The Impact of Storytelling: A Conversation with Nancy, a Community Council Member 

Steven Cavazos on January 6, 2026

Stories can be a powerful tool that can guide an organization in a variety of ways. As our Capacity Building team continues to explore the Power of Storytelling, we asked Community Connector, Yvonne Pacheco, to join the conversation.  

Yvonne works in the Communities of Solutions Department; a team rooted in community partnerships. Their focus is to find, learn about, connect with, and provide capacity building support to community organizations. Yvonne emphasizes how listening and learning from community perspectives can build connections, “I built those relationships out with different community partners, community advocates, and I’m just listening to stories [wondering], what is the story they’re telling about their community?” 

To deep our understanding on the power of storytelling, Yvonne suggested connecting with Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ (MHM) Community Councils. Nimet McGrath, Community Council Manager, connected our team with Community Council member, Nancy. Nancy’s personal story is one of managing adversity and ongoing struggles in her life and journeying to resilient career and educational paths, earning certifications as a Community Health Worker (CHW), Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS) and Recovery Support Peer Specialist (RSPS). In this blog post, Nancy shares how her life experiences led her to become a ‘caring servant’ who listens to others.

What does storytelling mean to you? 

“I just feel like to me storytelling is powerful because it takes hidden struggles and brings them into the light,” Nancy said. “When I share my story, it builds trust and lets others know they’re not alone.” 

Nancy has navigated decades of hardships, one after another, including childhood emotional abuse, family abandonment, financial struggles, unstable housing, alcoholism, depression and anxiety. When Nancy shares her life story, people are often surprised by everything she has experienced.  

“I lost it all,” she said. “But I gained a different type of career that has lifted me to lift people.” 

Although she has lived through difficult life experiences, making it through them has given Nancy a new perspective. She now sees that the darkness she lived through has led her to a path of bringing hope to others. 

“I’ve realized that my lived experience not only helps me support my own children differently, but also allows me to help change the lives of other families walking the same road,” Nancy said. 

Nancy often asks herself when considering how she’ll extend a hand to help lift someone else up, “How is this going to be a successful story?” 

Why do you do this work? 

“I try to help single moms like me that suffer from depression and anxiety and being hopeless,” Nancy shared. She wants other single moms to feel supported and provide them with access to resources she didn’t have. 

“I have a big family, and nobody was there for us. Nobody. So, I know the loneliness. I know the grieving. I know the struggle of counting pennies.” 

“So, I felt like if I’m receiving, I need to give. I have to give back to the community. You have to have a heart.” 

“Because my life was so hard, I understand. I understand everything. The addiction, the loneliness, the fear. I do this work because God turned my pain into purpose. I’ve lived the struggles myself, and I don’t want anyone to feel alone. Serving others brings me joy and strength, and it’s my way of showing the hope that God has given me.” 

Why do stories matter to you and in your work? 

“Stories matter because they build trust, remind people they’re more than statistics, and make them feel seen. They heal, connect us, and inspire action in ways numbers never can,” Nancy said. 

If you could tell an organization like ours and other nonprofits one thing about the importance of listening to the people that we serve, what would it be? What do you think is the most important thing that an organization like MHM and others that serve community should consider? 

“Well, I think stories impact communities because they make the unseen visible. It shows the real needs people face, and they move organizations to respond with compassion. Stories also shape funding and partnerships, and they empower residents to become leaders themselves, you know. At the heart, stories remind us we’re connected and that every program is about real people, not just numbers. I just feel that these stories, they’re so life-changing for some of us.” 

“Through sharing her story, as well as how her story has led to impacting others, Nancy has demonstrated that sharing stories is important to her work. Especially as a Peer Specialist, storytelling allows Nancy to build trust, connect, relate, uplift, and inspire. As she describes, “It’s my calling. I have purpose. I didn’t know I had purpose here. I thought I didn’t want to be here. And now…I love my purpose.” 

Not only does Nancy have this impact on her community, but also on organizations and funders. Nancy’s ability to share a genuine, authentic, and compelling story can also tug at the listener’s heartstrings and call them to act.  

Funders and organizations who provide support to community can learn from Nancy’s example. We can be more intentional about listening and amplifying community voices. It is important to hear directly from people with lived and living experiences. When we ask community voices to share their stories, it’s our time to listen and learn. We can then share—with their permission—their impactful stories to continue to garner support so we can help make a difference in the lives of people we serve. 

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Grantee Spotlight: Gulf Bend Center –Building Health Equity and Hope in Rural Communities

Steven Cavazos on December 29, 2025

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 2025, MHM allocated $62.5 million to over 185 nonprofit organizations and municipalities, including $35.6 million in new grants through an open cycle launched in 2024. 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 Gulf Bend Center, based in Victoria, Texas. A trusted partner since 2017, Gulf Bend has received more than $2 million from MHM to advance its mission of improving mental health and wellness in rural communities.

Gulf Bend Center: A Trusted Partner in Mental Health

For more than 55 years, the Center has been a cornerstone of mental health and wellness in South Texas. As the Local Mental Health Authority serving seven counties—Calhoun, DeWitt, Goliad, Jackson, Refugio, Lavaca, and Victoria— the Center’s mission is clear: to improve the quality of life in our community for individuals and their families by providing excellent and trusted care for wellness.

The Center’s “No Wrong Door” approach is rooted in its role as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), ensuring that no one is turned away from care. Regardless of where someone lives or their ability to pay, individuals can access a full continuum of mental health and substance use services. This model removes barriers to care and reflects the Center’s commitment to health equity, ensuring mental health services are accessible to all who need them.

A Full Continuum of Care

Gulf Bend offers a wide range of services to meet individuals where they are—from outpatient clinics and school-based case managers to a crisis response team paired with mental health officers. Their Community Resource Center helps customers apply for benefits and access digital equity resources, addressing critical vital conditions impact mental wellness.

Collaboration is at the heart of Gulf Bend’s work. Through local partnerships and diversion programs, they strengthen rural communities and create pathways to care that prevent crises before they escalate. “At the end of the day, our work is about removing barriers and meeting people where they are,” says Tiffany Seiler, Community Development Coordinator. “When access is built into the system, people are more likely to get help early and stay connected to care.”

How MHM’s Grant Is Making a Difference

The partnership between the Center and MHM is more than financial support—it’s a catalyst for change. With MHM’s funding, the Center has launched and strengthened initiatives that directly impact community health and well-being.

One of the most visible changes is in the food pantry. Traditionally, rural food pantries rely on shelf-stable items high in preservatives and low in nutrition. The Center wanted to rewrite that story. Today, through their partnership with MHM, the Gulf Bend Center’s pantry is stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, eggs, and dairy—providing families with healthy options that nourish both body and mind.

Perhaps most transformative is the Pathway Program, designed for individuals navigating mental health crises. This program offers frequent contact and personalized support, helping clients stabilize and avoid psychiatric hospitalizations. It’s a proactive approach that saves lives and strengthens community resilience—giving people the tools and care they need to move forward.

What You Should Know About Gulf Bend Center

As Jessica Dodds, the Center’s Marketing Specialist, explains:

“People often are not aware of who we are or the services we provide until they are facing a crisis. Our goal is to help the community understand the full scope of our services and the partnerships that make them possible. The Center is a trusted partner, and we are here for everyone.”

How You Can Help

The Center’s impact depends on community support. Start by spreading awareness—talk openly about mental health, share the Center’s story, and help break the stigma that keeps so many from seeking care.

For those who want to take a hands-on role, volunteering is a meaningful way to contribute. Whether it’s assisting with programs or supporting community events, your time and skills make a real difference. Advocacy is another critical piece—by championing mental health initiatives in your own circles, you help create a culture that values wellness and access to care.

Financial support is equally important. Donations allow the Center to sustain and expand essential services, ensuring help is available when and where it’s needed most. And if you’re passionate about education, the Center offers training programs for adults and youth, along with opportunities to speak at local meetings to promote mental health literacy. Every conversation, every action, brings us closer to a healthier, more resilient community.

Together, We Build Strength

In rural areas, resources can be scarce—but Gulf Bend Center proves that together, we have strength. Through collaboration, compassion, and commitment, they are transforming lives and advancing health equity across South Texas.

