Blog – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

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 digital equity initiative.

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.”

Strengthening Communities

Steven Cavazos on October 9, 2025

TRANSFORMING INTERNAL PROCESSES & CULTURE – EMPOWERING EMPLOYEES

In 2024, Methodist Healthcare Ministries introduced a new Volunteer Time Off (VTO) program. This supports team members as they engage in volunteer activities that enhance and serve the communities in which we live and work, support communities that are impacted by disasters, and address the issues that impact quality of life. The VTO program allows team members to take up to 16 hours of paid time each year for volunteer work performed during regular business hours.

Catalina Schultze-Kraft, Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ Director of Regional Nursing and Wellness Programs, recently spearheaded a group VTO opportunity at Gardopia Gardens, a non-profit that addresses health disparities in a high-crime corridor on the the near-Eastside of San Antonio. As a member of Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ Food Equity and Security Team (FEAST), she recognized Gardopia’s transformative work with food systems and community education.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ Catalina Schultze-Kraft and Gardopia Gardens Founder & CEO Stephen Lucke shares a conversation in the Gardenia chicken coop about Methodist Healthcare Ministires’ Volunteer Time Off program.

Organizing the event organically, Catalina saw a clear need for guidance on how to utilize the VTO benefit. “We have this amazing benefit, but a lot of people are not quite sure how to use it or where to go.” By leveraging her existing connections through FEAST, she made it easy for her colleagues to participate. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with diverse teams eagerly joining.

“I see VTO as a chance to build relationships in a more human way with organizations doing powerful work in our communities,” Catalina says. She emphasizes that the VTO opportunities are tied to Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ systemic change areas: food security, digital equity and economic mobility. “Many of these groups rely on volunteers and this is how Methodist Healthcare Ministries gives through our people, not just our dollars.”

Catalina notes that VTO helps team members “connect to strategies we do not always get to see up close, learn from others, and be part of the change we are aiming for.” It also serves as an opportunity to build relationships across departments, particularly for teams like Information Technology, Finance, and Accounting, who – despite being critical to the mission – rarely get firsthand experience of the impact.

While the physical labor at Gardopia was demanding – volunteers were “dirty; we laughed; our bodies ached” – the experience was deeply rewarding. Catalina observed an engaged and curious group, asking questions, and having fun.

“I hope they felt what I felt, more connected to each other and happy to be part of the work we are doing at Methodist Healthcare Ministries.”

“I see VTO as a chance to build relationships in a more human way with organizations doing powerful work in our communities.”
– Catalina schultze-kraft director of Regional nursing and wellness programs

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.

Bridging the Digital Divide

Steven Cavazos on October 7, 2025

SYSTEMIC CHANGE IMPACT – DIGITAL EQUITY

In South Texas, digital equity is not a luxury – it’s a lifeline. From a mother earning her GED online, to a son attending virtual college prep workshops, to a grandparent managing their health through a patient portal, generations of families across South Texas are accessing networks of opportunities as part of Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ digital equity initiative.

MHM Digital Equity Partner and Chief Technology Strategist serves as director of Digital Ambassadors and IDRA Youth TechXperts.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries has invested nearly $30 million to expand digital and broadband services by supporting strategic, community-driven partnerships across South Texas. One innovative program is the Youth Digital Opportunity Labs, a product of the collaboration among the Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA), Institute for Local-Self Reliance (ILSR), digitalLift (formally Community Tech Network), and Compudopt.

The labs provide students in the Rio Grande Valley and San Antonio with hands-on exposure to broadband infrastructure and introduces them careers in broadband and technology sectors – areas critical to the region’s future.

Michelle M. Vega, Chief Technology Strategist with IDRA, explains that, “Through the MHM-funded Digital Ambassadors programs, IDRA is equipping students, not only with STEM education and workforces training, but with the confidence to lead and serve. These young leaders are learning valuable digital skills – and just as importantly, they’re using that knowledge uplift their communities. When students seem themselves in STEM, they don’t just imagine futures – they help to create them for everyone around them.”

A Partnership for Health and Life

Steven Cavazos on October 7, 2025

POLICY & ADVOCACY IMPACT – REMOVING LEGAL BARRIERS

Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ Medical-Legal Partnership program integrates legal professionals into our clinics to help patients overcome non-medical challenges – like housing insecurity, wrongful denial of benefits, or debt disputes – that can worsen health conditions.

