RECAP: The Future of San Antonio – A Community United for Child Well-Being

Family Service San Antonio and CHILDREN AT RISK collaborated to present the second annual Future of San Antonio community event on February 28, 2025

On February 28, 2025, CHILDREN AT RISK and Family Service San Antonio co-hosted The Future of San Antonio: Investing in the Long-term Social Determinants of Health Outcomes of Children—an impactful event that brought together advocates, educators, researchers, health professionals, and policy leaders committed to advancing the well-being of San Antonio’s youngest residents.

Held at Texas A&M University – San Antonio, the convening provided a critical platform for dialogue around the key social and systemic barriers affecting children’s health, safety, education, and long-term success. The morning was grounded in data, shaped by lived experience, and driven by a shared belief: San Antonio’s future depends on the health of its children.

Highlighting the Data: A State of San Antonio Children Review

The event began with a data presentation led by Dr. Bob Sanborn, President & CEO of CHILDREN AT RISK, and Christine Thomas, Senior Associate Director of CSME. The analysis revealed significant disparities:

  • 63% of Bexar County students qualify for free or reduced lunch

  • 25% of children are food insecure

  • Only 50% of kindergartners are school-ready

  • Mental health challenges are escalating: 23% of teens reported suicidal ideation

  • San Antonio has the second-highest dropout rate in Texas

This data painted a sobering picture of the obstacles children face but also served as a powerful foundation for action.

Explore the Slide Deck

 

Expert Voices on Transforming Outcomes

A robust panel discussion followed, moderated by Dr. Sanborn, featuring diverse experts:

  • Dr. Steven Kelder (UTHealth Houston)

  • Dalinda Gonzalez-Alcantar (Boys & Girls Club of McAllen)

  • Dr. Norman Christopher (Christus Children’s)

  • Dr. Leo Lopez III (University Medicine Associates)

  • Dr. Zoabe Hafeez (UTHealth Houston & Rice University)

Panelists shared innovative, community-based strategies to improve child well-being—from mental health access and trauma-informed care to early education investments and addressing poverty through systemic policy change.

Audience engagement was strong during the Q&A session, with many participants expressing interest in turning data into meaningful advocacy and cross-sector collaboration.

 

A Unified Vision

In closing, Mary Garr, President & CEO of Family Service, emphasized the urgent need to go beyond treating symptoms and start solving root causes. “We must come together across sectors to change the systems that continue to fail children and families,” she said.

Attendees left not only informed but inspired—equipped with actionable insights, new connections, and a shared commitment to creating a more equitable future for every child in San Antonio.

CHILDREN AT RISK and Family Service are grateful to all participants, panelists, and partners who contributed to this event’s success. The full data report and resources shared at the event will continue to guide our collective efforts.

Together, we can turn insights into action—and ensure that San Antonio is not just a place where children grow up, but where they thrive.