To learn more about the Center and how you can get involved, please visit gulfbend.org.

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An Overview of MHM’s Commitment to Economic Mobility

Steven Cavazos on December 12, 2025

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) seeks to disrupt the cycle of intergenerational poverty by investing in and supporting crosscutting initiatives that address root causes of health inequities. Under its long-term strategic objective – Impact Systemic Change, the organization identifies economic mobility as a target initiative.

The video and sections below provide a comprehensive overview of MHM’s commitment to economic mobility.

Intergenerational poverty can negatively affect several aspects of life for individuals, families, and communities, including: 

  • Life expectancy 
  • Chronic diseases 
  • Mental health 
  • Educational and employment opportunities 
  • Quality time with family and friends 
  • Being engaged in community and faith-based activities  

MHM seeks to address barriers associated with intergenerational poverty through upward economic mobility. The initiative aims to promote financial prosperity, and independence by strengthening knowledge, behaviors, and opportunities through financial education, information, and mentoring– which can lead to better short- and long-term health outcomes: 

  • Improved health and wellbeing 
  • Better access to healthcare 
  • Nutritious food 
  • Improved community conditions 
  • Social connections 
  • Opportunities to thrive 
  • Safe housing 

Those closest to the challenges have a unique vision of what health and well-being look like to them.

Vanessa Tobares, Director of Strategy & Impact at MHM

“MHM wants to ensure communities have what they need today and into the future. Those closest to the challenges have a unique vision of what health and well-being look like to them. We support the community’s influence as it can lead to long-term improvements in length and quality of life,” said Vanessa Tobares, Director of Strategy & Impact at MHM.

MHM considers several factors in its approach to upward economic mobility, “We think about the financial gains from one point in time to another, especially after a major life event, such as earning a credential or gaining employment with a living wage and across generations of families and communities.” However, the organization also recognizes the importance of autonomy and control, which enable individuals to make decisions that are best for themselves and their families—fostering a sense of belonging and the ability to contribute to their communities fully and actively. 

Building upon existing knowledge, assets, and strengths that exist across its 74-county service area, MHM explores several approaches at the individual, family, and community levels, including: 

  • Direct cash aid to individuals and families to supplement limited earnings. 
  • Mobility Mentoring, a family engagement approach in which mentors partner with low-income individuals and families. Using coaching and brain science, participants build skills for economic independence through goal setting, financial literacy, and capacity building—ultimately empowering them to become their own coaches.  
  • Supporting whole families through two-generational (2Gen) approaches and seeing outcomes for children and the multi-generational adults in their lives. 
  • Exploring potential opportunities with Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) – mission-driven financial institutions dedicated to providing financial services to communities and populations that are underserved by traditional financial markets. 

“The approaches that we are exploring are not only based on professional subject matter experts, but also on the ideas and knowledge shared with us during listening sessions with community members, community council members, and team members,” said Tobares.  

MHM remains committed to disrupting the cycle of intergenerational poverty and recognizes it must continue to explore approaches that contribute to prosperity. Tobares underscores the importance of partnerships with organizations and communities across the service area, as it allows for innovation and new opportunities.  She shares, “We hope that long term, these approaches and partnerships will lead to better quality of life and extend length of life over time as well as everybody having what they need to be able to thrive.” 

“It is about creating opportunities to make the best decisions for themselves, their families, and communities.”

Sandra Martinez, Vice-President of Strategy & Impact

Sandra Martinez, Vice-President of Strategy & Impact at MHM adds, “”Economic mobility is not only about equipping individuals and families with tools and resources—it is about creating opportunities to make the best decisions for themselves, their families, and communities. By shifting our mindsets about what it takes to live well and thrive, we can partner with communities to address systemic barriers and create new pathways to stability and upward mobility.” 

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Leading With Partnership and Purpose: A Journey to Creating Change 

Steven Cavazos on November 24, 2025

Transforming community health and well-being is a bold commitment that requires passion and purpose. Visionary leaders recognize innovation and collaboration are essential in the journey toward tangible change. 

For more than five years, Aspen Healthy Communities Fellows (HCF) have worked together to turn their visions of healthier communities into reality. The fellowship program exists within the Aspen Global Innovators (AGI) Group. Each year leaders from across the country are selected to participate as ‘fellows’ in the year-long program. 

Throughout the fellowship, participants receive tailored support and opportunities to strengthen their leadership skills and connect with peers. Drawing on their deep understanding of local challenges and resilience, fellows also learn to craft compelling narratives about their work. 

AGI partners with local philanthropies and foundations to amplify its impact and initiatives. Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM), a long-time supporter of the AGI Group, joined forces with the Knapp Community Care Foundation (KCCF) to bring the HCF program to the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) in early 2025.

Eight leaders from various parts of Texas, North Carolina, and Oklahoma were selected to be part of the 2025 Aspen HCF program. In early November, the group gathered in the RGV for their final convening of the year. The fellows learned about the community’s challenges and strengths – and shared how they champion change. 

A Commitment to Community: 

The convening was held in the city of Brownsville, which neighbors the Mexican city of Matamoros, Tamaulipas. The communities share several commonalities in culture which are widely felt across the dividing border. There are several historic landmarks and exhibits which depict Brownsville’s early beginnings; while cultural art illustrates the value and connection to its heritage. Despite the city’s charm and beauty, intergenerational poverty still exists for families and individuals who live in neighborhoods referred to as “colonias.” 

Colonias are found along the United States-Mexico border and are home to families with mixed-immigration status. Colonia residents must navigate difficult living conditions, ranging from poor drainage and infrastructure to the lack of nearby healthcare facilities, digital resources, and transportation.  

The fellows visited some of Brownsville’s colonias and were led by representatives from La Unión del Pueblo Entero (LUPE). The organization assists working-class and immigrant families within colonias, while also supporting the development of neighborhood leadership.  

Jorge Rodriguez is the director of the Buckner Family Hope Center, located in the RGV; he is also one of two fellows from the area. Rodriguez’s early years as a migrant farmworker fueled his commitment and support of colonia residents. “Families in the colonias of the Rio Grande Valley face many socio-economic barriers, including food insecurity, irregular employment, and a lack of access to healthcare and mental health services,” he said.

“They are creating conditions for the community to step into its power and to re-shape it.”  

Jorge rodriguez, ASPEN HEALTHY COMMUNITies FELLOW

However, despite their difficult challenges, the fellows learned that colonia residents remain resilient. Rodriguez recognizes their strength and determination and is proud to see LUPE shift agency back to the people, “They are creating conditions for the community to step into its power and to re-shape it.”  

The panel share their insights and experiences with the audience.

The fellows later met with local leaders and organizations at Brownville Market Square. The AGI Group and MHM hosted the event, which also included a panel discussion: “Rooted in Place: Centering Community in Local Change.” Peggy Clark, Founder and Interim Executive Director of AGI Group moderated the panel, which featured MHM President & CEO, Jaime Wesolowski, LUPE President and Executive Director, Tania Chavez Camacho, and CEO of Behavioral Health Solutions of South Texas, Monica Hernandez Sanchez.

The panelists shared their experiences in accompanying and supporting people as they seek to improve community health and well-being. Hernandez Sanchez is also a 2025 Aspen fellow and was born and raised in the RGV. She believes when people are supported their “resilience shines through.” 

Amplifying Voices and Stories of Impact: 

The following morning, the Aspen fellows made their way to the eBridge Center for their final narrative training session. The fellows spent the year learning how to transform their personal and professional experiences into stories of impact. Hernandez Sanchez said the narrative trainings gave her a new understanding of herself and others, “I gained different perspectives, and skill sets specific to highlighting my story and the stories of individuals, families, and communities connected with Behavioral Health Solutions,” she said.  

H
The Carlotta Petrina Museum courtyard adorned with vibrant colors and an ofrenda in commemoration of  Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead).

