In a community with limited educational resources, West Side Helping Hand has been assisting low-income youth academically and interpersonally in the Coastal Bend since 2016. Through a holistic approach, the local nonprofit provides students with the skills, confidence and opportunities to succeed.
“We provide free educational and mentorship services to students Pre-K3 to 12, including tutoring, character development, goal-setting discussions, organized sports and recreational activities,” said Executive Director Cindy Davila. After school, students receive free food and tutoring followed by sports and outdoor and indoor recreational services, including art, educational games and library or computer time.
To celebrate and enhance West Side Helping Hand’s philanthropic work, the center was recently awarded the Charity League of Corpus Christi’s grant for the 2024-2025 season. “We are very fortunate to have this opportunity to heighten awareness of our mission and goals and encourage more donations and volunteer involvement. This can help us expand our impact and support the community we serve,” Davila said.
With grant funds, the center plans to enhance resources, existing programs and services, and strengthen outreach to attract more volunteers and donations. The center aims to expand its capacity by adding two buildings; developing a program for junior high and high school students to explore vocational skills and connect with postsecondary resources; and adding a volleyball court and tarp to the playground at its current location. Currently serving 104 students with a waitlist of 100, Davila expects the expansion to increase capacity to 160 students, with future growth potentially reaching 300-400 students.
West Side Helping Hand also plans to partner with other local organizations, businesses and government entities. Currently partnered with Rose Shaw Elementary, Zavala Elementary and Promessa Charter School, the center provides transportation for students from these schools and works with teachers, parents and principals to address academic challenges.
Last semester, 95% of enrolled students passed their classes with the support of West Side Helping Hand. The center also partners with Valere Public Schools, Majesty Outdoors, Gulf Coast Humane Society, Tennis Success, Grow Local South Texas, Team Nutrition USDA from Texas A&M and Coastal Bend Food Bank to help with its programming.
Through its blend of academic support, career exploration, character-building programs and extracurricular activities, West Side Helping Hand is shaping the next generation of leaders. “Every child deserves a chance to succeed,” Davila said. “With the support from Charity League, we will succeed and help develop [even more] outstanding productive citizens for our future.”
Contact:
wshhcc.org | If interested in volunteering, contact Cindy Davila at cindy@wshhcc.org; if interested in donating, please do so at osvhub.com
