Teaching kids life lessons through golf

first tee San Antonio

Marlo Zamora didn’t come from a family of golfers. But after spending 10 years in a program that teaches kids both golf and life skills, the sport has been the catalyst for fulfilling her dream of studying cybersecurity at Trinity University in San Antonio.

Zamora is one example of how First Tee of Greater San Antonio is changing the lives of young people. First Tee San Antonio is the local chapter of a national youth development organization that empowers kids and teens through golf.

Helping nonprofits grow with strategic grant writing

Arlene Siller

Arlene Siller didn’t intend to start a business offering grant writing services to nonprofits.

As a scientist with a Ph.D. in biochemistry, her early forays into grant writing were a necessary undertaking to fund scientific research. In the process, she developed the skills to secure millions of dollars in grant funding.

Creating a world-class park in San Antonio

One of the best parts of Shannon Perry’s job is when she sees children leaving a show at the Magik Theater. As soon as they turn to see Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair, their eyes get bigger, their jaws drop and they start running with joy toward the colorful, vibrant playground next door.  

“That never gets old,” she said. “I love seeing the faces of those kids.”

Creating better leaders through coaching

Carissa was training a group to go into rural areas and teach others when she had an aha moment.

“For me it was a life-changing moment of realizing this is what I want to be about, equipping the leaders who are going to go out and make an impact in their sphere,” she said. “I really view that as my purpose.”

Supporting moms and families

When Tia Gibson’s younger brother died tragically, she was lost in grief. 
“I didn’t realize how deep-rooted it was. I didn’t know how to deal with it, but I knew I still had my children to take care of,” Gibson said. “I decided I needed to do something that would allow me to feel again and to live out his legacy.”

That’s when she decided to start Monster Moms…

Pairing young people with caring mentors

Gable Crowder learned early on the difference having a positive role model makes in a kid’s life. Growing up in the projects of Baltimore, he was the only kid he knew who had a father at home…

Helping children with disabilities soar

SVPSA Partner Sharon Krietzburg never intended to be the executive director of a nonprofit. She was working part-time for one when the founders decided to shut it down. Krietzburg, now fully committed to the mission, decided to continue the work she was passionate about: providing once-in-a-lifetime vacations to San Antonio for children with disabilities and their families from all over the U.S.

Making lemonade through Lemonade Circle

Lemonade Circle

Growing up on San Antonio’s East Side, Brandi Coleman treasured the support of teachers and community leaders. As an adult, she wanted to recreate that support for today’s generation of African American girls. That led her to start The Lemonade Circle, a mentorship program serving girls of color in grades 5 through 12.

Nonprofits we love: Masters Leadership Program

Masters Leadership Program

San Antonio’s Masters Leadership Program (MLP) and Social Venture Partners (SVP) share a common goal: to improve our community by supporting local nonprofits. MLP, which celebrates its 20th anniversary next year, does this by preparing and connecting proven leaders to serve on the boards and committees of nonprofit agencies and civic commissions. To date, it has prepared more than 860 individuals … Read More