As the fellows spent their morning crafting powerful narratives, Clark, Wesolowski, and a delegation from MHM immersed themselves in the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Their journey took them across the heart of downtown Brownsville. The group learned how local businesses like JZD are strengthening the local economy and fostering an inclusive environment. The group also visited iconic landmarks such as the Heritage Museum and Stillman House, home to artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the region’s past. Art and culture are celebrated in places like the Carlotta Petrina Museum – a haven for both local and international artists. 

The delegation reconvened with the fellows at the eBridge Center where they met with Brownsville City Manager, Helen Ramirez. In 2022, Ramirez made history as the first woman appointed to the role of city manager. She shared her journey with the group and emphasized the importance of community investment.  

The fellows share their support of each other’s testimonies.

During their final evening, the fellows celebrated the end of their journey with the visiting delegation. They listened in as the fellows shared their stories of impact and expressed gratitude for the lessons they learned and bonds they forged during the fellowship. Rodriguez explains how sharing his story gave him strength to lead with greater purpose, “This has been a year of belonging—feeling free to look into my lived experiences as a source of growth and resilience. As I embrace my story and lived experience, I have a deeper understanding that the people we serve have the most insight into what they need.” 

“Listening to the challenges, successes, and personal impacts shared by my co-fellows inspired me and gave me strength to do more than I thought I could,”

mONICA HERNANDEZ SANCHEZ, ASPEN HEALTHY COMMUNITies FELLOW

Hernandez Sanchez added that the support from the fellowship changed how she approaches her work and leadership, “Listening to the challenges, successes, and personal impacts shared by my co-fellows inspired me and gave me strength to do more than I thought I could,” she said.  

Purpose and Partnerships: 

Aspen Healthy Communities Fellows, Rodriguez and Hernandez Sanchez.

As the first Aspen fellows representing the Rio Grande Valley, Rodriguez and Hernandez Sanchez reflected on what it meant to have the final convening in their community. “The convening brought attention to the region’s resilience, the beauty of its people, and the growth taking place. It was refreshing,” said Rodriguez. “It was about sharing a piece of myself with [the fellows] – our people deserve to be seen and celebrated,” said Hernandez Sanchez. 

Cristina Trejo is the executive director at the KCCF, she describes the RGV convening as a “powerful statement of the talent and leadership that define our communities.” She adds, “Our partnership with Methodist Healthcare Ministries and the Aspen Global Innovators Group demonstrates the value of aligned philanthropy, as together we were able to bring the Healthy Communities Fellows program to the Valley.” 

Wesolowski shares, “Supporting the Aspen Healthy Communities Fellows is a natural extension of Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ mission to ‘Serve Humanity to Honor God.’ These fellows represent what it means to be innovators and advocates who are working to transform communities.” Wesolowski added, “MHM is proud to share a vision of healthier communities with this group of local leaders as they seek to champion change.” 

Clark said the HCF program is about finding and supporting individuals who lead with purpose and heart, “Aspen Global Innovators’ Healthy Communities Fellows remind us of the wisdom and expertise that lives in the communities we work in, where leaders such as Monica and Jorge are paving the way with profound solutions to our most pressing problems. Working with community leaders across South Texas underscores the power of finding and supporting leaders whose connection to their deepest purpose –coupled with external and peer support— can change the world.”  

“Aspen Global Innovators’ Healthy Communities Fellows remind us of the wisdom and expertise that lives in the communities we work in.”

peggy clark, Founder and Interim Executive Director of Aspen Global Innovators Group

Carrying the Work Forward:  

The Aspen HCF, MHM delegation, and Brownsville City Manger, Helen Ramirez.

The Aspen Healthy Communities Fellowship demonstrates the importance of partnering with local leadership. Through their visions and collaboration, meaningful change can begin to take place. Bringing a diverse group of leaders together is essential, as they carry a unique experience and insight. Programs like HCF sharpen their skills and equip them with tools to amplify their stories, foster resilience and lead with innovation.  

The RGV convening was a celebration of shared purpose, culture and history, and the power of partnerships. As the fellows returned to their communities, they carried with them a renewed commitment and newfound purpose. Their passion and purpose to transform communities proves that when people are supported and empowered, lasting impact is possible. 

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Closing the Digital Divide – An Overview of MHM’s Initiative to Advance Digital Equity  

Steven Cavazos on October 9, 2025

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) seeks to understand and address the root causes of health inequities across its 74-county service area. As outlined in its strategic plan, the organization invests in target initiatives to further impact systemic change – one of its three long-term strategic objectives. One of the initiatives Methodist Healthcare Ministries supports is digital equity.  In the organization’s pursuit to advance health equity; it recognizes the digital divide as a vital condition, that negatively affects the overall well-being of families, individuals, and communities.  

The video and sections below provide a comprehensive overview of MHM’s digital equity initiative.

Eliseo Ceja serves as a digital equity coordinator at MHM. He points to several factors which have widened the gap for communities, “The digital divide really comes down to a mix of social and structural issues. In a lot of rural or underserved areas, families do not have reliable or affordable internet to begin with.”  Ceja explains that even if there are services available, barriers still exist, with device costs and monthly bills creating financial burdens for families and individuals.  

Ceja said the lack of digital tools and access to technology has effects which can ripple across a person’s life, “People may not feel comfortable using technology for things like healthcare, school, or work. All of this shows that digital equity is not just about technology; it is about opportunity, health, and making sure people can fully participate in today’s world.”  

Across its service area, MHM seeks to improve Digital Equity by identifying, investing in, and supporting broadband and telehealth approaches that help close the digital divide. Three legs support this initiative: 

  • Infrastructure- strengthening the foundation for connectivity 
  • Affordability &Tools – expanding access to technology 
  • Digital Skills Training -empowering communities with the knowledge to connect  

The organization has invested over $35 million in digital equity initiatives across South Texas which include:  

  • Building the capacity of grantee partners  
  • Expanding access to digital opportunities 
  • Advancing broadband connectivity and infrastructure  

“It is about opportunity, health, and making sure people can fully participate in today’s world.”

Eliseo Ceja, Digital Equity Coordinator 

Ceja said MHM’s efforts to advance digital equity have led to improved opportunities and outcomes, “Families have been able to get devices and training, which helps them feel more comfortable and confident using technology day to day. We have also worked alongside community organizations so they can offer things like digital navigation classes, help people apply for benefit programs, or get devices into the hands of community members.” 

The organization’s goal is to ensure communities across the service area have access to reliable and affordable broadband service; including the skills and opportunities to use technology to support their economic, health, and social needs.  

MHM utilizes a strategic alignment as an approach to accomplish targeted outcomes in its systems change and strengthen communities’ focal areas:  

MHM views collaboration as a critical component in its work to advance digital equity, “Every community has its own needs, strengths, and challenges, so listening and working with trusted local leaders is key.” Ceja said through MHM’s pursuits, team members have learned digital equity touches many parts of people’s lives, “We have seen how closely digital equity connects to healthcare, education, housing, food security, and economic mobility. When we treat it as a cross-cutting priority, the changes are stronger, and the impact lasts longer.”  

When we treat it as a cross-cutting priority, the changes are stronger, and the impact lasts longer.”  

As part of its overall commitment to advance health equity, MHM understands health and wellness begin long before individuals seek clinical care. Access to quality resources, such as technology, broadband, and digital training can improve the health and well-being of communities and disrupt the cycle of intergenerational poverty. Ceja said MHM seeks to carry out its work, “Investing in digital equity opens the door to better health, stronger education, economic mobility, and healthier communities overall. At the end of the day, the vision is for digital inclusion to be a foundation for equity and well-being so that everyone has the tools they need to thrive in a connected world.” 

To learn more about MHM’s digital equity initiative, click here.  

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Elevating Innovation: A reflection of MHM’s time at Aspen Ideas: Health 

Steven Cavazos on July 14, 2025

In bold-bright colors, the letters I-D-E-A-S stand tall amidst acres of greenery and towering mountains. The sign serves as a recognizable landmark for people who gather on the hillside for photos along the majestic backdrop; it is also a reminder of the power and potential of ideas. For over 20 years, bold and bright minds from around the world have convened at the Aspen Institute in Colorado for Aspen Ideas: Health (AIH). Despite their varying backgrounds and expertise, they each share a common goal – to elevate better health outcomes for all.  

