 3, 2026

Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ Community Connectors play a vital role in building and maintaining trust with community-based organizations. By listening intentionally and centering the voices of people with lived experience, they help strengthen relationships that support healthier, more connected communities. In this episode of the Roots of Well-Being podcast, we travel west of San Antonio to Brackettville to explore how these meaningful connections are built, nurtured, and sustained over time. Watch the full episode below.

The Power of Place: Local Solutions. Regional Impact.

Steven Cavazos on November 2, 2026

Last week, Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM) welcomed community leaders, nonprofit organizations, digital inclusion practitioners, and partners from across South Texas to San Antonio for our 2026 Digital Equity Convening. Centered on the theme, “The Power of Place: Local Solutions. Regional Impact.,” the two-day gathering created space for meaningful dialogue, shared learning, and renewed collaboration around one of the most important challenges facing communities today: ensuring that every person has equitable access to the digital tools, resources, and opportunities needed to thrive.

At its core, the convening was a recognition that digital equity is not simply a technology issue. It is a community issue. It impacts education, health care, workforce development, civic participation, and economic opportunity. As more essential services move online, access to reliable internet, digital devices, and digital skills has become increasingly critical to overall health and well-being. Yet one message resonated throughout the event: there is no single solution to advancing digital equity.

Communities across South Texas are diverse, each with unique assets, challenges, and priorities. What works in one region may not be the right fit for another. The convening’s focus on “The Power of Place” acknowledged this reality while celebrating the innovative, locally driven approaches that are making a meaningful difference in communities throughout the region.

Recognizing the Strengths Within Communities

Throughout the convening, participants explored how local knowledge and community leadership are essential to creating lasting solutions. Whether addressing broadband access, digital literacy, affordable devices, or online safety, successful initiatives often begin by listening to residents and understanding the specific needs of a community.

The conversations reinforced the idea that communities themselves are best positioned to identify challenges and develop strategies that reflect local priorities. By building on existing strengths and partnering across sectors, organizations can create solutions that are both impactful and sustainable.

Attendees shared lessons learned from their own work, highlighting innovative approaches and emerging opportunities to bridge digital divides. These exchanges provided valuable insight while strengthening relationships among organizations working toward similar goals.

The Importance of Regional Collaboration

While local solutions remain critical, participants also examined the power of regional collaboration to expand impact. Digital equity challenges rarely stop at county lines. Communities across South Texas often face similar barriers related to infrastructure, funding, workforce capacity, and access to resources. The convening provided an opportunity for stakeholders to identify shared priorities and explore how working together can help accelerate progress.

Through panel discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities, attendees exchanged ideas about building stronger partnerships, leveraging collective resources, and supporting one another’s efforts. These conversations underscored the importance of collaboration not only within individual communities but across the broader region. When organizations align around common goals, share knowledge, and coordinate efforts, they are better positioned to create long-term change and advocate for the resources communities need.

Navigating a Changing Landscape

Another key focus of the convening was the evolving funding and policy environment surrounding digital equity initiatives. As federal, state, and local priorities continue to shift, organizations must remain flexible and informed. Participants engaged in discussions about emerging opportunities, challenges, and strategies for sustaining digital equity efforts amid a changing landscape.

The conversations highlighted the importance of resilience, innovation, and continued partnership. Even as funding models and policy frameworks evolve, the commitment to ensuring equitable digital access must remain steadfast. Attendees left with new insights and practical strategies for navigating these complexities while continuing to serve their communities effectively.

Learning from National and Local Leaders

MHM welcomed nationally recognized expert Dr. Nicol Turner Lee as the convening’s keynote speaker. Her insights provided valuable perspective on the broader digital equity landscape and reinforced the importance of community-centered approaches to advancing digital opportunity.

In addition to the keynote address, presenters and panelists shared expertise from a wide range of sectors and experiences. Their contributions enriched the conversation by offering practical examples, highlighting innovative programs, and challenging participants to think creatively about the future of digital inclusion.

