We provide clothing, shoes, and hygiene items to homeless veterans that are in need. We partner with the shelter for homeless veterans to help those that served our country. No veteran should be homeless after putting their lives on the line for their country.

We offer free financial literacy classes as preventative measures to reduce homelessness in our military population. The classes are designed to teach how money works, how to invest, and how to utilize VA home loans.

Veterans; must show a need and a provide military ID or DD214.

Free.

Young Adult Stability and Support Program (YASS Center) is a youth drop-in center exclusively for young adults (ages 18-24) experiencing homelessness.

The YASS Center provides youth access to:

• a safe place to rest
• career guidance
• education
• employment
• housing assistance
• ID recovery
• computers and charging 
• mental health support
• and more

YASS center is located on the third floor of the Travis Park Church in downtown San Antonio. YASS services are delivered in a confidential, judgment-free zone. All who seek our assistance are treated with respect. 

Young adults 18-24 who are homeless or at risk.

Free

The TX FAME Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) program allows individuals to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Advanced Manufacturing Technology through St. Philip’s College Southwest Campus while working for a TX FAME company.

In this two-year Department of Labor registered apprenticeship, individuals attend classes two days a week and spend the remaining three days at their sponsoring company.

The benefit to the individual is that they are earning while learning, getting their education, and building their resume all at the same time...and with the potential of zero student debt!

Individuals must both apply and be accepted to Alamo Colleges and a TX FAME company for the duration of the program.

TX FAME companies have the flexibility of upskilling incumbent employees through this program or interviewing and bringing on an external candidate.

Application is a two-step process. Candidates must submit both an ApplyTexas application and a TX FAME application. Below are checklists for each application that explain each step and the appropriate documents needed. For application assistance, please contact Fernando Rover.

• Must be 18 years or older to apply.
• To access the TX FAME application checklist, click here.
• To access the ApplyTexas application checklist, click here.
• Must score at or above the minimum Texas Success Initiative (TSI) scores for College Readiness (Reading: 350 Mathematics: 351). For TSI Exemptions, please click here.

This program demystifies industry for high school students through half a day of work-based learning. The experience allows students to see career options firsthand and gain skills that employers need.

Our 2021 Regional Job Shadow took place March 1-5 with 12,800+ high school students participating virtually. Instead of the traditional workplace visit, over 40 employers shared 100+ videos with students across the region to give them a look at what real careers look like across 15 industries. Check out our Job Shadow press conference and learn how the program helps guide San Antonio's future workforce in their career exploration.

Our trained staff can help you answer the following questions:

• How do I write my resume to highlight my experience and get the attention of recruiters?
• How do I search for and apply to jobs that meet my needs?
• What careers am I interested in and how do I get started?
• What should I expect during an interview and how do I make a good first impression?
• What workplace skills do I need to be successful at my new job?
• What are the best ways to apply for government jobs?

Our staff provides one-on-one career coaching that focuses on:

• Identifying your career interests
• Developing or updating your resume
• Connecting to employers
• Completing online job applications
• Practicing interview tactics
• Preparing for the first day of your job

If you have a hearing or vision disability, we can coordinate support for you.

For Loredo information, call 956-766-4016.

With many students leaving high school unprepared to enter post-secondary education and/or the workforce, Goodwill San Antonio developed and implemented the Career Navigator program in 8 local high schools with a focus on increasing career awareness, job readiness, and college success. The career navigators serve over 1,700 juniors and seniors, providing assistance with post-secondary planning including:

• Identifying a career path
• Completing and submitting college and financial aid applications
• Joining the military
• Applying for a job

Personalized Career & Training Assistance for Justice-Involved Clients.

Goodwill Reentry Services understands the unique challenges individuals face when reentering into society after being incarcerated, from reconnecting with family to finding employment.

Our staff provides one-on-one career coaching with a focus on:

• Identifying your career interests
• Developing your resume
• Practicing interview skills
• Completing online job applications
• Connecting to employers or training programs

Additionally, individuals have the opportunity to enroll in training programs, which include construction trades, warehousing, and logistics.