Working alongside Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, the Medical-Legal Partnership team helps patients resolve these issues so they can focus on getting well.

Juanita meets with Robert Hil from Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ Medical-Legal Partnership program.

For 82-year old Juanita, a dental patient at the Wesley Health & Wellness Center, that legal help came at a critical time. After major neck surgery that left her temporarily paralyzed, she relied on a home health aid for basic care. Then, due to a Medicare agency error, those services were suddenly terminated. At the same time, she was struggling to afford rent, living with her daughter, and trying to qualify for Section 8 housing assistance – only to be denied twice.

“They took my [home health] aide away. I didn’t know what to do,” Juanita recalls. “Everywhere I went I couldn’t get help. I had to move in with my daughter because of how expensive everything became. They denied me housing – twice. That’s when I went o MHM. And you help me a lot.”

Our Medical-Legal Partnership team stepped in on two fronts. They disputed the wrongful termination of her Medicare services and won, reinstating her home health services. They also helped her secure a Qualified Medicare Beneficiary subsidy, saving her $185 a month on premiums.

Separately, they challenged her housing denial. The local housing authority had cited an old $1,000 debt to a former landlord as grounds for rejection. The Medical-Legal Partnership team argued that the debt was too old to be used against her, and the housing officials eventually conceded.

While Juanita remains on the city’s two-year housing waitlist, the legal victory removed a major barrier to her application.

Her health remains fragile – she lives with chronic pain and recently suffered a heart attack – with home healthcare services reinstated, she feels supported. “Now my provider, my nurse, comes every week and everything is beautiful,” she says.

Juanita’s gratitude for the program is deep. “It made me feel good because I couldn’t do anything,” she reflects. “But I went [to the Wesley Health & Wellness Center] and they helped me with my teeth and my life. I’m fine. I’m grateful. I’ve very grateful.”

She also wants other in her community to know they don’t have to struggle alone. “Go in and visit them for the things you need. Pick up the phone, make a call…they will help you out. Health, legal, whatever you need.”

Her message for the MLP team is simple, “God bless them and for them to help other people. Keep on going. Keep going.”

Restoring Health and Renewing Hope

Steven Cavazos on October 7, 2025

GRANTMAKING IMPACT – GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT

In the heart of Bandera, the Arthur Nagel Community Clinic has been a beacon of care for more than a decade, offering quality health services to those who otherwise might go without. For Executive Director Chuck Lutke, the clinic’s mission is summed up in its simple but profound tagline: Restoring Health. Renewing Hope.

“What the phrase represents,” Lutke explains, “is that our clinic is here to restore physical and mental health to all people who qualify for our services – ages 12 and up = regardless of their ability to pay, ethnicity, race, creed, or citizenship. In restoring their health, we also give them reason to hope, because we are people who genuinely care about them and will be here when they need us.”

Executive Director Chuck Lutke tends the community garden at Arthur Nagel Community Clinic, where MHM’S cornerstone grant helps restore health and renew hope for Bandera residents through compassionate care, health education, and essential services for all who need them.

But for Lutke, healing goes beyond medical treatment. “We are cadre of providers and administrators whose work is based in science, reason, and evidence. We don’t heal anybody – science does that. A big part of our work is education and helping patients understand what healthy living can and will do for them. We help them make informed decisions that my ultimately alter the course of their life and others for generations.”

MORE THAN JUST A GRANT

Support from Methodist Healthcare Ministries has been critical in sustaining and expanding this impact. As one of the clinic’s largest funders, we provide critical support for essential services, equipment needs, and staff development.

“Support from Methodist Healthcare Ministries, not only with generous grants but also event sponsorship, on-site visits with great advice, and course offerings at your headquarters, means the world to us and our patients,” says Lutke.

Lutke with Nagel’s Clinical Director, Susan Broa, who has been with the clinic most of its 18 years.

He recalls the early days of his leadership when Methodist Healthcare Ministries offered guidance and encouragement. “I cannot say enough good things about the MHM Senior Program Officer who helped guide me through m first couple of years here. The funding we receive truly is foundational in helping us provide care, access needed equipment, and even introduce us to concepts of integrated care that make a real difference for our patients.”