Together, these voices helped paint a comprehensive picture of both the opportunities and the work that still lies ahead.

Digital Equity as a Pathway to Health and Well-Being

At Methodist Healthcare Ministries, advancing digital equity is closely connected to our efforts to strengthen health equity and well-being throughout our 74-county service area. Access to digital tools and connectivity increasingly determines whether individuals and families can access telehealth services, educational opportunities, employment resources, government benefits, and critical community supports. The ability to fully participate in today’s digital world has become a ‘super’ social determinant of health and a key contributor to quality of life.

That is why MHM remains committed to supporting initiatives that expand digital opportunity and strengthen community capacity. We recognize that meaningful progress requires collaboration across sectors and sustained investment in solutions that are responsive to local needs.

Moving Forward Together

One of the most powerful outcomes of the 2026 Digital Equity Convening was the sense of shared purpose that emerged throughout the event. Participants arrived with diverse perspectives and experiences, but they left united by a common commitment to ensuring that no community is left behind.

The conversations sparked new ideas, strengthened existing partnerships, and laid the groundwork for future collaboration across South Texas. More importantly, they reaffirmed a fundamental truth: lasting change happens when communities are empowered to lead, partnerships are built on trust, and solutions are created with people at the center.

MHM extends our sincere appreciation to Dr. Nicol Turner Lee, our presenters, panelists, community partners, and all who attended the convening.

As we look ahead, we remain inspired by the collective energy and commitment demonstrated over the two days. Together, we can continue building a future where every individual, family, and community has the digital access and opportunities needed to thrive.

Because when local solutions are empowered and regional partnerships are strengthened, the impact extends far beyond any one community. That is the true power of place.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries Breaks Ground on Ministry Park, Expanding Access to Care for South Texas Families

Steven Cavazos on October 30, 2026

(San Antonio, TX, October 30, 2026) – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) today celebrated the official groundbreaking of Ministry Park, a transformative new development in the heart of the South Texas Medical Center that will expand access to affordable lodging for patients and families traveling to San Antonio for specialized medical care.

Located on approximately 16 acres bounded by Wurzbach Road, Floyd Curl Drive, and Medical Drive, Ministry Park represents a long-term investment in community health and well-being. Envisioned by MHM’s Board of Directors, the development reflects the organization’s mission of Serving Humanity to Honor God and its commitment to reducing barriers that prevent individuals and families from accessing the care they need.

“For years, our board and community partners have shared a vision of transforming this property into a place dedicated to healing, hospitality, and hope,” said Jaime Wesolowski, President and CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “Today, that vision begins to take shape. Ministry Park represents an investment not only in buildings and infrastructure, but in the people and families who come to San Antonio seeking care, healing, and a place to belong.”

To bring this vision to life, MHM established MHM RealCo, a faith-based, mission-driven real estate company dedicated to creating places where all can thrive. Led by President & CEO Christian E. Oviatt, MHM RealCo is responsible for the planning, development, and stewardship of the property, ensuring each phase remains grounded in MHM’s values and long-term commitment to community impact.

“Ministry Park was never intended to be just a development project. It was envisioned as a strategic investment in people, access to care, and the future of our community,” said Lavonne Garrison, chair of the MHM RealCo Board of Directors. “By helping patients and families stay closer to the care they need, we are creating a place where health, healing, and hope can thrive together.”

The groundbreaking marks the first phase of development, which includes a more than 250-room, dual-branded Home2 Suites and Hilton Garden Inn. Each year, thousands of patients travel to San Antonio seeking specialized healthcare services, often requiring extended stays that can create significant financial hardship for families already navigating serious health challenges.

Central to the project is MHM’s commitment to ensuring that economically disadvantaged patients and families can access safe, convenient accommodations while receiving care. A dedicated number of rooms will be made available at significantly reduced rates, including no-cost stays for qualifying families facing financial hardship.