AIH has served as a global gathering for attendees across various sectors of government, public health, and philanthropy. Visionary thinkers and doers are brought to the stage each summer to share innovative ideas surrounding obstacles related to health, medicine, and science.  

Among the 2025 list of speakers was Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. President, and CEO Jaime Wesolowski. In June, Wesolowski, along with a delegation of Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ (MHM) team members, attended the annual conference. With a mindset for continuous growth, the team spent several days attending different sessions to learn and exchange best practices with other thought leaders; fostering deeper compassion and commitment to serve the least served.  

Setting the stage for powerful perspectives and big ideas:  

On day one, prior to the official conference kick-off, Wesolowski sat down with ABC News Correspondent, John Quiñones, who was also MHM’s special guest at the conference. Quiñones served as keynote speaker for MHM’s 2025 Connection Point Kick-Off in February. It was there he spoke of his humble upbringing on San Antonio’s west side and the path he forged as a migrant worker to a career in national news and television. Quiñones’ lived experience resonated deeply with team members and reflected the resilience found within the communities MHM serves. The overall impact a person’s testimony can have on others became the central theme for the podcast discussion.  

Taking inspiration from Quiñones’ What Would You Do? series, the podcast was titled What Could You Do? The Power of Perspective. Wesolowski and Quiñones discussed the connection between storytelling and service. Wesolowski expressed the value of community perspective when it comes to creating community-led solutions. “We believe that the people closest to the challenges are the people that need to be leading the discussion.” Quiñones added, people must push past their own biases if they want to learn and collaborate with others, “They can teach you more than what your pre-conceived notions are about the community.”  

Shortly after the podcast recording, some of the MHM delegation attended the opening session for the conference, where 10 speakers shared their “big ideas” related to their fields of expertise. Marty Kaplan is the director of the Norman Lear Center, USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. He emphasized the importance of storytelling and pointed to the role social media has in building narratives around health; he said, “fostering narrative accuracy isn’t just an outreach tactic, it’s a public health intervention; let’s give it the strategy and scale it deserves.”  

Ideas inform and inspire 

On day two, before the official AIH sessions began, the delegation attended Strengthening Communities: Investing in Local Leaders and Collective Action – a panel discussion hosted by the Aspen Global Innovators Group in partnership with the McNulty Foundation. Vanessa Tobares, Director of Strategy at MHM, was on the panel. She shared how the organization has focused its efforts and resources to strengthen communities across its service area. Tobares explains why it is important to share best practices with other thought leaders, “MHM needs to have a presence to elevate our work and the work of our partners at a national level, so that we can serve as a thought partner and contribute to shifting the narrative about what it takes for communities to be healthy.” 

Follow the Money, For Good was a panel discussion hosted by MHM and moderated by Quiñones. Wesolowski was one of three panelists, which included Alyson Nieman, CEO, Mindful Philanthropy, and Dr. David Ansell, Senior Vice President for Community Health Equity, Rush University Medical Center. The topic drew interest from many AIH attendees as they learned the value of going beyond clinical care to invest in communities. Each of the panelists shared ways organizations can shift their stewardship and investment practices to advance their support across communities. “We must start our investments not where we might see more immediate impact, but where the greatest need—and sometimes fiscal risk—lies to truly be transformative in our accompaniment,” said Ansell.  

Courtesy C2 Photography

MHM later hosted a private roundtable luncheon, Food as Friend – or Foe. System change thinkers, community leaders, and health and food advocates were invited to the table to discuss food systems and their overall role in physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Attendees were greeted with a “Shot of Salud,” a green blend of healthy vegetables, fresh fruit, and fiber. Wesolowski raised his glass and shared how the concoction became a daily ritual which gave him strength during his cancer treatment and later into remission. Wesolowski credited his wife, for finding the recipe and preparing the shot for him each day. The conversation later grew into a deeper discussion about the people who prepare and cultivate food systems. Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey of the Rio Texas Conferences said, “When I think about who’s missing from the conversation; it’s my mom, my Tia and my abuela, their love language is food—and their voice matters in shaping the future of food system narratives.” 

Courtesy C2 Photography

Ideas and innovations continued to be shared during the final days of AIH. Each session and speaker illuminated the progress that has been made toward better health outcomes while acknowledging the work that still needs to be done. This exchange of best practices fueled the delegation’s passion and purpose in their own line of work and opened the door for possibilities. MHM recognizes the value of global stages, like AIH, as it allows the organization to share its journey with other thought leaders and highlight the service of its team members across the region. By building upon its strategic focus areas and forging new partnerships, MHM will continue to create a pathway toward better health outcomes; a testament to the power and potential of ideas.  

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A Call to Prayer For Those Devastated by the Flooding

DW Admin on July 7, 2025

A man took a journey to a land across the seas to a place of great tragedy and misfortune. He writes, “I did not go by ship or plane, I traveled on my knees. I saw so many people there hurting and heartbroken, and Jesus told me I should go, that there were souls to win and people to help. But I said, “Jesus, I can’t go to lands across the seas.” He answered quickly, “Yes, you can by traveling on your knees.” He said, “You pray, I’ll meet the need. You call, and I will hear. It is up to you to be concerned for people in despair and pain both far and near.” And so, I did; knelt in prayer, gave up some hours of ease, and with the Savior by my side, I traveled on my knees. As I prayed on, I saw people healed and made whole. I saw God’s workers’ strength renewed while laboring in the field. I said, “Yes Lord, I’ll take the job. Your heart I want to please. I will heed your call and swiftly go by traveling on my knees.”

Today, God is calling us to travel on our knees to those Texas communities devastated by the flooding in the last few days. I remind us that there is power in our prayers. God is moved by those of faith and who pray. Max Lucado, a Christian author, says it well, “The power of prayer is not in the one praying but in the One who hears our prayers.”

As we pray, may the book of Psalms comfort us with a promise. It says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed” (Psalm 34:18). May the prayer below be a guide to help you to travel on your knees:

Loving God, we turn to you in sorrow and concern for those who have been devastated by the recent floods. We lift up all those communities who have been affected by this tragedy, especially those along the Guadalupe River in Central Texas. We are grateful for the lives saved and for those who remain safe. We are grateful for our churches and members of our MHM family who offer shelter and hope.

 However, we are heartbroken over the devastation and the lives loss. So, we pray for your hand of protection and guidance to be upon them. We pray for comfort and strength for those who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods. We pray for those who are missing and ask that they may be found alive and safe. As the search continues, may their families find solace in your presence and the support of their community. 

May the waters subside quickly and give those communities the strength to rebuild and the hope to move forward. We pray for those working tirelessly to rescue and provide aid, for their safety and endurance. Guide our leaders to make wise decisions that will help those affected and prevent future tragedies.

God, who heals and provides peace, we know the flood waters bring pollution and toxic chemicals. As a result, in the days to come, people may experience illness. In addition, there will be others who will experience emotional trauma due to traumatic times. We pray, in the days to come, for your healing touch on those who are sick and under emotional distress. We also ask for those who are poor and the underserved find healthcare and treatment in their time of need. May your peace that surpasses all understanding fill the hearts of all who are hurting. In your mercy, hear our prayer.

With You on My Knees,
Pastor Scott Nichols
Vice President of Ministry & Mission Integration

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Capacity Building Series: The Power of Nonprofit Storytelling

Steven Cavazos on June 27, 2025

Once upon a time… we all know a great story beginning with this phrase, and it is a great example of how stories stick with us over a lifetime. 

Think of a favorite adventure from your life. This could be a favorite day, activity, work event, trip, or any situation to utilize as the framework for your story. Now consider all the details you would include to describe the story to engage your audience and give them context and a sense of your experience.

Storytelling engages the sensory cortex in the brain, which allows the audience to feel, hear, taste, and even smell your story. Neural activity increases by five times when listening to a story, and Cognitive Psychologist Jerome Bruner suggested that stories are remembered 22 times more easily than data, facts, and statistics.

There can be immense power in utilizing nonprofit storytelling to convey the mission, vision, values, and impact of your organization. There is always an amazing story to be told weaving together the origin, purpose, and outcomes that showcase a nonprofit’s mission. A well-crafted story will make the information shared more personal and prompt an emotional response in the audience, making a stronger connection to the message. 