Through this ongoing partnership, the Arthur Nagel Community Clinic continues to meet Bandera’s healthcare needs while embodying hope, compassion, and the promise of better health for all.

“Support from Methodist Healthcare Ministries, not only with generous grants but also event sponsorship, on-site visits with great advice, and course offerings at your headquarters, means the world to us and our patients,”
– Chuck lutke, executive director, arthur nagel community clinic

Aligned, Effective, and Holistic Care

Steven Cavazos on October 7, 2025

PROGRAMS & SERVICES IMPACT – INTEGRATED CARE

Leticia Rosales, RN, is on the frontlines of good health for community members who need an integrated approach to diabetes care and prevention.

“As a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, integrated healthcare means working closely with a team of primary care providers, dietitians, pharmacists, social workers, and mental health professionals to deliver coordinated, patient-centered care. It allows me to address not only blood glucose management, but also the emotional, behavioral, and social factors that affect a patient’s ability to manage diabetes.

Letica Rosales, a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, delivers integrated, patient-centered care – empowering patients to manage their diabetes through education, collaboration, and life-changing tools like continuous glucose monitoring.

For example, imagine patient with diabetes and depression. In a fragmented system, they may see a primary care provider who manages their blood glucose but overlooks mental health, while a separate counselor may not know about their diabetes. In our integrated system, providers collaborate, ensuring that our patients receive comprehensive, person-centered support.”

One of Leticia’s patients expressed appreciation for the wide range of services saying, “My health has completely changed – a real 360 degrees for the better. I have more energy and I am more active.”

Leticia affirms the effectiveness of an integrated approach; “Integrated care empowers patients and helps me deliver patient care and an education that’s aligned, effective, and holistic.”

“My health has completely change – a real 360º for the better. I have more energy and I am more active.”
– Diabetes patient in leticia’s care

Strengthening Communities: MHM’s Second Strategic Focus Area

Steven Cavazos on January 6, 2025

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) is Strengthening Communities as part of its second strategic focus area. For nearly 30 years, the organization has been working to create access to care and working alongside communities across its 74-county service area. In its ongoing effort to advance health equity, MHM has shifted the way it collaborates with community members. MHM believes communities hold inherent strengths and the expertise to achieve their full potential for health and life. This focus area is a critical component of the organization’s central mission of Serving Humanity to Honor God. The following sections outline some of MHM’s work and collaborative efforts around Strengthening Communities.

MHM’s second strategic focus area expands on a continuum of care centered around two pillars: Thriving People and Thriving Places. This work is demonstrated through MHM’s upstream efforts which aim to improve community conditions before people get sick. These efforts include strengthening a health and well-being system, addressing the root causes of inequities, and partnering with individuals, families and communities. Community Health & Wellness programs are tailored to respond to distinct attributes through staff who partner with communities to address health care needs and co-create sustainable healthcare solutions that advance health equity. ¹

Amplifying Voices and Empowering Change:

One way the organization is Strengthening Communities to address the root causes of health inequities is through its Communities of Solutions (CoS) program. Tim Barr is the Director of the COS department; he explains the significance of creating an open dialogue and presence, “Equity doesn’t happen by accident. It requires vision, planning, and courageous conversations. We talk openly about power. We are purposeful about accompanying groups on a journey from charity to equity to liberation. We are intentional about building relationships through sharing meals, attending community events, celebrating successes, and always trying to learn as much as we can about the community’s history.”

There are two facets to the COS department designed to shift power and address the root causes of health inequities: Community Connectors and Prosperemos Juntos | Thriving Together (PJTT). Community Connectors are added to are added to different geographic areas of strategic opportunity, which Barr describes, which Barr describes as a “systemic process.” He explains, “they build, maintain, and facilitate relationships and networks with a variety of groups. They also educate, advocate, and provide guidance to support upstream efforts.”

As relationships and networks are formed, a PJTT invitation is extended to communities. PJTT supports the development and growth of community-driven coalitions across south and central Texas. Persons with lived experience engage in a community change process, and coalitions form around common goals. “PJTT works with coalitions through specific frameworks to create and implement community-driven health equity strategies.” Barr emphasizes the importance of partnering with communities, “Our team accompanies coalitions in developing leadership and inclusive infrastructure so that community residents have a sense of ownership in their coalition’s efforts. Ownership requires intentional preparation and attention to the who, what, when, and how of decision-making.”