The hotel will complement and expand upon the efforts of organizations such as Ronald McDonald House Charities, the Fischer House, and the American Cancer Society Methodist Healthcare Ministries Hope Lodge, helping ensure more visitors to the South Texas Medical Center have access to high-quality accommodations close to their care providers. By reducing lodging as a barrier to treatment, the development aims to improve health outcomes and increase access to lifesaving care.

“This is more than a real estate project. It’s a long-term investment in community health,” said Christian E. Oviatt, president and CEO of MHM RealCo. “We are intentionally creating a place where patients, families, healthcare professionals, and the broader community can find connection, support, and opportunities to thrive.”

Another key component of the first phase is a public park and enhanced streetscape designed by TBG Partners. The development will feature approximately 15,000 square feet of accessible green space, including a central lawn, shaded arrival plaza, nature exploration areas, rain garden, water feature, and boardwalk.

Improvements along Wurzbach Road will include shade trees, pedestrian lighting, benches, and specialty paving designed to create a more walkable, welcoming and pedestrian-oriented environment within the Medical Center.

“The most successful medical centers today are more than collections of hospitals and clinics. They are communities designed to support patients, families, healthcare professionals and innovation,” said Richard Perez, president of the San Antonio Medical Foundation. “Ministry Park strengthens the South Texas Medical Center’s ability to serve our region while ensuring future growth is guided by purpose, partnership and community impact.”

Strategically located within the South Texas Medical Center and zoned for mixed use, Ministry Park is positioned to meet both healthcare and commercial needs. Future phases of development will be informed by continued community engagement and best practices from leading medical center developments across the country.

As the project evolves, MHM and MHM RealCo will continue working alongside community stakeholders to ensure Ministry Park remains focused on its guiding vision: creating a place where all can 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 individuals and families living in the 74 counties we serve can thrive.

About Methodist Healthcare Ministries affiliate MHM Realco

MHM Realco is a faith-based, mission-driven real estate company harnessing our resources to create places in which all can thrive.

Who Counts? And What Happens When We Leave People Out?

Steven Cavazos on October 21, 2026

By Catalina Schultze-Kraft, Director of Regional Nursing and Wellness Programs

Every community is made up of people who contribute to the places they call home. They raise families, run businesses, work, pay taxes, volunteer, and build relationships with their neighbors.

Every ten years, the U.S. Census provides a critical snapshot of our communities. But proposed changes to the 2030 Census raise a fundamental question: Will everyone be counted and represented in that picture?

The Census has been part of our democracy since 1790, helping determine how communities are represented in Congress. Census information also helps us understand how communities are changing and inform decisions about resources and services.

The U.S. Census Bureau is proposing two significant changes:

Excluding certain noncitizens who are not lawful, permanent residents from the population count used to determine congressional representation.

Removing race and ethnicity questions from the Decennial Census questionnaire.

Supporters argue that these changes would help focus the Census on its constitutional purpose, simplify the questionnaire, and reduce the burden on respondents. Those are important considerations.

But the proposals also raise questions about how accurately our communities are represented and how much information we have to understand them.

A Count is a Map of Our Communities

Think of the Census as a map of your community. It helps us understand how many people live there, where populations are growing, and how communities are changing.

But what happens when that map does not accurately reflect everyone?

People do not disappear because we leave them out of a population count. They are still our neighbors. Their children still attend local schools. They travel the same roads, seek health care, pay taxes, and contribute to the communities and economies where they live.

At Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM), we work alongside communities across 74 counties. We know that understanding who lives in our communities, and the challenges they face, is essential to making thoughtful decisions.

Where are families struggling to access nutritious food? Where is transportation a barrier to health care? Which communities are growing, and what services will they need?

Good data helps us answer these questions, identify gaps, and make better use of limited resources.

What We Don’t Measure Becomes Harder to Understand

The proposed removal of race and ethnicity questions raises a different concern.