Necessary pieces of a compelling story: 

  • relatable details 
  • expressive language 
  • a problem to solve 
  • a clear call to action

A focused effort on crafting the story of your nonprofit will allow a common message to be shared throughout the organization and beyond, garnering more support among staff, volunteers, and donors. 

Utilizing Visuals & Data 

Combining visuals with your nonprofit story is incredibly effective. Photos and videos have a way of grabbing the attention of your audience differently than words alone. People are accustomed to visuals being included in information and marketing, which makes it a necessary practice for nonprofits. Sharing visuals will connect your audience even more to the story with a picture of people, activities, and the valuable impact being made. For example, a potential donor may not remember your exact mission, but they will remember a video they saw telling the story of a local family experiencing job loss and food insecurity who found resources through your organization. 

Your nonprofit probably collects data for various needs such as grant reporting and tracking outcomes. This rich data can be used to make your storytelling even stronger. Data can be put into charts or graphs to create a clear visual to accompany your story, and there are also many programs you can use to create infographics. 

Canva is an online graphic design tool with many premade templates, including infographic templates, and they offer a nonprofit discount giving you access to Canva Pro for FREE! Additional tools to create graphics are Infogram, Google Data Studio, Tableau, and many others. Put your good data to use in your storytelling! 

Empowering Advocates & Inspiring Action 

With good storytelling, your nonprofit can inform, inspire, and catalyze the audience to take action to support your organization. Empowering advocates to tell your nonprofit story is a way of amplifying the message being shared, and building essential connections with your community, volunteers, board members, funders, and donors.

Storytelling traditions have existed across generations and can both identify and uplift community values. Participatory storytelling can be utilized as a strengths-based approach to co-creating stories involving specific examples from clients and within communities being served.Client testimonials add incredible value to your storytelling and give life to facts and information about the organization’s accomplishments.

Strong storytelling is a powerful tool for nonprofits to connect with donors, build trust, and demonstrate impact, ultimately leading to increased fundraising and donor retention. Creating an emotional connection with donors, volunteers, and the community with a great story will help people remember your cause and may be a great entry point to build stakeholders for your organization. 

Tell the world your WHY! 

· Free, on-demand training from Candid.org about how to use a simple storytelling framework to enhance the clarity of digital communications, create a digital communication strategy, and identify the most effective social media platforms: https://learning.candid.org/digital-storytelling-to-inspire-and-attract-funders/293214/scorm/2qqct3nq4yicr

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Methodist Healthcare Ministries Invests $214 Million to Broaden the Definition of Health Care Across Texas 

Teno Villarreal on June 26, 2025

(San Antonio, TX, June 20, 2025) – In 2025, Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) is investing nearly $214 million to advance health equity, strengthen communities and drive systemic change across its 74-county service area. This amount includes funding for direct services, community investments, the development of community partnerships, and advocacy initiatives that create a more level playing field for individuals to thrive. The organization’s 2025 commitment represents an increase of 18 percent from its 2024 investment.  

The $213.6 million commitment reflects a strategic focus on advancing health equity, the framework of thought and action guiding the organization’s efforts to address systemic inequities and socio-economic barriers that keep people from living their healthiest lives.

“This investment captures the different ways MHM is advancing health equity across our 74-county service area, so more people and communities have an opportunity to thrive and reach their fullest potential for health and life,” said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries.

MHM allocates this investment across various key areas of operations, which include grants, strategic operating initiatives, direct services, and administrative costs that support these areas. This allocation ensures the organization delivers on its mission, vision, and strategy effectively. To ensure its investment has the highest level of community impact, MHM has consistently kept its administrative expenses below 15%, which is required to receive the highest possible score from Charity Navigator for analysis.

Grantmaking:

For 2025, MHM has apportioned $62.5 million to over 185 nonprofit organizations and municipalities. This funding includes $35.6 million in new grants awarded in 2025 through a new open grant cycle MHM initiated in 2024. MHM has made a commitment to support thriving people and places, including supporting organizations that address vital conditions, or the properties and conditions across places that everyone needs to reach their full potential for health and life.

MHM aims to help create and sustain healthy communities by supporting grant recipients addressing one of the following priority areas: access to care, mental and behavioral health; digital equity; food security; housing; education and workforce development. MHM’s grantmaking strives to deepen collaborative efforts, incentivize quality health outcomes, leverage and strengthen health care delivery systems, and promote sustainable systems change. Twenty percent of the grantees this year are first-time recipients. 

An example of MHM’s support for its grantees is evidenced by its support of Alpha Home and Prosumers International, two nonprofit organizations each focused on providing mental and behavioral health care services to patient populations in need of support. 

Alpha Home, a nonprofit organization based in San Antonio providing spiritually-based drug and alcohol treatment services and support to individuals, has been an MHM grantee since 2023. This year, they received $500 thousand to help renovate a 25,000 sq. ft living facility to deliver rehabilitation treatment and case management services for its clients.  

“Recovery should never be out of reach,” said Bill Bailey, President and CEO of Cenikor. “With Alpha Home joining the Cenikor family and support from the Methodist Healthcare Ministries grant, we are taking a bold step to expand from 36 to 80 beds with a new facility. We will also have residential services for men and woman. This strengthens our continuum of care in Bexar County and helps more individuals and families thrive.” 

Prosumers International is a first-time grantee, receiving $70,000 in 2025 to expand its Peer Run Warmline, to provide ongoing training for peer support specialists, and to continue outreach efforts that can increase usage in South Texas. “Because of the MHM grant, we have been able to keep our program in McAllen up and running and we are working to expand the bilingual Peer Run Warmline in collaboration with Hope Family Health Center, an MHM grant recipient from a previous cycle,” said Anna H. Gray, Executive Director of Prosumers International. “It is hard to express in words the impact MHM is having for Prosumers International.”

Strategic Initiatives:

In addition to the annual funding provided by MHM’s Community Investments team to grantees, MHM has allocated nearly $27 million toward strategic initiatives that amplify its overall strategic goals of removing systemic barriers to well-being and improving community-level conditions across its service area. 

These include previously announced initiatives that continue into 2025, such as the South Texas Safe Water Project, the San Antonio GOALS Initiative, the American Cancer Society Methodist Healthcare Ministries Hope Lodge, and the Community Health Accelerator launched with VelocityTX, among others. Each initiative seeks to address vital conditions and root causes of poverty and health inequities that impact the health and well-being of people and communities across Texas. Together with new initiatives to be announced later in 2025 that address food security, economic mobility, rural health and digital equity, these efforts represent MHM’s continued efforts to broaden the definition of health care to address the social and systemic factors that impact individual and community health. 

Direct Services

Creating access to care through the provision of clinical services has always been key to the organization’s mission. MHM operates two San Antonio-based primary health care clinics (Wesley Health & Wellness Center and Dixon Health & Wellness Center) and one school-based health center (George Ricks School-Based Health Center at Schertz Elementary). The clinics address the needs of low-income families and the uninsured by providing services at no cost or on a sliding fee scale. The health care services MHM provides are a cornerstone of its charitable purpose of creating access to care. 

Additionally, MHM offers health care services and programs throughout its 74-county service area including community counseling services, community health worker program, Get FIT prevention program, parenting support groups and care coordination, and referrals through its Wesley Nurse program. 

Since inception, 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.  

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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. 

Methodist Healthcare Ministries invierte $214 millones para

ampliar la definición de lo que significa la atención sanitaria en Texas

(San Antonio, TX, 20 de junio de 2025) – En 2025, Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) invertirá casi $214 millones para promover la equidad en la salud, fortalecer las comunidades e impulsar un cambio sistémico en los 74 condados en los que presta sus servicios. Esta cantidad incluye la financiación de servicios directos, inversiones en la comunidad, el desarrollo de colaboraciones comunitarias e iniciativas de apoyo a la comunidad que crean condiciones más equitativas para que las personas puedan prosperar. El compromiso de la organización para 2025 representa un aumento del 18% con respecto a su inversión de 2024.  