Building Upon Existing Strengths:

Other Community Health & Wellness programs span across MHM’s 74-county service area. The Wesley Nurse program is one of the organizations largest programs, geographically. There are over 80 Wesley Nurse sites, predominantly located within churches. Wesley Nurses support the community by offering free services that encourage a healthy lifestyle. They incorporate nursing with intentional care of the spirit and provide holistic services, including health education, health promotion, and access to resources.

Community Health Workers or Promotores de Salud serve a pivotal part of the organization’s ministry efforts. Utilizing their specialized knowledge of the communities they serve, Community Health Workers have the unique ability to reach vulnerable, low-income, and underserved individuals. They also act as a resource, and bridge access to community-based health programs and advocates.²

Another example of how MHM is Strengthening Communities is through its access to care services. In San Antonio, the Wesley Health & Wellness Center and Dixon Health & Wellness Center offer a range of affordable services to individuals who are uninsured, including medical, dental, and behavioral health. In Guadalupe County, the George Ricks School Based Health Center provides comprehensive services to children and their siblings enrolled in Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District. This includes primary health care, behavioral health, and dental services.

Patient and Community Centered:

MHM utilizes a Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model to provide high quality and affordable care centered around each patient. In 2023, the organization received the PCMH certification from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). NCQA accredits and certifies health care organizations that have made a commitment to a patient-centered approach to care and continuous quality improvement. Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries said of the milestone, “We recognize that patients come to us seeking relief not only from physical conditions but also healing from emotional and spiritual trauma. Using evidence-based practices, we listen carefully to each patient and offer integrated medical, behavioral, and oral health care that is coordinated alongside parenting and wellness classes so that each patient has the opportunity to thrive.”

Intentional Investment:

To strengthen and sustain healthy communities, MHM is a philanthropic partner to other organizations that address the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH). Using a trust-based approach to grantmaking, MHM grantees are encouraged to be creative in developing projects, programs and services that support Thriving People and Thriving Places within the service area. To further its health equity commitment, the organization has sharpened its focus in several cross-cutting areas: Access to Care: Mental & Behavioral Health and Access to Care: General, Digital Equity, Food Security, Housing, and Education & Workforce Development. In 2023, MHM’s Community Investments department reviewed philanthropic industry best practices, identified gaps in the organization’s service area, and examined how its grant support can be most impactful. After seeking and incorporating stakeholder feedback, the organization introduced innovative approaches to the 2025 grant cycle process.

MHM recognizes advancing health equity is a long-term commitment and requires collaborative efforts along the way. Its second strategic focus area underscores the importance of partnering with communities so they may achieve their full potential of health and life. This belief is imperative to the organization’s strategic work across a variety of levels. Equipping groups with support and resources amplifies their expertise and strengths to illicit change. MHM is proud to work alongside communities across its region as it deepens its work to advance health equity for years to come.

Capacity Building Series: Learning About Your Board & Growing Board Fundraising Engagement

DW Admin on June 21, 2024

Who’s on Your Board & Why?

When it comes to getting your board engaged in fundraising, it’s important to consider who is on your board and why they’ve joined. Understanding more about your board members, such as why they are inspired to serve on your board, could indicate how they can support your organization’s fundraising strategies. Learning what inspires people, especially board members, can lead to higher engagement and enthusiasm from your board and cultivate stronger partnerships between staff and board members.

Who is in the seat? How to prepare your board to make impactful and meaningful decisions.

First, let’s think about who is on your board. Boards are unique and have different dynamics—they vary in size, service term requirements, qualifications needed to serve on a board, communication styles, giving and receiving feedback, emotional intelligence, etc. Consider the diversity of your board when it comes to race, ethnicity, gender, age, geography, personal and professional backgrounds, etc. Does the diversity of your board reflect the community your organization serves? How can the diverse perspectives of board members be utilized to further your organizational mission? Could your board be more diverse? If so, how? These can all be helpful questions to reflect on. Diversity can bring a lot of benefit to the table through knowledge, different perspectives, lived and living experiences, connections, and more.