Understanding health and access to care requires more than knowing how many people live in a community. We also need to understand where disparities exist and who may be facing greater barriers.

Race and ethnicity data help us identify differences in health outcomes, understand where services may not be reaching everyone, and evaluate whether our efforts are making a difference.

While other surveys would continue collecting this information, removing these questions from the Decennial Census would mean losing one important source of data about our communities. When we lose information that helps us see disparities, those disparities do not disappear. They simply become harder to see and address.

Different Perspectives, A Shared Responsibility

We can disagree about immigration policy, government spending, and the role of government. Those debates belong in our democracy, and people can hold different views for legitimate reasons. Regardless of where we stand on those issues, we all benefit from reliable and accurate information about the communities where we live.

At MHM, our mission is to serve humanity to honor God, and our vision calls us to lead in improving the wellness of the least served. That work begins with understanding the people and places we serve. That is why we submitted public comments expressing concerns about the proposed changes to the 2030 Census. Read our comments and submit your comments at Regulations.gov.

We encourage others to learn about the proposal, consider what it could mean for their communities, and share their perspectives. The public comment period is open through November 2, 2026.

An accurate Census helps us see our communities as they are, with all the people who call them home.

Comments from Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc., on the U.S. Census Bureau’s Proposed Rule on the Decennial Census

To view comments from Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc., on the U.S. Census Bureau’s Proposed Rule on the Decennial Census, click here.

Grantee Spotlight: Friendship of Women Creating Pathways to Safety, Healing and Hope

Steven Cavazos on October 16, 2026

For more than 30 years, Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) has worked to create and sustain healthy communities across its 74-county service area. In 2026, MHM allocated $64.5 million to more than 195 nonprofit organizations and municipalities, including $32.6 million in new grants through an open cycle launched in 2023. This investment reflects MHM’s commitment to supporting thriving people and places by addressing vital conditions, the essential properties and environments everyone needs to reach their full potential for health and life.

One of those partners is Friendship of Women, Inc. (FOW), based in Brownsville and serving individuals and families throughout Cameron County. A first-time MHM grantee in 2026, FOW received $150,000 to support its mission of providing leadership and comprehensive services that promote safety, healing, and hope for adults and children impacted by family and sexual violence.

Friendship of Women: Supporting Survivors, Strengthening Communities

Since 1977, FOW has served as a refuge and trusted source of support for survivors of family violence and sexual assault in Cameron County. What began nearly five decades ago as a community response to an urgent need has grown into a comprehensive network of services to help individuals and families move from crisis to stability.

Today, the organization provides emergency shelter, advocacy, counseling, legal support, crisis intervention and long-term safety planning. Through these services, survivors are not only able to escape dangerous situations but also begin rebuilding their lives with dignity, confidence, and independence.

At the center of this work is Executive Director Gloria Ocampo, who oversees the organization’s programs, staff, partnerships, and strategic vision.

“My role is to make sure our mission is carried out every day through strong operations and meaningful advocacy,” Ocampo said. “Everything we do is focused on helping survivors find safety, healing and the support they need to move forward.”

For FOW, success is measured not only by the services provided but by the lives transformed through access to safety and support.

Advancing Health Equity Through Crisis Intervention and Support

FOW understands that the effects of family and sexual violence extend far beyond immediate physical harm. Violence can impact mental health, housing stability, financial security, educational opportunities and access to healthcare, creating barriers that can affect individuals and families for years.

Many survivors face significant challenges when seeking help, particularly those navigating language barriers, or those with limited resources or lack of access to healthcare and support services. FOW works to remove those barriers by meeting survivors where they are and offering culturally responsive, trauma-informed services that honor each individual’s experience.

“Many of the individuals we serve face significant barriers to healthcare, and our team works to bridge those gaps through crisis intervention, counseling, medical accompaniment and connections to community resources that support long-term well-being,” Ocampo said.

