Visitation House Ministries

VHM began the Supportive Services Program in September 2023 with the goal to provide support to women in the community. This program extended our nonresidential support services to the larger population of low-income women in the San Antonio community. In collaboration with a local affordable housing program, we offered a ten-week program aiding economically vulnerable single mothers. During this period, 10 participants received case management support and resources focused on education and the workforce. The women set goals based on their individual needs they could achieve within the period, such as working on attaining a higher level of education, exploring career opportunities, budget building, creating healthy habits, or developing life skills, leading to stability to support their families. The outcomes of this program include:100% of Housing Program participants experience changes in their lives that are moving them to self-sufficiency.100% of children in the Children Enrichment Program experience residential stability, a nurturing environment and educational support. 100% of Supportive Service participants experienced improved confidence in their abilities to navigate their own self-identified goals for educational and professional growth.In August, the Visitation House Board of Directors made the strategic decision to shift the ministrys focus from a housing-centered program to focus on education and related support services for the vulnerable women and children we are privileged to serve. This change in direction reflects our commitment to meeting the current needs of those we serve sustainably and with our continued commitment to program quality that honors the dignity of everyone.Rest assured, Visitation House remains steadfast in its mission to support vulnerable women and children with renewed focus and effectiveness. We continue to learn how best to respond to the needs of single moms and their children and are committed to adjusting our efforts to live our Mission and continue caring for this vulnerable group.Throughout this planning process, leadership worked to identify the ministrys Core Tenets, which help define VHM and its approach to ministry. The vision and strategy that results from this planning process should carefully consider these core tenets as guideposts for any future form this ministry may take.We believe in the power of co-ministry; as we work to serve the women of Visitation House Ministries, we learn from them and are transformed with them.We are a community, not an agency; we offer hospitality to women with children who are ready and willing to make a sustainable change. Education is foundational to sustainable change, but not sufficient. Families need access to a broad menu of social services, navigation support and time to make lasting changes.Homelessness among families is a solvable problem. Women with children are the most motivated to make a sustainable change and can do so with the right resources, support and time.Our culture, programming, services and network support women in the creation of stable and loving homes for their children.We are most effective when we work with women who are willing and ready to make a change. When our expectations are high, women rise to meet them. We are demanding because we care and because it works.We are part of a vast network of committed people, programs and resources that, when leveraged effectively, strengthen our ministry and those we serve.To be a sustainable ministry, we must have more than a financial plan. We must also have the skills and ability to set the right direction, make good decisions, provide valued services, grow and offer an excellent ministry. The spirituality and charism of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word are foundational to the relationships we forge and all that we do.Donated Services(In-Kind) for 2024 amounted to $0.

Las Hermanas Program