El compromiso de $213.6 millones refleja un enfoque estratégico en el avance de la equidad en la salud, el marco de pensamiento y acción que guía los esfuerzos de la organización para abordar las inequidades sistémicas y las barreras socioeconómicas que impiden a las personas llevar una vida más saludable.  

“Esta inversión refleja las diferentes formas en que MHM está promoviendo la equidad en la salud en los 74 condados en los que prestamos servicio, para que más personas y comunidades tengan la oportunidad de prosperar y alcanzar su máximo potencial en materia de salud y vida”, afirmó Jaime Wesolowski, presidente y director ejecutivo de Methodist Healthcare Ministries.

MHM destina esta inversión a diversas áreas clave de sus operaciones, entre las que se incluyen subvenciones, iniciativas operativas estratégicas, servicios directos y gastos administrativos que respaldan estas áreas. Esta asignación garantiza que la organización cumpla su misión, visión y estrategia de manera eficaz. Para garantizar que su inversión tenga el mayor impacto posible en la comunidad, MHM ha mantenido constantemente sus gastos administrativos por debajo del 15%, lo que es necesario para obtener la máxima puntuación posible en el análisis de Charity Navigator.

Concesión de subvenciones: 

Para 2025, MHM ha asignado $62.5 millones a más de 185 organizaciones sin fines de lucro y municipios. Esta financiación incluye $35.6 millones en nuevas subvenciones concedidas en 2025 a través de un nuevo ciclo de subvenciones abiertas que MHM inició en 2024. MHM se ha comprometido a apoyar a las personas y los lugares prósperos, lo que incluye el apoyo a organizaciones que se ocupan de condiciones vitales, o de las propiedades y condiciones de los lugares que todos necesitan para alcanzar su pleno potencial en materia de salud y vida.

MHM tiene como objetivo ayudar a crear y mantener comunidades saludables mediante el apoyo a los beneficiarios de las subvenciones que abordan una de las siguientes áreas prioritarias: acceso a la salud, salud mental y conductual; equidad digital; seguridad alimentaria; vivienda; educación y desarrollo de la fuerza laboral. Las subvenciones de MHMse esfuerzan por profundizar los esfuerzos de colaboración, incentivar resultados de salud de calidad, aprovechar y fortalecer los sistemas de prestación de atención médica y promover un cambio sostenible en los sistemas. El veinte por ciento de los beneficiarios de este año son receptores por primera vez.

Un ejemplo del apoyo que MHM brinda a sus beneficiarios es el respaldo que ofrece a Alpha Home y Prosumers International, dos organizaciones sin fines de lucro dedicadas a proporcionar servicios de salud mental y conductual a pacientes que necesitan apoyo.

Alpha Home, una organización sin ánimo de lucro con sede en San Antonio que ofrece servicios de tratamiento de la adicción a las drogas y el alcohol basados en la espiritualidad, así como apoyo a las personas, es beneficiaria de MHMdesde 2023. Este año, ha recibido $500,000 para ayudar a renovar unas instalaciones de 2300 pies cuadrados destinadas a ofrecer tratamiento de rehabilitación y servicios de administración de casos a sus clientes.

“La recuperación nunca debe estar fuera del alcance de nadie”, afirmó Bill Bailey, presidente y director ejecutivo de Cenikor. “Con la incorporación de Alpha Home a la familia Cenikor y el apoyo de la subvención de Methodist Healthcare Ministries, estamos dando un paso audaz para ampliar de 36 a 80 camas con una nueva instalación. También ofreceremos servicios residenciales para hombres y mujeres. Esto refuerza nuestra continuidad asistencial en el condado de Bexar y ayuda a más personas y familias a prosperar” 

Prosumers International es una organización que recibe una subvención por primera vez, con $70,000 en 2025 para ampliar su línea de ayuda Peer Run Warmline, para proporcionar formación continua a los especialistas que apoyan a personas con necesidades similares y continuar con las iniciativas de alcance que pueden aumentar su uso en el sur de Texas. “Gracias a la subvención de MHM, hemos podido mantener en funcionamiento nuestro programa en McAllen y estamos trabajando para ampliar la línea de ayuda Peer Run Warmline bilingüe en colaboración con Hope Family Health Center, beneficiario de una subvención de MHM en un ciclo anterior,” afirmó Anna H. Gray, directora ejecutiva de Prosumers International. “Es difícil expresar con palabras el impacto que MHM está teniendo en Prosumers International.”

Iniciativas estratégicas:

Además de la financiación anual que el equipo de Inversiones Comunitarias de MHM proporciona a los beneficiarios, MHM ha destinado casi $27 millones a iniciativas estratégicas que amplían sus objetivos estratégicos generales de eliminar las barreras sistémicas al bienestar y mejorar las condiciones a nivel comunitario en toda su área de servicio.

Entre ellas se incluyen iniciativas anunciadas anteriormente que continuarán en 2025, como el Proyecto de Agua Potable del Sur de Texas,  la Iniciativa GOALS de San Antonio, el Hope Lodge de Methodist Healthcare Ministries de la Sociedad Americana del Cáncer, y el Community Health Accelerator lanzado junto con VelocityTX, entre otras. Cada iniciativa busca abordar las condiciones vitales y las causas fundamentales de la pobreza y las inequidades en materia de salud que afectan a la salud y el bienestar de las personas y las comunidades de Texas. Junto con las nuevas iniciativas que se anunciarán a finales de 2025 y que abordarán la seguridad alimentaria, la movilidad económica, la salud rural y equidad digital, estos esfuerzos representan los continuos esfuerzos de MHM por ampliar la definición de atención sanitaria para abordar los factores sociales y sistémicos que afectan a la salud individual y comunitaria.

Servicios directos

Crear acceso a la atención médica mediante la prestación de servicios clínicos siempre ha sido clave para la misión de la organización. MHM opera dos clínicas de atención médica primaria en San Antonio (Wesley Health & Wellness Center y Dixon Health & Wellness Center) y un centro de salud escolar (George Ricks School-Based Health Center en Schertz Elementary). Las clínicas atienden las necesidades de las familias con bajos ingresos y sin seguro médico, prestando servicios gratuitos o con tarifas variables en función de los ingresos. Los servicios de atención médica que presta MHM son la base de su objetivo benéfico de facilitar el acceso a la atención médica.

Además, MHM ofrece servicios y programas de atención médica en toda su área de servicio, que abarca 74 condados, incluyendo servicios de consejería a la comunidad, un programa de promotores de la salud comunitarios, el programa de prevención Get FIT, grupos de apoyo para padres y coordinación de la atención, y referencias médicas a través de su programa Wesley Nurse.

Desde su creación, Methodist Healthcare Ministries ha proporcionado más de $1.66 mil millones en servicios de atención médica a través de sus programas clínicos, así como a través de asociaciones, y es una de las mayores fuentes de financiación privada para la atención médica comunitaria de familias con bajos ingresos y personas sin seguro médico en el sur de Texas.

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Acerca de Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries amplía la definición de lo que significa la atención médica al brindar atención clínica de bajo costo a quienes no tienen seguro y al apoyar los esfuerzos dirigidos por la comunidad que mejoran las condiciones de vida que causan que las personas se enfermen en primer lugar. Utilizamos nuestras ganancias como copropietarios de Methodist Healthcare para garantizar que las personas económicamente desfavorecidas y sin seguro puedan vivir una vida más saludable. Lo hacemos defendiendo, invirtiendo y brindando acceso a atención clínica de calidad y abordando los factores que afectan la salud, incluida la movilidad económica, las relaciones de apoyo, la seguridad alimentaria, el acceso a banda ancha y los vecindarios seguros. En última instancia, cumplimos nuestra misión de “Servir a la humanidad para honrar a Dios” promoviendo la equidad en salud para que las personas y familias más resilientes que viven en los 74 condados a los que servimos puedan prosperar.