Whether helping a survivor access medical care, navigate the legal system, secure safe housing or connect with community resources, FOW recognizes that safety is foundational to health.

By addressing the conditions that impact physical, emotional, and social well-being, the organization is helping create pathways toward health equity for some of the community’s most vulnerable residents.

How MHM’s Grant Is Making a Difference

MHM’s investment is helping FOW expand access to critical services for survivors throughout Cameron County.

With support from the grant, the organization expects to reach an additional 250 individuals impacted by domestic violence, ensuring more survivors receive compassionate, trauma-informed care regardless of income, circumstances or ability to pay.

The funding will strengthen the organization’s capacity to provide crisis intervention, advocacy and supportive services at a time when demand continues to grow.

“This support allows us to reach more survivors and connect them with the resources they need to achieve safety and stability,” Ocampo said. “It helps ensure that no one has to face these challenges alone.”

Changing Lives Through Prevention and Advocacy

While FOW is widely recognized for responding to crisis, the organization’s work extends far beyond emergency intervention.

Through prevention education, community partnerships, and advocacy efforts, FOW works to address the root causes of violence and create safer, healthier communities.

Ocampo hopes community members understand that meaningful change requires collective action.

“We are not only helping people heal after violence occurs,” she said. “We are also working to prevent violence before it happens by educating our community, building partnerships and advocating for systems that better support survivors.”

She also emphasizes that the organization’s impact is made possible through the compassion, expertise and dedication of its staff.

“Our team shows up every day with commitment and care for the individuals and families we serve. Their resilience and dedication are what make this work possible.”

How You Can Help

FOW encourages community members to get involved by volunteering, advocating for survivors, sharing information about available services, and supporting the organization’s work financially.

Every action helps strengthen the network of support available to individuals and families experiencing family or sexual violence and expands access to safety, healing and hope throughout Cameron County.

Together, We Build Stronger Communities

For nearly five decades, FOW has stood alongside survivors during some of the most difficult moments of their lives, helping them find safety, restore stability, and begin the healing process.

Through its partnership with MHM, the organization is expanding its reach and ensuring more individuals and families can access the support they need to thrive.

Together, FOW and MHM are demonstrating that when communities invest in safety, dignity and healing, they create stronger families, healthier communities, and a brighter future for all.

The Next Blue Zone? | Dan Buettner & Jaime Wesolowski

Steven Cavazos on October 13, 2026

Originally published by The Health Curve podcast.

In this episode of The Health Curve, host Dr. Jason Arora sits down with Blue Zones Founder, National Geographic Fellow, three-time Emmy winner, and NYT bestselling author Dan Buettner, alongside Jaime Wesolowski, President and CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM). Together, they explore what it takes to engineer a healthier population from the ground up through environmental transformation. The Blue Zones approach studies global communities with the longest-lived people, and utilizes those findings to transform local environments and municipal policies, with the goal of making the healthy choice the easy choice. Dan and Jaime share details on their project to create the next ‘Blue Zone’ in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, a region facing severe health disparities and high rates of chronic disease. Drawing from Dan’s decades of research and Jaime’s leadership in health equity, the conversation covers how neighborhood-level engagement drives policy adoption, why changing default options creates lasting population health gains, and how lessons from Costa Rica’s basic health teams can shift healthcare upstream. From leveraging trusted Gallup metrics to celebrating traditional heritage diets, this episode outlines a practical model for community-driven health transformation.

Available on Major Streaming Platforms

The Roots of Well-Being: Leading with Purpose: Lessons from Aspen Healthy Communities Fellows

Steven Cavazos on October 7, 2026

The Aspen Healthy Communities Fellows (HCF) program is designed to strengthen leadership skills and provided tailored support to leaders across the country. The program is part of the Aspen Global Innovators Group (AGI) and Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM), has been a longtime supporter of this initiative.