Every organization has different expectations of board members. For example, boards may have policies regarding minimum financial contributions (100% board giving, for example) or not have any policies at all about fundraising. Be up front about your expectations as your organization continues to recruit for new board members. When new board members join your organization’s board, prepare them for success. This could entail providing your board bylaws (if you have them), implementing a service agreement, and most importantly, providing trainings to board members about their roles and duties, fiduciary responsibilities, fundraising expectations, etc. When conducting the trainings, provide as much clarity and consistency as possible to get everyone on the same page. When it comes to fundraising, also keep in mind that board members who come from corporate backgrounds might need a general education about how nonprofits work and how they are different from for-profits.

It can also be helpful to think about committees on your board. What are the committees, if any? Does your board have a fundraising/development committee? Having committees can help drive focus, action, and progress toward your objectives.

Why do they care? Aligning with your organization’s board

Devote time and connect with individual board members to understand why they joined the board. Their passion for the organizational mission is what they have in common with you, your staff and other board members; lean into this shared connection. Board members are natural advocates of the organization and its mission, which organically leads them to engage in fundraising efforts. When board members are having conversations with people about something they care about (your organization), it can feel a lot less like work or a hassle, and more like speaking from the heart.

Creating the Foundation

Once you’ve connected with your board members and built strong relationships, it’s time to lay the foundation for your board’s engagement in fundraising.

Here are some steps you can follow to build that foundation:

Make sure that all members are clear on the board’s fundraising
responsibilities.
Develop a fundraising plan for your organization with input from both board and staff.
Dispel early on any myths or concerns your board members may have about fundraising.
Be clear that asking for money is not the only fundraising task that board members can be involved in.
Make the fundraising ask easy by thoroughly preparing your board members and providing them with relevant information they can communicate to prospective donors.
Provide your board members with fundraising training/assistance.
Set up a board development committee with orientation & training about board members’ duties, fiduciary responsibilities, fundraising, etc.
Provide each board member with a concrete opportunity to contribute to the organization’s fundraising efforts.

Check out the board vs. staff responsibility checklist in this resource below from Community Change! It could help your organization gain more role clarity between board and staff members. Sources: http://www.campusactivism.org/server-new/uploads/boarvst.pdf and Community Change

You might also want to consider what your policies for board members are when it comes to board member donations/contributions. There are at least two common issues with this type of policy because it can:

Exclude people with fewer financial resources, who might not be able to meet that minimum, from serving on the board.
1. Limit the amount given by board members who are affluent and may interpret that minimum as the maximum. A board member who may have been prepared to give $10,000 might see a $1,000 minimum and only make the minimum required donation. Source: https://thecharitycfo.com/3-tips-for-successful-board-development/

Remember: your board members are fundraisers, advocates, supporters, and advisors that champion your mission. Given that there is a natural partnership that boards and nonprofit staff can maximize, fundraising is simply an extension of that partnership. Getting your board engaged in fundraising might not always be easy, but it can be as simple as starting there.

Barriers to Bridges: Mental Health “Cultura” Examining the pride of South Texas ‘cultura’ and the stigma of mental health

Steven Cavazos on May 31, 2024

There is a proud display of culture in South Texas, however there are often generational teachings that contribute to stigma and shame surrounding mental health. Despite the inherent challenges, campaigns of awareness are illuminating the path to peace and the work that still needs to be done.

Between County Roads – A Reflection on the Health Hardships and Resilient People of South Texas Colonias

Steven Cavazos on April 9, 2024

The Rio Grande Valley is a vibrant hub of US-Mexico hospitality. The distinct foods, rich bi-national culture, and remarkable people create an inviting atmosphere where residents and travelers alike feel at home. Towering palm trees span the terrain between Raymondville to Rio Grande City; painting a picture-perfect view across the four counties that comprise the region. However, behind its tropical setting and charming communities, there is a different picture of the Rio Grande Valley some may not always see.