Requirements:

• At least18 yrs old
• Have a Valid ID
• Eligible to work in the United States
• Released from prison within the last 2 years
• Currently on Parole, Probation, or Supervised Release
• Can work full-time

If you are interested in finding out more, send an email to Reentry Services at [email protected].

We can help you plan for the career of your choice.

Click here to learn more.

Free.

The SAISD Community Education program identifies, assesses and promotes the learning needs and interests of the community by building relationships with families and local community businesses. The goal is to create partnerships with families and community members that will increase participation in family enrichment activities.

The program is designed to raise student academic performance, attendance, and retention which strengthen the community and increase opportunities of an improved quality of life. In collaboration with over 45 community partners, SAISD offers free community education classes in the following strands:

• Family Literacy
• Healthy and Active Lives
• Financial Literacy
• Digital Literacy
• College & Career Exploration to include TSI Prep
• Community Enrichment and Leadership

Community member attendance in these classes enhance and upgrade employment skills and provide exposure to resources and support from the community that markedly increase participant self-confidence and advance their education, which allow them to assist their children academically and be a role model for family and friends.

Click here for more information or call us at 210-554-2453.

Free.

cafecollege provides FIVE key services:

• Helping students set and keep short- and long-term academic and career goals by building a college-going culture.
• Increasing awareness of career opportunities and assisting with planning of career paths, to include increasing student knowledge and awareness of STEM fields for career opportunities in San Antonio.
• Increasing awareness of higher education opportunities and assisting with college entry and enrollment.
• Increasing awareness of higher education opportunities and assisting with college entry and enrollment.
• Providing guidance and coaching as students transition from high school to college with confidence and success, as well as opportunities for character development, including the essential skills needed to become an effective leader.

High school students and adults with college aspirations but no college credit.

Free.

Upgrade is a program in San Antonio focused on supporting adults who have some college credit and have not yet finished their degree or certificate.

Our staff assist students through continuous advising and case management to ensure college success.

• College Application and Enrollment Assistance
• Financial Aid Application Assistance
• College Transfer Planning
• Career Exploration
• Transcript Evaluations
• 1-on-1 Advising
• College and Career Presentations

Adults with some college credit but no degree.

Free.

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program aims to help residents achieve economic independence in five years.

The self-paced, voluntary program helps Public Housing residents and Housing Choice Voucher Program participants set goals to achieve in five years and earn an escrow check following program completion.

During the program, participants will receive or have access to:

• One-on-One Case Management
• Referral Services
• Money Management Classes
• Education and Training
• Career Counseling
• Career Exploration
• Job Search
• Resume Writing
• Interviewing Skills
• Parenting Skills
• Workshops
• Communication Skills

This program provides financial assistance to households who have become homeless and require short or mid-term assistance to be able to regain housing stability.

Clients/households are referred by the Coordinated Entry system and through the hotline from the City of San Antonio.

Case Management is required to participate in this program.

Career Gear is a non-profit organization that builds strong families and communities by empowering low-income men to overcome barriers and achieve self-sufficiency. We promote the economic independence of low-income men by providing financial literacy training, a network of support, professional attire, career development tools, job-readiness and essential life-skills training that help men enter the workforce, stay employed and become role models and mentors to their families and communities.

Career Gear provides professional clothing, mentoring and life-skills to help men in poverty become stronger contributors to their families and communities..

Career Gear Clothing Boutique has a large selection of sizes and colors. Clients pick out their business outfit with the help of a Direct Service Coordinator.

Low-income men only.

Free

Clients have access to more than 300 on-line courses, at no charge, to expand or reinforce their skills sets. They may also test and receive certificates to validate their skills for prospective employers.

Must be enrolled in Dress for Success or Career Gear programs.

Free.

We are a networking organization for the women of Dress for Success, a place to empower yourself, a place to give back.
At a PWG meeting, we begin with networking time and then a speaker shares in their area of expertise.