In this episode of The Roots of Well-Being, we hear from past fellows as they discuss how their experiences fueled their passion for leadership and strengthened their commitment to serving their communities. Watch the full episode below.

To learn more about the Roots of Well-Being, click here.

Operations Update: October 2, 2026

Steven Cavazos on October 2, 2026

All Methodist Healthcare Ministries San Antonio area locations will re-open as usual on Friday, October 2, 2026. This includes: Wesley Health & Wellness Center; Dixon Health & Wellness Center; San Antonio Wesley Nurse sites; the Corporate Office and the Northwest Center.

Operations outside the San Antonio area are scheduled to resume as well, but will follow the guidelines of local school districts for any safety delays or closures. Please call your local Methodist Healthcare Ministries contact for up-to-date guidance on programming and services.

The safety of our patients, clients and team members is of utmost importance. Visit mhm.org for the latest updates.

Inclement Weather Notice – October 1, 2026

Steven Cavazos on October 1, 2026

Due to expected inclement weather, all Methodist Healthcare Ministries San Antonio area locations will be closed starting at 3:00 PM on Thursday, October 1, 2026. This includes: Wesley Health & Wellness Center; Dixon Health & Wellness Center; San Antonio Wesley Nurse sites; the Corporate and the Northwest Center Office. Patients with existing appointments for Thursday afternoon will be rescheduled.

Operations outside of the San Antonio area will follow the guidelines of local school districts. Please call your local Methodist Healthcare Ministries contact for guidance on programs and services.

All operations are scheduled to resume on Friday, October 2.

The safety of our patients, clients and team members is of utmost importance.

Self-Care Essentials for Nonprofits

Steven Cavazos on September 29, 2026

Current Landscape

Burnout is defined by the Mayo Clinic as “a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress.” The nonprofit landscape has become increasingly complex, leading to a significant increase in leader and staff burnout as highlighted in the Center for Effective Philanthropy’s annual State of Nonprofits Report. Concern over leader burnout jumped to 46% in 2026, an increase of nearly 20% from the previous year. Nonprofit organizations are navigating tremendous risks to continue providing much needed resources and services to communities, and to maintain the work there must be a focus on reducing stress and supporting the overall well-being of nonprofit staff members and leaders. Many industries face the challenge of staff burnout; however, the nonprofit sector is at greater risk due to the number of people in helping and caregiving positions who are more susceptible to burnout. Nonprofit organizations are also infamous for being expected to do more with less – the recipe for burnout.

Common Issues to Consider

Many factors and challenges within the nonprofit sector can lead to being overwhelmed and experiencing burnout. Although stakeholders may currently be paying more attention to self-care and preventing burnout, it is common for the many demands of nonprofit work to outweigh resources. Financial strain and challenges in fundraising have only continued to increase in recent years for nonprofit organizations, a direct indicator of stress on staff and leaders. According to the Statement of Nonprofits Report for 2026, 60% of nonprofit CEOs report it being more difficult to secure foundation grants relative to the past.

In addition to traditional nonprofit financial strain and increased difficulty getting grants, federal funding cuts have presented a challenge for some nonprofit organizations in recent years. Federal funding is a revenue source many nonprofits have relied on for foundational income to cover major resources for people including basic needs such as health and housing. Due to the uncertainty in funding and direct cuts, many nonprofit organizations have struggled more with staff retention and turnover, and even in the most difficult circumstances, necessary staff reduction.

Overall, people individually have more financial stress, potential caregiving responsibilities, mental health strain, and general uncertainty which can compound workplace stress and contribute to burnout. The nonprofit ecosystem is dealing with more fragmented systems, potentially duplicated efforts, and organizations competing for very limited resources while trying to address interconnected challenges. Despite the current stress contributing to burnout and nonprofit challenges, there is hope of supporting the nonprofit workforce, leading to better outcomes for employees and ultimately the communities and people being served.

