More than 360 SA Youth kids are walking a little lighter these days and, in some cases, running as fast as a roadrunner thanks to the Finish Line Youth Foundation, which fitted them recently with a free pair of running shoes.

SA Youth honored Councilman Rey Saldaña; Katie Harvey, CEO of KGBTexas Communications; and Kim Lubel, president and CEO of CST Brands, for their contributions to the community and youth during the 2016 Briscoe Friends of Youth Awards May 25 at the Briscoe Western Art Museum.  “These three individuals have encouraged thousands of inner-city kids to succeed in life. They are also role models in business and in life, encouraging the next generation of leaders to spread their wings and reach for the stars,” Cynthia Le Monds, SA Youth president & CEO, said. 

Fiesta 2016 just got hotter thanks to SA Youth and its official Fiesta event Chips ‘N Salsa. The night of Fiesta revelry benefits the organization during an evening of hot to trot salsa dancing, exciting casino games, food, drinks and the crowning of this year’s Chips King and Salsa Queen.

Have you ever fantasized about riding atop a Fiesta float, adorned in a regal sash and glittering crown while waving to throngs of festive parade-goers? Make that dream a reality by running as a king or queen candidate for Chips ‘N Salsa, an official Fiesta event benefitting SA Youth. The nonprofit organization keeps at-risk, inner-city kids off the streets and engaged in learning after the school bell rings.

SA Youth encourages high school dropouts, ages 16 to 24, to enroll in YouthBuild, a program which offers young adults an opportunity to receive their high school diploma or GED while receiving workforce training and certification in construction. Young adults who participate in the free program attend academic classes for 20 hours per week and participate in construction training for 20 hours per week.

8th annual Chips ‘N Salsa on April 12 benefits SA Youth Whether you like it hot, medium or spicy, plan on attending the 8th Annual Chips ‘N Salsa, an official Fiesta event that benefits SA Youth during a night of sizzling salsa dancing, casino games, food and revelry.

Christian Zavala, age 12, knows that if you borrow money from a bank, you have to pay it back with interest. Penelope Rodriguez, 13, has learned important information about loans and late fees. “I also know that if you put money in a savings account, you earn interest so that you get more money,” said Penelope, a 7th grader at Mark Twain Middle School.

SA Youth is accepting applications for high school dropouts, ages 16 to 24, who are interested in enrolling in its YouthBuild program, which offers young adults an opportunity to receive their high school diploma or GED while acquiring workforce training and certification in construction or culinary arts.

About 100 East Side, at-risk youth now have a safe and nurturing environment to go to after school during the critical out-of-school time hours from the time a child leaves school until he or she can be supervised when a parent or adult returns home from work. Recently, SA Youth opened a center at the Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1600 Simlinger Road.

SA Youth honored Rosemary Kowalski of The RK Group, Doug and Cindy Niznik of Niznik Concrete Contractors and Rackspace Hosting for their contributions to the community. The three individuals and one corporation were recognized during the 2013 Briscoe Friends of Youth Awards luncheon March 5 at The Pearl Stable.