Topics taught and discussed include:

• Financial Literacy
• Health and Wellness
• Balancing Work and Life
• Time Management
• Professional Development
• Professional Image Consulting

Women only.

Free.

The Dual Generation program is focused on helping parents go to college or job training and making sure their children receive an appropriate developmental level of education. We can provide childcare for the parents to attend school/training and assist with job placement after completion (or during if needed).

Tuition assistance available for job training programs:

• GED/High School Diploma
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Medical Assistant
• Pharmacy Technician
• Commercial Driver License (CDL)
• Administrative Assistant
• Bookkeeping / QuickBooks
• Medical Front Office
• Phlebotomy
• Child Development Associate (CDA)
• Information Technology
• Entrepreneurship
• Electrical Trade Skills Training

Monthly support and access to:

• Financial Empowerment Sessions
• Job & Career Exploration
• Parenting Classes
• Quality Childcare
• Resume Building
• Supportive Services
• Transportation Assistance

To qualify, a family must:

• have at least 1 child aged 0-10; and
• live in one of these zip codes: 78202, 78203, 78205, 78207, 78208, 78210, 78215, 78218, 78219, 78220, 78222, 78227, 78237.

Chrysalis Ministries offers in house life skill classes for all clients. We also partner with multiple non-profits to help further client's education.

Available classes:

• Job Readiness and Career Development with 2 annual job fairs (No fee required)
• Money Management
• 12 Step Faith-based Substance Abuse and Recovery (NA & AA)
• Anger Management Class ($55 fee)
• Theft Addiction and Recovery
• Healthy Relationships
• Seeking Safety: PTSD and Substance Abuse Pastoral Counseling (No fee)
• Parenting Classes (No fee)
• Moral Recognition Therapy (No fee)

Click here for program times & dates.

Fees vary.

Ready to Work is unprecedented. No other city in the nation is supporting its residents like we are. With over $110 million in tuition assistance, hundreds of employers, training providers and colleges, community organizations and workforce agencies, we are in it together, for you.

Ready to Work makes continuing your education and finding a quality job easier for you. Your personal Ready to Work coach will help you with every step of the process, from understanding your specific situation, coaching you through career and education planning, enrolling and paying for your classes, increasing your confidence and soft skills, updating your resume, preparing you for interviews, connecting you to new job opportunities, and helping you thrive in your job.

Your journey begins with step one – Register online, call 3-1-1, or visit a Ready To Work Partner Agency.

Our full list of programs can be found here.

Our full list of employers can be found here.

Our Partner Agency, Chrysalis Ministries, provides hands-on case management services to help for inmates and their families as they overcome the consequences of incarceration. Eligibility Requirements can be found here.

Services include:

• Intake
• Assessment
• Case Management
• Referrals for Training

Thrive’s emergency shelter is housed on the campus of Haven for Hope and provides 10 young adults with shelter for up to 6 months. The core services at our emergency shelter include not only basic needs of food and shelter, but individually tailored and youth-directed case management plans to help young adults move forward in exiting homelessness. Thrive assists young adults with linkage to resources such as ID recovery, counseling, medical services, gender-affirming care, educational opportunities, and vocational training in a safe and supportive environment. Our focus is to help remove barriers that young adults may encounter in seeking services and help guide them toward their next move in achieving their goals.

LGBTQ youth and young adults.

Free.

The SBA created the 504 loan program to help entrepreneurs finance commercial real estate and equipment for their businesses. Businesses use these loans to finance fixed asset acquisitions such as:

• Purchases of existing buildings
• Land purchases and improvements
• New facility construction
• Existing facility modernizations,
  renovations, and conversions
• Long-term machinery purchases
• Some furniture and fixtures

Businesses in operation for 2 or more years can also use 504 loans to refinance existing debt that meets the following criteria:

• A non-federal loan
• Outstanding for 2 or more years
• Current on all payments for the last 12 months
• It was used originally (85% or more) to finance eligible 504 uses (see above)

The graph to the right shows how LiftFund partners with a participating lender (typically a bank) to finance part of the project. Most projects require a 50-40-10 (Bank Loan-SBA/CDC-Owner) split. However, businesses and/or projects considered “special purpose” require an additional 10% from the owner.