Preventing Burnout

How can we support the leaders and staff members who make up the backbone of nonprofit organizations and help provide resources and services to those most in need?

Organizations may consider policies and practices to promote mental, emotional, and physical well-being as methods of prevention. Key ideas to tackle these needs include incorporating the opportunity for mental health days for employees and having flexible work options, managing caseloads and workload distribution to prevent overload, regular check-in meetings to maintain open communication, utilizing staff feedback for improvements, and leadership modeling a healthy work/life balance.

Another technique is training supervisors in recognizing the signs of burnout, active listening, and how to coach staff through stress. Signs of burnout can include lack of energy, persistent exhaustion, increased irritability, reduced motivation and/or job satisfaction, and feeling that work no longer matters. Through paying attention to the needs of employees an action plan can be created to recover from burnout by assessing the level of burnout, identifying changes needed, implementing recovery strategies like prioritizing self-care and gaining external support, and monitoring progress.

Workplace culture plays a huge role in fostering a supportive environment where employees and organizations are more likely to succeed. By integrating strategic self-care plans and frameworks, organizations have the chance to reduce burnout risk, improve retention, enhance productivity, and better serve their communities.

Reflective questions to consider related to how an organization approaches self-care:

What strategies are helping your staff manage heavy workloads and stress?
How are you creating a sense of community and mutual support during times of uncertainty?
Are team members showing early signs of burnout — and do you have tactical support ready?
What thoughtful ways can your organization show appreciation, especially when external pressures are high?

Included below is a list of resources and tools to assist in planning for self-care and burnout prevention. Please contact the Capacity Building Team with any questions at CICapacityBuilding@mhm.org.

Resource List:

R&R: The Rest of our Lives is an organization that believes in investing in nonprofit leaders, improving policies and practices within our workplaces, and inspiring culture change related to the rest and rejuvenation of workers will result in stronger organizations, retention and recruitment of top leaders, and far more sustainable, equitable, strategic and creative work environments.

The website has information related to their projects geared towards providing opportunities for nonprofit employees and leaders to participate in organization-wide burnout prevention practices and grants for sabbaticals and employee breaks.

R&R Book List

Rest in Action Checklist

Mindful – Helpful Information on Mindfulness Practices

Headspace – “Take 10” Program: Free 10-minute Introductory Meditation to Reduce Stress and Improve Focus

Calm – Free Collection of Videos with Practical Tools to Help You Rest and Recover

Methodist Healthcare Ministries Celebrates 5th Annual Family Fiesta to Kick Off Hispanic Heritage Month

Steven Cavazos on September 14, 2026

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (Sept. 12, 2026) – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. welcomed hundreds of community members to its Wesley Health & Wellness Center on Saturday, September 12 for the organization’s 5th Annual Family Fiesta, a celebration of health, wellness, community, and culture marking the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month.

The free, family-friendly event connected attendees with valuable health and social service resources through interactive booths, health information, family activities, live entertainment, and community engagement opportunities. Family Fiesta brings together Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ programs and community partners to help families learn about services that support healthier lives and stronger communities.

“Family Fiesta is an opportunity to open our doors and connect with our neighbors in a meaningful way,” said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “By bringing together local organizations, health resources, and family-centered activities, we are helping community members access information and services that can improve their health and well-being.”

Community partners participating in this year’s event included CPS Energy, San Antonio Water System (SAWS), San Antonio Public Library, Methodist Healthcare, the Alzheimer’s Association, American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, Habitat for Humanity, and many others. River City Produce also provided a fresh produce market, giving attendees access to healthy fruits and vegetables to take home.

First launched in 2019, Family Fiesta was created to increase awareness of the healthcare, wellness, and community services available through Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ Wesley Health & Wellness Center. The event has grown into an annual tradition that celebrates the power of community partnerships while helping connect families to resources that support their overall well-being. Information about MHM’s integrated care services and community programs was a key component of the event.

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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 individuals & families living in the 74 counties we serve can thrive.