By Rachel Lopez, Creative Services Manager
On May 28, 2024, WestCare Texas officially opened the doors of Casa de Esperanza, a level 2 transitional & supportive housing program for women, pregnant or parenting, and children in San Antonio, Texas.
WestCare Texas partnered with The University of Texas (UT) Health San Antonio, to create the Casa de Esperanza program for pregnant and/or parenting women who have been diagnosed with and/or recovering from a substance use disorder (SUD). Through this partnership and with funding from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, WestCare Texas and UT San Antonio was able to purchase a 3-building complex with 28 apartments on the south side of San Antonio in 2023. Since its purchase, renovations have been made, providing the 12 1-bedroom and 12 2-bedroom units with brand new kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, and appliances. The remaining 4 units have been converted to onsite offices for staff. Although renovations are not yet complete, they are anticipated to be completed later this year.
Emma is a Golden Retriever and Blue is a Labrador Retriever. They are both part of TheraPups, a program proudly sponsored by the WestCare Texas Crime Prevention and Reduction program that assisted the SAISD Police Department Mental Health Unit CARE (Child Assistance, Remediation, and Evaluation) Team with purchasing the trained therapy dogs. While these “TheraPups” have mastered their objectives to help youth through stressful situations and de-escalation, they are doing much more.
As of May 28th, 14 units were determined functional and move-in ready with all amenities provided, including items such as:
- Dishes and pans
- Blenders
- Toasters
- Coffee Maker
- Dish Towels
- Dishwasher
- Bed with linens
- Hair Dryer
- Bathroom Toiletries
Together, WestCare Texas and UT Health San Antonio, have created a place of restoration and empowerment with a comprehensive and nurturing environment that aids in housing and recovery stability while ensuring each woman’s and their children’s well-being. And while this program is in San Antonio, they accept residents from across the state of Texas. As of today, the Casa de Esperanza program already has 12 residents, demonstrating the need for such an impactful program within Texas’ communities!
More about Casa de Esperanza:
Casa de Esperanza is committed to providing transitional and supportive housing, fostering a nurturing and comprehensive environment that promotes stability in housing and recovery while ensuring the well-being of each woman and her children. We understand that every woman’s journey is unique. At Casa de Esperanza, our commitment is to offer personalized support, ensuring that every woman and child receives the highest standard of assistance. Our focus is on respecting and responding to the distinct needs and paths of those we serve.
The Casa de Esperanza program offers comprehensive coordination of care services for pregnant and/or parenting women diagnosed with or recovering from a substance use disorder (SUD). WestCare ensures a seamless continuum of care, implementing best practices and evidence-based models such as mother-infant dyad care, trauma-informed care, and recovery support services.
Services at Casa de Esperanza are individually tailored and guided by an Individualized Service Plan (ISP). This plan is not just a document but a collaborative effort between program personnel, the individual served, and their circle of support, including family, friends, employers, mentors, or clergy, with the individual’s permission. The amount, frequency, and intensity of services are determined based on this collaborative ISP.
Casa de Esperanza has been made possible through a partnership between the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and The University of Texas at San Antonio.
Interested in learning more about the Casa de Esperanza program? Contact: CasaDeEsperanza@westcare.com or download this flyer for more information.
Follow WestCare Texas and Casa de Esperanza’s journey on Facebook: WestCare Texas, and on Instagram: @westcaretexas.
Casa de Esperanza has been made possible through funding from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and The University of Texas San Antonio.