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Matters of the Mind: Upcoming Mental Health Event Brings Tools and Resources to the Community 

Steven Cavazos on April 25, 2025

Everyone feels and expresses their emotions differently; people are unique in how they reflect, process, or even suppress their feelings. It’s natural to experience a wide range of emotions and expressions. However, not understanding them can be harmful to our well-being. 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) recognizes the importance of providing educational resources to the community. The upcoming Nurturing Our Well-Being: A Celebration of Mental Health will bring together a variety of tools and experts at the Dixon Health & Wellness Center. 

The event is free and open to the public and will include a produce market, live music, and a baila class. In addition, there will be several activities that are focused on well-being such as breathing exercises, drum circles, and chair yoga. 

Team members from MHM’s Behavioral Health department explain that mental health challenges are more common than many realize—but a lack of understanding can lead to deeper issues that may impact future generations. 

The Silent Struggle: 

Click image to enlarge.
https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/
Click image to enlarge.
https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/

Mental health illness affects millions of Americans and their everyday lives.  

Numbers at a Glance

  • 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year 
  • 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year 
  • 1 in 6 U.S. youth deal with mental health disorders There are several types of mental health conditions that affect people differently and the way they relate to others.

There are several types of mental health conditions that affect people differently and the way they relate to others.1 

Common Conditions

  • Anxiety Disorders 
  • Bipolar Disorder 
  • Depression 

  • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

  • Borderline Personality Disorder

From Struggle to Support: 

There are many symptoms and signs linked to mental illness—from constant worrying and substance abuse to physical pain, such as headaches and stomach aches. 2 

MHM Regional & Clinical Counseling Manager, Leslie Frazier, explains how these symptoms can affect various aspects of life, “Mental illness can impact several parts of a person’s life, from stress that leads to headaches, to irritability that leads to anger. The struggles in our mind have physical impacts on our daily life.” 

“The struggles in our mind have physical impacts on our daily life.” 

Leslie Frazier, MHM Regional & Clinical Counseling Manager

However, people may not always recognize when something is wrong, or they may not know where to look for answers. Celina Gonzalez, Behavioral Health Supervisor reminds others, “We are here to help and find possible solutions.” 

MHM’s Behavioral Health Department provides bilingual services at its San Antonio based clinics; the Wesley Health & Wellness Center and Dixon Health &Wellness Center, including parts of its 74-county service area:

Explore Our Services

  • One-to-one counseling 
  • Group counseling 
  • Educational case management 
  • Resource support 
https://www.mhm.org/our-work/programs-services/

The Path to Recovery and Resilience: 

Although mental health challenges can lead to feelings of isolation, Frazier reminds people they do not have to suffer in silence, “We want anyone feeling mental strain or illness to know that they are seen and that there are so many people and professionals available.” By raising awareness in the community, individuals and families can be equipped with the knowledge and resources that can be both life-changing and lifesaving. 

Gonzalez believes the upcoming event will be an opportunity to strengthen community bonds and instill healing and hope, “It is our hope that everyone feels the embrace of our organization and that they feel safe and supported as they journey through nurturing their well-being.” 

“It is our hope that everyone feels the embrace of our organization and that they feel safe and supported as they journey through nurturing their well-being.” 

Celina Gonzalez, MHM Behavioral Health Supervisor
Click image to enlarge.

Each person’s experience with mental health is different, and it’s not uncommon to sometimes feel alone. These silent struggles often stem from stigma, which is fueled by misconceptions or feelings of shame surrounding mental health. This is why community events play such an important role in showing that support and solidarity are all around us. Through open conversations, people can realize there is help—and that hope is always possible. 

MHM is committed to its core mission of “Serving Humanity to Honor God,” and will continue to offer accessible resources that aim to lift people up in mind, body, and spirit. By connecting the community with helpful tools and knowledgeable experts, people can begin to shift from outdated stigmas toward a sense of empowerment and strength. 

Click image to enlarge.

Nurturing Our Well-Being: A Celebration of Mental Health will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 17 at the Dixon Health & Wellness Center. For more information on the event, [click here]. 

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Capacity Building Series: Board Member Engagement – Relationship Mapping

DW Admin on March 13, 2025

See our previous blog on Growing Board Fundraising Engagement

Prospective Donors (Find, Cultivate, Maintain, and Retain Relationships) 

Finding new donors can be difficult: knowing where to start, where to look, how to find them. If you start with who you already know and those who are already passionate about and invested in your mission, then they can lead you to potential donors. A great place to start is with your current board members who have a responsibility to contribute to fundraising.

Why Lean on Your Board’s Relationships? 

Board members are already advocates because they know about the mission and work and are likely current donors. Who better to help you find and cultivate new donors? 

What is Relationship Mapping? 

It’s mapping out who your board members know, or the connections and relationships they have. The focus should be on people or businesses board members have potential influence with and determine who could potentially benefit your organization’s mission. 

Relationship mapping tracks these connections to provide data to help: 

  • Identify potential champions and advocates of your mission (e.g. volunteers) 
  • Expand your marketing 
  • Evaluate the potential for campaigns 
  • Secure corporate sponsors/partners 
  • Raise money 

How to Introduce Relationship Mapping to Board Members 

This can be a delicate process. Be mindful that many people hesitate to offer up people they know will be asked for donations. Ask them why they joined the board and chose to support your organization. Then remind them their support is crucial in meeting your goals, accomplishing your mission, and serving your community. 

Help them tap into the emotion that led them to become involved in your organization in the first place. Help them get more comfortable with the idea of expanding their circle of influence and ask for their help with it. Show them you will walk alongside each other in the journey and work together. 

Next, be sure to communicate clearly about the goal—whether it’s finding raffle items for an event or donors for a capital campaign—so you can be specific about who or what you’re looking for. For example, small business owners who can donate items to be raffled off or corporate leaders who could potentially approve major gifts. The relationship with your donors can be mutually beneficial, so consider sharing how this donation can benefit them as well such as special events or business marketing through sponsorships. 

If you have few or limited donors, try having board members map out as many contacts in their circle of influence as they can, such as from: 

  • Social circles 
  • Other nonprofits they’re board members of 
  • Business connections 
  • Alumni groups or organizations 
  • Faith-based groups or churches 

Be sure to have them provide more than just names. You’ll want to have a profile of each person, so you know more about them and how to approach them. You might ask them to include how they’re connected with each person, what their interests and passions are, perhaps their giving history and priorities, how they prefer to interact or be contacted, and of course, their contact information. In many cases, people will prefer to hear directly from someone they’re already connected with, but these profiles can help make approaching their contacts easier for board members or for your staff. 

What a Relationship Map Looks Like 

Your finished map should be a visual diagram of circles and lines that connect each board member to the people in their circles of influence and looks a bit like this:

Courtesy: givingusa.org

Source: https://givingusa.org/board-engagement-mapping-your-board-for-fundraising-success/ 

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Beyond the Boardroom: An MHM Journey through the Rio Grande Valley

Steven Cavazos on March 12, 2025

Since 2020, Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) has pursued a strategic journey to advance health equity across its 74-county service area. The organization has deepened its commitment to prioritize listening to and learning from various people with lived experience, which has led to significant strides in its journey. MHM walks alongside these individuals and families as they collaborate and seek solutions to improve the health and well-being of their communities. To continue this empowering engagement, MHM’s Board of Directors travelled to the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) in February. MHM’s Board sought to further their knowledge of the places and people the organization serves; throughout the week they met with local grantees, regional team members, and various community leaders and members. The trip served as an opportunity to see the impact MHM has made in the area and foster a deeper understanding of the disparities that still exist and the resilience that has formed. 

A Broader Perspective of the RGV: 

A colonia neighborhood in Hidalgo County.

The RGV is one of MHM’s most populated service areas and is found in the southernmost tip of Texas. Over 1.3 million people reside in the RGV, with most of the population being Hispanic.1 The region is made up of four counties: Starr County, Hidalgo County, Cameron County, and Willacy County. Palm trees sprawl across dozens of adjoining cities and towns, each with unique characteristics and commonalties in culture. There is a blended dialogue of English and Spanish and generations of deep cultural traditions and values that dictate a strong sense of family, faith and resilience. Despite the growth of the RGV, the region continues to combat systemic inequities that disproportionately impact the well-being of economically disadvantaged individuals and families. Rural parts of the RGV lack access to nearby hospitals, grocery stores, and even libraries. Closer to the Texas-Mexico border are rural subdivisions referred to as ‘colonias’. These neighborhoods are commonly found in unincorporated areas and many households have a mixed immigration status.2  The journey to the RGV led the Board to several of these places where the group experienced firsthand how these factors have contributed to generations of health inequities and injustices. 