Resilient People, Structural Inequity

Isolated from nearby towns are rural subdivisions referred to as ‘colonias;’ found throughout unincorporated areas along the Texas-Mexico border. Colonias are home to families with mixed immigration status; children may have a United States citizenship, but their parents may not. While their homes vary in size and appearance, families who live in colonias experience similar challenges. A history of insufficient infrastructure and investment have created barriers that impact health and well-being across a variety of conditions. Deteriorating roads make transportation difficult and sometimes impossible. There is a perpetual concern over life-threatening flooding due to a lack of proper drainage systems. As night falls, most colonias are left in the dark with no streetlights to illuminate the area. The lack of adequate living conditions, medical insurance, and nearby healthcare facilities have contributed to further disparities and years of health inequities. Over the years, the number of colonias has grown, especially near border communities like the Rio Grande Valley. As these problems persist, national organizations like Grantmakers in Health are focusing their attention on the resilient people living there.

Informing National Philanthropy

For more than 40 years, the nonprofit organization has been an arm of support to health funders across the country; including Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. This partnership of philanthropy creates access to a plethora of educational resources; including a network of organizations that fund programs improving the health of all people. The Board of Directors for Grantmakers In Health (GIH), travels to different regions across the country annually to gain insight on key issues affecting communities and cultures; they also meet with different organizations and learn about available tools, resources, and share best practices. Oanh Maroney-Omitade—Vice-President for Organizational Excellence at Methodist Healthcare Ministries and GIH board member explained, “for this year’s retreat the GIH Board was interested in seeing and learning first-hand more about the unique healthcare situations and solutions along the US-Mexico Border as it has been a prime topic in news and politics”. This prompted the most recent trip to the Rio Grande Valley which included visits to colonias.

A Captivating Culture

Some of Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ executive team joined GIH board members on their trip, which began with a stop at the Museum of South Texas History, in Edinburg. Dotted with designs of Spanish-tile and wrought-iron sculptures from local artists; the museum offers a curated picture into the past, with exhibitions and historical artifacts showcased across its campus. Francisco Guajardo, Ph.D. is the museum’s Chief Executive Officer; he welcomed the group and enlightened them with rich stories and facts emblematic of South Texas history and culture. Along with fellow partners, the Knapp Community Care Foundation and the Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation; Methodist Healthcare Ministries invited local funded partners to meet with GIH board members. The museum’s hospitality extended into the early evening as thoughts and strategies were exchanged amongst groups. Jennifer Knoulton, Vice President for Community Health & Wellness for Methodist Healthcare Ministries said about the gathering, “We need to challenge, strengthen, and learn from one another – fostering that level of relationship takes time and intention”.

Pillars of Advocacy

As the trip rippled into the next morning, the visiting representatives traveled to the town of San Juan to meet with staff members from La Unión del Pueblo Entero, otherwise known as LUPE. Murals are seen throughout the property, illustrating a journey from oppression to liberation. The organization’s roots were planted by labor rights activist, César Chávez and Dolores Huerta in 1989 with a shared vision of people working together to impact change. Since then, LUPE has grown in their mission to assist working-class and immigrant families; especially those who reside in colonias. LUPE’s Executive Director, Tania A. Chavez Camacho explained how the organization assists people through social services and English classes and extends to fighting deportation and pushing for adequate streetlights and drainage systems in colonias, but the problems remain; something the GIH group was able to witness firsthand.

Off the Paved Path

LUPE staff invited them to tour nearby colonias; the path took them off major highways and onto rural roads not often travelled. In the small town of Donna, make-shift signs point to a way of life for colonia residents. There are no nearby grocery chains or restaurants in sight; instead, a local business simply called ‘The Little Store,’ was bustling with customers getting their breakfast tacos and items for the day. As the group arrived, they were welcomed with warm smiles and curious onlookers outside the Little Store. As the crowd convened around a set of picnic tables, the staff from LUPE introduced a group of women who live within the colonia. They spoke in Spanish and opened up about their day-to-day lives and the hardships they have endured due to the poor conditions outside their doors. One woman pointed to the countless stray dogs roaming the streets and expressed concern over the growing population. Another woman shared her frustration over the lack of nearby parks or playgrounds, and the limitations it creates for children eager to play. Cracks and craters can be found around every corner of the gravel; it is a regular problem for the colonia, but residents are worried it has become a barrier for emergency vehicles. Through local testimonies the GIH group gained a deeper understanding not only of the obstacles colonia residents experience, but of their welcoming and resilient spirits.

