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celebrating youth leadership

As we close out the year, we’re grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Joint Organization Leadership Table (JOLT) Convening, hosted by [Up Partnership]([link removed]). Sophia Montemayor, our Youth Advocate Program Manager, was honored to join the intergenerational panel, where leaders of all ages gathered to uplift youth voices in Bexar County. At Healthy Futures, we engage in multiple initiatives to elevate young people, including our [Youth Advocates]([link removed]) program and the [San Antonio POD]([link removed]). These
initiatives empower youth to become leaders in their communities, advocating for critical issues such as access to evidence-based sex ed and teen-friendly healthcare.

Marcela Hernandez, our Youth Advocate Team Lead, also captivated the audience with a powerful poem that highlighted the struggles Gen Z faces, including transphobia, inequitable education, and gun violence. Marcela shared, “This poem was a way to shine a light on the struggles we deal with and how organizations like Up Partnership, JOLT, and Healthy Futures provide youth with the space to take an active role in our community.” Watch Marcela's inspiring performance [here]([link removed]).

As we reflect on this impactful event and the year that has passed, we’re inspired by the collective commitment to building a brighter, more inclusive future.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a hopeful start to the new year!

new insights on adolescent health

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We’re excited to share our latest data report on adolescent health in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). The report highlights critical challenges in the region, including low health insurance coverage, high poverty rates, and a teen birth rate nearly 50% higher than the state average.

[access the report here]([link removed])

advocacy update

The 89th Legislative Session is just around the corner, with lawmakers gaveling in on January 14. Healthy Futures will be hard at work advocating for policies that help Texas youth access the health care and information they need for a lifetime of sexual health. You can view our bill tracker and other legislative tools on our policy page. Check it out [here]([link removed]).

Healthy Futures, in partnership with [People’s Community Clinic]([link removed]), hosted an educational event at the Texas Capitol focused on adolescent health. Legislative members and staff joined us for important discussions on improving health outcomes for Texas youth, including addressing teen birth rates, health disparities, and the rising syphilis rates.

Reflecting on the event, one attendee shared, “It was very encouraging to hear about the young people and communities that People's Community Clinic serves. And it was inspiring to see how the staffers we talked with were impacted by the teen pregnancy data we brought up.” This event was a vital step in our ongoing efforts to advocate for a healthier future for all.

curriculum in action

Healthy Futures has been a leader in promoting high-quality sex education since our founding by Dr. Janet Realini in 2006 with the first edition of Big Decisions. Nearly 20 years later, we took a bold step by launching a dedicated curriculum sales department to expand access to our [unique curriculum]([link removed]) and training resources while supporting our mission.

In 2024, we proudly brought our programs to 11 school districts and one health department, training over 65 facilitators in our own-brand curriculum.

Interested in bringing high quality, Texas-based sex ed or puberty education to your school district? Email [email protected]!

partner spotlight

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[SA Youth]([link removed])focuses on helping young people achieve academic success, build character, and lead healthy lifestyles. We are deeply grateful for SA Youth's continued partnership and unwavering commitment to supporting young adults through their core and extended programs, including the Young Adult Stability and Support (YASS) Center. The YASS Center provides a safe space for rest and connection to resources for San Antonio’s young adults, ages 18-24, who are experiencing or at risk of becoming unhoused.

Their dedication to empowering San Antonio's high-risk youth and young adults to reach their full potential by providing quality educational programming in a safe environment is inspiring. We also appreciate their support in helping us recruit parents and caregivers for [Key Conversations]([link removed]), our program designed to teach adults how to discuss healthy relationships and sexual health with their children. We look forward to collaborating on youth programming in the new year. Together, we’re making a lasting impact. Thank you, SA Youth!

upcoming events

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Join us on January 29th, 12:00–1:00 pm CST, for our rescheduled webinar with Celena Ponce, ASL Educator and nonprofit founder.

This insightful session will cover strategies for engaging non-English speaking families, supporting deaf and hard of hearing children, and addressing language deprivation, with actionable tips for educators, administrators, and community members.

Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding and make a meaningful impact!

[click here to register]([link removed])

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Join us for the 14th Annual Healthy Futures of Texas Symposium, an essential event for professionals in adolescent and women’s sexual and reproductive health. This in-person event will be held in Dallas from April 28-30, 2025, with one day of virtual programming on May 1, 2025.

Register by December 31, 2024, to take advantage of a 15% early bird discount! Use promo code “BIRD” to save.

[register now for early bird savings!]([link removed])

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Healthy Futures of Texas

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2300 W. Commerce St.,
Suite 212
San Antonio, TX 78207


[email protected] / 210.223.4589

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