Finding traditional business loans isn’t easy. That’s especially true if you’re a startup, in a risky business industry or both. 

You need capital that can support you — a loan that can help you grow your business so you can prove your success and qualify for a bank loan. If this describes you, the SBA 7A Community Advantage loan program may be the right fit. We’re a partner with SBA and the program funds startups and existing businesses, startup costs, operating expenses, business acquisition, refinancing business debt, tenant improvements, working capital, equipment purchases and more.

Terms:  7-10 year term; 25 year term for real estate; Prime + (2.75% to 6%); Variable rate (based on Wall Street)

• Available for start-up and existing businesses;
• SBA guarantee allows us to provide financing;
• Complimentary consultation;
• No prepayment penalties;
• Cash flow must be sufficient for payments;
• Owner Injection: 20% startups, 20% business acquisitions;
• Projections reviewed for businesses affected by COVID19;

LiftFund provides affordable loans and education to small businesses and entrepreneurs who do not have access to credit from commercial sources.

In response to the economic impact the pandemic has had on small businesses, LiftFund has partnered with various organizations to offer economic relief funding to local entrepreneurs.

Please click here to see available programs.

Free.

When you apply for a small business loan through LiftFund, a team member will review your information and documents to find a LiftFund product that fits your business goals and budget. We provide loans for:

• Commercial Real Estate Purchases
• Equipment
• Inventory
• Leasehold Improvements
• Supplies
• Vehicles
• Working Capital

Whether you have limited credit, collateral, or experience, our team will work with you to provide a loan that allows you to build your credit and improve your finances. 

Click here and answer a few questions to find out if you're ready to apply for a loan.

Click here to apply for a loan.

We’re here to help you strengthen your business.

Our special programs, in collaboration with our generous partners, are designed to provide you access to flexible funding and special rates.

Click here to learn more about our special funding options and apply today!

MEC's 10-Week Cohort Program offers a curriculum-based intensive accelerator program for minority, women, and veteran small business owners seeking to accelerate their growth. The program is taught by successful business owners who share their expert advice on how to grow your business.

The program is especially suited for established businesses (minimum 2-3 years in operation), or for nonprofit agencies who seek to accelerate their growth through a rigorous curriculum and under the guidance of the Maestro mentorship program. For questions regarding the cohort, email [email protected] or call (210) 693-9710. Please make sure you allocate an ample amount of time to complete the application. Additionally,

Program Requirements: Applicants will be scored per section by a review panel made up of community leaders and industry experts.

The applicant will need to commit to attend 2-hour sessions for 10 weeks, as well as Meet the Buyers (session 11) and graduation ceremony.

Application Fee: $200 to be paid upon selection and $100 to be reimbursed if all 12 sessions are attended.

(Please use a computer when filling out the application, as the use of a cellular device might create technical difficulties.)

The Maestro Entrepreneurship Program is made possible through The Woodforest Foundry, a grant by Woodforest National Bank and in partnership with the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program is a voluntary five-year incentive program that allows Housing Choice Voucher and Public Housing residents to accrue money in an escrow account as their earned income increases, allowing participants to become self-sufficient. Any increases in the family’s rent as a result of increased earned income during the family’s participation in the program results in a credit to the family’s escrow account. Once a family successfully graduates from the program, they may access the escrow and use it for any purpose. The FSS program does not affect eligibility for continued housing.

Upon successful completion of the FSS program, the escrow money saved can be used for any financial or educational goal the participant chooses. While completing homeownership and credit counseling classes may be required goals, the main purpose of the FSS program is to educate and transition FSS participants towards economic independence and financial empowerment.