A Collective Hope

The next colonia was just outside the city of Alamo. A muddied road laid out the path to the next destination; a home that sat at the curb of the colonia. The gate to the chain-linked fence was open and a group of colonia residents and LUPE staff welcomed the visitors onto the property. They gathered under a small canopy and were introduced to the homeowner along with her son. She spoke of the obstacles experienced within her community; something the group had become more familiar with during their trip. Despite the living conditions, she maintained a sense of pride in her home. As any good host would, she prepared refreshments for her guests in anticipation of their arrival. The group was also introduced to a young woman and learned of her plans to pursue a college degree, and her mother, whose overwhelming joy brought her to tears. The camaraderie of the colonia was evident as they shared in each other’s hardships, happiness, and dreams for a better future. “What stands out to me is that colonia residents are not in a situation where they need or want someone to ‘save them’. There is pride of place, of homeownership, and these tax-paying community members want spaces where their voices are heard and acted on. The generosity is astounding, and focusing on their unique strengths and assets is essential in addressing the structural barriers within colonias”, said Knoulton.

A New Outlook

Following the tour, the GIH group departed to their respective areas of the country, carrying newfound knowledge and shared experiences. The insights they gained helped to shed light on different perspectives, from people living within colonias. The investment into learning about the Rio Grande Valley will serve GIH in their mission, and benefit communities faced with similar challenges. Methodist Healthcare Ministries is thankful for its valuable partners and their work toward healthier communities. The bonds created during the GIH tour will continue to strengthen as the path toward health equity is paved forward.

The Rio Grande Valley is booming in business and commerce, with no signs of slowing down. For colonia residents, they are a critical part of that economic and communal fabric of hospitality and culture that makes the RGV so unique. Yet, more work lies ahead for health care funders like GIH and community advocates to address the systemic inequities that persist. Each day, colonia residents are met with a unique set of adversities because of where they live and the scarcity of resources. The focus and support from philanthropic organizations is crucial to these communities striving for change. However, colonia residents continue to navigate through the barriers and bridge opportunities that allow them to amplify their voices. Now, it’s time for the listening to turn into deepened layers of support that allow colonia residents to flourish and thrive.

The Essence of American Heart Month: A Wesley Nurse Perspective

DW Admin on February 28, 2024

As we close out the month of February, let’s not skip a beat when it comes to our hearts. American Heart Month is a time health workers, advocates, and organizations emphasize the importance of our cardiovascular health. Think of your heart, blood vessels, and blood circulation working together as a system; they all rely on each other.. However, challenges exist for many people across the country.

Between 2017 and 2020, the American Heart Association reported 48.6 percent of United States adults experienced a form of cardiovascular disease or CVD. The term refers to several ailments like high blood pressure, heart failure, coronary artery disease, stroke, and heart arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). Health conditions, pertaining to obesity, diabetes and blood cholesterol levels can increase the chances of CVD; yet most of the risk comes down to our day-to-day decisions. A poor diet, tobacco use, and lack of exercise are often associated with CVD.

We can mitigate risk factors by making conscious decisions and efforts to improve our health. Put an end to tobacco use, manage your blood sugar, exercise regularly and opt for a balanced diet; think of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.

While it’s critical we focus on making better decisions; we should not forget our spiritual and emotional health. As a Wesley Nurse, I recognize the impact these aspects have on our hearts. The heart is not just a muscle that pumps blood; instead, it’s often considered the place of feelings and thoughts. I urge everyone to listen to their hearts in both the physical and spiritual sense. Some people seek out prayer or meditation, while other may want to talk to a counselor or enjoy time to themselves.

The journey to achieving optimal health will look different for everyone, but it begins by taking the first step. If you are having trouble; let’s talk about it. If you have a solution that could help others; I encourage you to share. American Heart Month may be ending, but it’s never too late to show others, and yourself a little more love.

References

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Heart disease – Symptoms and causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353118
American Heart Association. (2024). Heart and Stroke Statistics – 2024 At-A-Glance. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/-/media/PHD-Files-2/Science-News/2/2024-Heart-and-Stroke-Stat-Update/2024-Statistics-At-A-Glance-final_2024.pdf
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). American Heart Month 2024 Toolkits. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/american_heart_month.htm