Stories of Resilient Residents:

MHM board member, Susan Hellums listens to colonia resident.

The MHM delegation first travelled from San Antonio to Hidalgo County – where most colonias are situated.3 The trip began with a stop at McAllen First United Methodist Church (FUMC) where the BOD also held their monthly meeting. Susan Hellums is a local board member who lives in McAllen; she welcomed the group and prepared them for their journey, “I’m excited for them to meet the people and see what’s off the beaten road and see what the valley is really like.” Hellums has served on MHM’s BOD for seven years, she underscored the importance of going beyond the board room to gain a broader perspective of communities, “People want to learn; they want to see what they are working for.”  

ARISE Adelante South Tower location.

The BOD travelled from McAllen FUMC to ARISE Adelante in the city of Alamo. For over 30 years, the non-profit organization has promoted the personal development and empowerment of immigrants living in the RGV through resources, education, and support. The BOD arrived at the non-profit’s South Tower location which is based in a colonia. The building brightly stands out with its green exterior and logo of a sun rising over a hill, a symbolic illustration for a brighter future.

The BOD met with ARISE staff and members of MHM’s South Texas Community Council, who serve as a regional voice for the organization. Raymond Howard has served on MHM’s Community Council since 2022, “It’s important for leaders to see and understand from a personal perspective what people are dealing with and for communities to recognize they have a strong voice to influence the thinking with those that are in partnership with them.”

ARISE staff shared their experience working in colonias where residents navigate various barriers such as poor infrastructure, limited lighting, and access to care. The organization collaborates with colonia residents to build leadership capacity in the community and create a safer atmosphere as they work toward solutions.  

Colonia resident shares her testimony with visiting delegation.

The BOD divided into separate groups and were introduced to colonia residents from the area. One group gathered under a small pavilion, where a woman shared her testimony. She and her husband came from the state of Hidalgo, Mexico and have lived in a colonia for over 20 years. Her husband was dealing with serious health issues and she tearfully expressed how she must navigate through transportation barriers to get him to medical appointments. Despite her concerns, she remained steadfast in her faith and grateful for the support and community she found with ARISE. She asked the group to pray for her husband’s health before they departed; MHM BOD, Reverend Dr. Robert Lopez offered to lead them in prayer. He expressed the importance of standing in solidarity with one another, “Praying is a form of hope. It’s important to hear the person’s story; this is a person with a husband who has medical issues and should be treated with dignity. This woman was very brave to share her story.”  

“This is a person with a husband who has medical issues and should be treated with dignity.”

Reverend Dr. Robert Lopez, MHM BOARD MEMBER

Warning signs point to risks associated with fish.

To further their knowledge of the region, the BOD travelled to Donna Lake located south of the city of Donna. At first sight, the lake appears picture-perfect, but nearby signs paint a different image. Although the lake is a source of drinking water and irrigation to nearby areas, ARISE staff explained there are risks associated with the fish in the water, which reportedly contain traces of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).4 Although physical signs pointed to the dangers of consuming fish, the water is often used as a source for recreational fishing and a way for residents to still provide for their families.  

Deepening Knowledge and Connection:

The next morning began at La Unión de Pueblo Entero (LUPE), an organization that was started by labor rights activists, César E. Chávez and Dolores Huerta in 1989. The BOD travelled to LUPE’s headquarters in the city of San Juan to learn about the organization’s ranging services. The staff explained how they assist people with social services and English classes to fighting deportation and pushing for adequate streetlights and drainage systems in colonias. The BOD later travelled to a nearby colonia where progress was being made.

Board members listen and learn from colonia residents.

Board members from the national nonprofit organization, Grantmakers in Health (GIH) had previously toured the colonia with a delegation of MHM team members in March 2024. At the time residents shared their concerns over flooding and the muddied road which laid the path to their homes. However, steps were taken to fix the poorly paved road which is now easier to navigate. There was also anticipation for a future park that would be built nearby; a place for recreation and congregation.  However, residents and advocates are still working toward public lighting and proper drainage for the colonia. One woman has lived in the area for over 30 years with her family, she said the progress gives her hope. The BOD travelled to another community where residents navigate a range of similar adversities. Although both colonias experience a unique set of challenges, residents share a common strength. Dr. Rudyard Hilliard has served on MHM’s BOD for over a year, “What inspires me most is the dignity of people and their passion. It inspires me to do more. It’s important to make a connection to the people we are serving.”  

“What inspires me most is the dignity of people and their passion. It inspires me to do more.”

Dr. Rudyard Hilliard, MHM BOARD MEMBER
MHM delegation visit with staff from El Milagro Clinic.

The BOD later toured El Milagro Clinic, in the city of McAllen. The clinic is a MHM grantee focused on providing various services that include disease prevention, primary and behavioral health care services to patients. The BOD learned how the clinic goes beyond its doors and into rural communities in the form of a mobile clinic. El Milagro Clinic also serves as a network of nutrition and includes a stocked food pantry that patients can access. The day ended with a gathering of regional MHM team members who shared the stories of their communities. The BOD met with Wesley Nurses, Community Health Workers, and Community Counselors to hear about their experiences working with various individuals and families in the area.  The exchange of insights and information helped the BOD piece together the unique challenges and strengths that make up the RGV. 

The Rural Reality:

Willacy County

On the final day of their trip the BOD ventured to the community of Raymondville in Willacy County. Although it is just an hour away from Hidalgo County there is a stark contrast between the two regions. The population is much smaller, with just over 20,000 people who reside across a rural backdrop.6 The BOD met with Angela Gonzalez who is the Wesley Nurse in the area. Gonzalez works out of Raymondville Methodist Church which also serves as a food pantry to the county. She brings food from the church’s pantry to a nearby community center in the town of LaSara. The community center is a place for residents to connect with various resources and build bonds with one another. The BOD met with residents to hear their testimonies and challenges of living in a rural community. Some residents pointed to the lack of nearby jobs and long commutes to hospitals and grocery stores. Although they each expressed a desire for the town to grow, they also shared their joys of living in a tight-knit community.  

LaSara residents meet with various MHM leaders.

Ashley Landers has served as a BOD for four years and is the current vice-chair of mission. She believes in the importance of going into the communities, “When you’re in a boardroom it’s like you’re doing business and when you’re visiting the people you, serve it changes from business to individuals.” By witnessing and learning from others, Landers believes more progress can be made in MHM’s journey, “It’s the way you operate with your decision making – driven by empathy and emotional connection to people. When you can do these types of trips that comes to the forefront, and I think makes you a better board member.” 

“When you’re visiting the people you, serve it changes from business to individuals.”

ashely landers, mhm board vice-chair of mission

The Journey Forward: 

As their trip to the RGV came to an end, the BOD gained a new perspective of the region. By experiencing and learning from others, the BOD can continue to make impactful decisions. Each community the BOD visited is a piece to MHM’s purpose. Although residents experience a mix of problems there is also partnership and perseverance. MHM understands the value of walking alongside communities as it seeks to fully live out its mission, “Serving Humanity to Honor God”. Although inequities persist, the work to improve the wellness of the least served will continue.  

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Jaime Wesoloski

President & Chief Executive Officer

Jaime Wesolowski is the President and Chief Executive Officer at Methodist Healthcare Ministries. A healthcare executive with three decades of leadership experience, Jaime is responsible for the overall governance and direction of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. Jaime earned his Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from Xavier University, and his Bachelor’s of Science from Indiana University in Healthcare Administration. As a cancer survivor, Jaime is a staunch supporter of the American Cancer Society. He serves as Chair of the American Cancer Society’s South Texas Area board of directors and he was appointed as Chair to the recently created South Region Advisory Cabinet, covering eight states from Arizona through Alabama. Jaime believes his personal experience as a cancer survivor has given him more defined insight and compassion to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their families.