The FSS Coordinator works with FSS participants in creating a plan to meet both individual and program goals. In conjunction with community partners, participants will be assisted with the tools needed to become self-sufficient, including but not limited to:

• Job Skills Training
• Employment counseling
• Educational and scholarship opportunities
• Homeownership classes and counseling
• Financial literacy classes and counseling

All Bexar County residents receiving assistance through the Housing Authority of Bexar County’s (HABC) Housing Choice Voucher or Public Housing programs are eligible to participate in the FSS program, including all adult family members. As the requirement of the program dictates, only earned wages are calculated for the escrow incentive.

The Victory Center at San Antonio College provides the following services:

• Academic Advising
• Education Benefit Certification
• VA Education Benefits
• Hazlewood Exemption
• Tuition Assistance
• MyCAA
• Transition and Career Center (TRAC)
• Student Lounge (Den)
• Tutoring Center (English and Math)
• Veteran Disability Claims Assistance
• PTSD Foundation Life Coaching and Support Group
• VetSuccess on Campus Counselor (VSOC)

This program serves serve veterans, active duty military, and their families.

The Office of Veterans Affairs assists all eligible veterans obtain financial assistance and information on Veterans Benefits while they attend San Antonio College.

Students using VA education and Veterans Readiness & Employment (VR&E)(formerly VocRehab), Hazlewood and Tuition Assistance benefits request certification of benefits through their home campus each semester.

Benefit certification requests should be submitted well in advance of the payment deadlines if the benefit being used will cover all or part of the student's tuition bill.    

The Dual Generation program is focused on helping parents go to college or job training and making sure their children receive an appropriate developmental level of education. We can provide childcare for the parents to attend school/training and assist with job placement after completion (or during if needed).

Tuition assistance available for job training programs:

• GED/High School Diploma
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Medical Assistant
• Pharmacy Technician
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
• Administrative Assistant
• Bookkeeping / QuickBooks
• Medical Front Office
• Phlebotomy
• Child Development Associate (CDA)
• Information Technology
• Entrepreneurship
• Electrical Trade Skills Training

Monthly support and access to:

• Financial Empowerment Sessions
• Job & Career Exploration
• Parenting Classes
• Quality Childcare
• Resume Building
• Supportive Services
• Transportation Assistance

To qualify, a family must:

• have at least 1 child aged 0-10; and
• live in one of these zip codes: 78202, 78203, 78205, 78207, 78208, 78210, 78215, 78218, 78219, 78220, 78222, 78227, 78237.

At the foundation of all programs is the nine-month Parenting and Early Childhood Education offered parents and their children under the age of four. Families attend once a week Monday–Thursday from September to May. Services are comprehensive and designed to enhance the child-rearing skills of parents in order to foster the healthy development of their children and ensure school readiness in their children.

Parents are supported in meeting their educational and personal growth goals in ensuring economic stability. Monthly home visits assess the family home environment and reinforce lessons learned in the classroom. Support services are provided to parents in order for them to begin building safety nets of support to strengthen their families. Classes are provided in Spanish and English.

The Services to Fathers Component is integrated into the Parent-Child Education Program. This program provides weekly interactive fatherhood classes presented in a support group setting validating their personal experiences with life copying mechanism. In addition, couples learn about anger and stress management, domestic violence prevention, how to express their emotions in a positive manner, and the community support and opportunities to achieve their goals.

Services Provided:

• 9-month Parenting Education
• Early Childhood Education and Care
• Home Visitations

Support Services:

• Nutrition Services and Education
• Access to Health and Dental Services
• Access to Mental Health Services and ECI
• Linkage to Community Resources
• Transportation (specific to boundaries)

Services to Fathers:

• Adult Education
• Workforce Pathways
• College Technical Assistance and Support
• Financial Literacy
• Parental Engagement and Leadership

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must have a child under 4 years old or be a parent
• Meet income federal poverty guidelines

Service Area Target:

• Zip codes 78207, 78228, 78237, 78204, 78221, 78211
• Bexar County