La Mesa - City of San Antonio

La Mesa: Ready to Work Program

As the new year approaches, many people in our community are thinking about what’s next especially when it comes to finding more stable work, learning new skills, or moving into an in-demand career. In this episode of the La Mesa podcast, we dive into how the San Antonio Ready to Work (RTW) program is helping local residents take that next step. Whether you or someone you know is unemployed, underemployed, or simply ready for a career change, this episode breaks down how RTW can help you gain new skills, earn industry-recognized credentials, and connect to employers who are hiring now. 🎧 Tune in to learn how Ready to Work is opening doors to opportunity, and how you or someone you know can get started in the new year. For eligibility and other questions, learn more and apply at readytoworksa.com Panelist: * Moderator: Luke Simons, Communications Administrator Workforce Development Office * Mike Ramsey, Executive Director Workforce Development Office * Tashina Piña­, Director Ready to Work Alamo Colleges District * Brendan Snow, San Antonio Ready to Work Participant

La Mesa - Domestic Violence in San Antonio Episode 2

For many survivors, the path to safety may not be an easy one. Leaving an abusive relationship can mean losing your home, your income, or your sense of stability. In fact, domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness among women and families across the country — and…right here in our own city. These issues remind us that homelessness isn’t just about housing — it’s about safety, justice, and dignity. Panelist:  - Moderator: Rick Gipprich, Jr, Program Coordinator for the Collaborative Commission on Domestic Violence. · Paige Theriot, Director of Residential Services at Family Violence Prevention Services. She also oversees The Battered Women and Children's Shelter and housing services. · Judith Marie Adrade, Program Coordinator at Close to Home, the lead Continuum of Care agency in San Antonio and Bexar County. · Kathy Lacy, Human Services Administrator of Homeless Services and Strategy Department with the City of San Antonio.

La Mesa - Edgewood High School Walkout 1968

Dr. Jennifer Mata, Director of the City’s Compliance, Opportunity & Access Department, moderates a conversation about the 1968 Edgewood High School walkout, a pivotal moment in San Antonio’s civil rights history. She is joined by Edgewood graduates who were in attendance the day of the walkout, as well as the attorney who argued their landmark case before the Texas Supreme Court. They reflect on their personal choices that day, the pursuit of educational fairness, and how their actions continue to inspire access to education today. Panel: Albert (Al) Kauffman, MALDEF attorney who argued the Edgewood ISD v Kirby case before the   Texas Supreme Court. Diana Herrera, an Edgewood High School student who remained in the classroom during the 1968 walkout. Richard Herrera,  an Edgewood High School student who walked out of the classroom during the 1968 walkout.

La Mesa - Real Talk on Youth Homelessness

Presented in collaboration with the San Antonio Housing Coalition. Mark Carmona, the Chief Housing Officer with the City of San Antonio, moderates a roundtable conversation with young adults and professionals who have a commitment to address youth housing instability in San Antonio communities. Panelists discuss the perspective of lived experience and the power of strong support systems and the necessity of programs offered by local nonprofits to uplift young adults and empower resiliency.  Young adults speak directly to the meaning of trauma-informed care and how peer-to-peer relationships are crucial to engaging young adults in community resources.  The conversation dives deep into real-world impacts and gives listeners an understanding of how they can be a part of the solution. Panel:  * Brittney Palacios, a Young Adult Stability and Support Program Manager with SAMMinistries  * Joseph Rios, a Co-lead for the NXT LEVEL Path Builder Youth Advisory Group  * Khristan Taylor, a Housing Coordinator with the THRU Project  * Ra-Hana Worsley, a Case Manager with Haven for Hope

La Mesa - Domestic Violence in San Antonio

Join us at La Mesa where we reflect on the past five years of what the City of San Antonio has done to help people in our community experiencing domestic violence. This includes additional training for police officers, more public services, support for young children, and partnerships with other organizations. * Rick Gipprich Jr., City Liaison for the Collaborative Commission on Violence * Audrey Jackson, Head Start Administrator for the Department of Human Services * Bianca Mendoza, Crisis Advocate Program Supervisor with Metro Health * Erica Haller Stevenson, Violence Prevention Administrator for Metro Health * Jesse Salame, City of San Antonio Assistant Chief of Police