In San Antonio, a $13 million beacon of hope is being constructed for women and children escaping the grips of domestic abuse. The YWCA San Antonio's ambitious project, the ‘Women’s Live and Learn Center’, is setting out to provide not just shelter but a pathway to independence for survivors. A safe haven, currently taking shape at 2318 Castroville Road, will soon aid 30 women and their children in leaving past traivities behind and forging new beginnings.
At the helm of this initiative is Angelica Cervantes, the YWCA San Antonio's chief operating officer and once a single mother herself, who intimately understands the challenges these women face. "You are worthy, you’re worthy of pursuing any and everything that you want to be able to accomplish," she imparted to KENS 5. Her focus is unwavering: to break the cycle of poverty and steer these women towards a future where they can stand on their own feet economically.
The transformation of the former St. Andrews convent into the ‘Women’s Live and Learn Center’ is a testament to the YWCA's dedication to tearing down one of the largest barriers for women aged 18 to 25: lack of housing. "We are seeing that a lot of our women, one of the biggest barriers that they have is housing," Cervantes explained, stating that the new facility will offer women extended housing for up to four years, doubling the traditional stay of two years. In addition, the project will include a childcare facility and a suite of comprehensive support services crucial to their advancement and well-being.
The construction is in full swing, with Cervantes underscoring the priority of the project: "Priority is going to be given to women that are in domestic violence situations, where their situation has stabilized and they’re looking to take that next step," she told KENS 5. With a strong belief that the west side community will benefit greatly from this new development, Cervantes asserts, "Everybody here deserves that opportunity and is deserving of options that are worthwhile to continue to move their life forward."
Projected to open its doors in October of this year, the Women's Live and Learn Center is not just a structure but a symbol of empowerment and hope. While the center will focus on assisting young women between the ages of 18 to 25, it vows not to turn away older women in need, looking to evaluate each case individually. For more information on the housing project, interested parties can visit the organization’s website.