SA Life Academy Jan 2026 Magazine

January 2026

SALA STARS

“PERKS” OF THE JOB Rising Stars Coffee is brewing success across San Antonio

CINDY’S COTTAGE TAKES SHAPE Building a lasting legacy of inclusion SIMPLIFYING THE SEARCH FOR CARE New online portal makes navigating IDD care easier and more accessible

Stars in the City SALA STARS OUT, ABOUT, AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE

A heartwarming moment at our 2025 Gala - Auctioneer, Rick Shaw with SALA Students during the paddle raise.

In this Issue 4

BREWING SUCCESS

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BUILDING A LASTING LEGACY

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OUR 2025 GALA TRULY DEFIED GRAVITY

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HELPING FAMILIES NAVIGATE IDD SERVICES

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STARS IN THE CITY

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A FAMILY AFFAIR

Rising Stars Coffee is a hit - over 1,000 cups of coffee served up since September and we’re just warming up!

Plans for Cindy’s Cottage move forward - ensuring adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are fully integrated into the community while developing real-world job skills.

On October 7th, 560 guests stepped through the emerald curtain and into the magical world of Oz as SA Life Academy hosted its annual gala with a "Wicked" theme that left attendees spellbound.

Finding services for loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities just got easier, thanks to a new collaborative effort that SA Life Academy helped bring to life.

Learning, volunteering, and having fun - SALA STARS are out and about in San Antonio!

The Higgins family of Boerne embodies what makes SA Life Academy special—a beautiful blend of student success, parent involvement, and board leadership all working together to strengthen our STARS community.

FROM OUR DIRECTORS Dear SA Life Academy Family and Friends, As we write this, we’re closing out 2025, and we find ourselves overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible year we've shared with our STARS. What began in 2017 with 22 students has blossomed into a thriving community serving 167 adults across 48+ ZIP codes—and it's all because of you.

This year, our students explored over 100 locations across San Antonio, transforming our city into a vibrant classroom where every experience became an opportunity for growth and connection. From the McNay Museum to serving meals at House of Neighborly Service, from perfecting their swing at Top Golf to launching our Rising Stars Coffee truck in September, our STARS didn't just visit San Antonio—they became vital members of its fabric.

We're especially proud of the 5,500+ volunteer hours our students contributed this year. At Eagles Flight, House of Neighborly Service, the San Antonio Food Bank, and countless other organizations, our STARS discovered that giving back isn't just about helping others—it's about recognizing your own value and seeing how much you have to offer the world. As one student shared, "When I deliver meals to seniors, I realize they need me. That feels really good."

Our commitment to meaningful employment expanded significantly in 2025. Students earned Food Handlers Certifications, practiced job skills at Los Palapas, and gained authentic work experience through Rising Stars Coffee. Our Pop-Up Markets sold out every single time, with students managing real businesses with real transactions and real pride. Meanwhile, Cindy's Cottage received city approval and moved toward construction, promising even more vocational opportunities ahead.

Beyond vocational training, creative expression flourished throughout the year. Art classes, pottery painting, and monthly talent shows brought our staff members to their feet in celebration. Students stayed active and engaged through weekly yoga, TheraBeats, Drumtastics, and fitness sessions at Orange Theory and the JCC. Community exploration took them to museums, parks, nature centers, and countless cultural landmarks across San Antonio, turning each outing into a meaningful learning experience.

Every field trip, every volunteer shift, every coffee served, and every talent show performance reinforced a powerful truth: adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities don't need to be separated from the community—they need to be embraced by it. When given opportunities for meaningful work, authentic friendships, and service, our STARS shine brilliantly.

Thank you to every community partner, volunteer, donor, and family member who champions inclusion every single day. Thank you to our incredible teachers and staff who show up with patience, creativity, and unwavering belief. And thank you to our STARS themselves, who teach us daily about resilience, joy, and what it truly means to live life together.

Here's to 2025—a year of growth and connection. And here's to 2026, when we'll continue expanding what's possible.

With gratitude and excitement for what's ahead,

Ellen Shoemaker Co-Executive Director of Development & Administration 2

Samantha Pety Co-Executive Director & Head of School JANUARY 2026

JANUARY 2026

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BREWING SUCCESS

OVER 1,067 CUPS OF COFFEE SOLD...

AND COUNTING!!

Since its grand opening in September, SA Life Academy's Rising Stars Coffee has become a beloved fixture at community events throughout the San Antonio area, with our Stars serving up smiles alongside expertly crafted beverages.

With over 1,067 cups of coffee sold and counting, the mobile coffee truck has served everyone from families at the Down Syndrome Association Walk to seniors at the District 6 Christmas Party, from trick-or-treaters at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church's Trunk or Treat to working professionals at an Alamo Heights office building, demonstrating the program's broad appeal across the community.

The momentum culminated in a feature segment on KSAT Live on December 15th, showcasing our Stars' skills and the program's impact to viewers across South Texas.

"The students working the truck were so professional and genuinely happy to be there," shared one customer at a recent event. "You can tell they take real pride in what they're doing, and honestly, it was the best latte I've had in weeks."

Operating from its home base at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Rising Stars Coffee provides hands-on training in customer service, food preparation, money handling, and workplace communication. The realworld experience has proven transformative, with students developing confidence and skills that extend far beyond the coffee truck.

As we head into 2026, the Rising Stars team is ready to bring their talents to more community events, corporate gatherings, and private functions. The message is clear: great coffee, greater purpose.

Interested in bringing Rising Stars Coffee to your next event? Contact Samantha at samantha@salifeacademy.org to book the truck.

JANUARY 2026

Top: SALA STARS are ready for their closeup with SA Live.

Bottom: SALA STAR Dallas is interviewed by SA Live anchor Jen Tobias Struski.

Facing: SALA STAR Drew takes orders at the coffee truck.

Stay up to date by following us on Instagram @risingstarscoffee

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Cindy’s Cottage Takes Shape CONTINUING TO HONOR THE VISION AND LEGACY OF SALA FOUNDER CINDY BOYNTON SA Life Academy is moving forward with plans for Cindy's Cottage, a vocational training storefront that will honor founder and CEO Cindy's vision of ensuring adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are fully integrated into the community while developing real-world job skills.

Located on property adjacent to Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Cindy's Cottage represents the next evolution of SALA's vocational programming. The success of Rising Stars Coffee, which launched in September and has already served over 1,067 cups to the community, is providing students with real-world experience that serves as a pathway to working at Cindy's Cottage - developing the vocational skills they'll use in the storefront.

The cottage will feature a gift shop where students can sell handcrafted goods directly to the public, a career development area where students will create products, a walking trail, a green space where community members can gather, and a memorial space honoring Cindy, who passed in August 2024 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. The facility will also showcase products from other programs serving individuals with IDD, creating a hub for the entire community.

"There is truly nothing like this in San Antonio," explain Co-Executive Directors Ellen and Samantha. "Day program students operating their own storefront presents a unique opportunity for our adults to integrate with the community and grow their customer service and social skills in a real-world business environment."

SALA is currently working with Topograph architects to develop detailed specifications and construction plans, with construction anticipated to begin in 2026. The project brings Cindy's vision full circle - creating meaningful opportunities for adults with IDD to be active, valued members of their community. As architectural plans move forward, SALA continues to seek funding partners who share this vision of inclusion and opportunity. For more information, contact ellen@salifeacademy.org.

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JANUARY 2026

The Memorial Garden honoring SA Life Academy founder, Cindy Boynton—a lasting tribute to her vision, compassion, and legacy.

Birdseye View of Cindy’s Cottage

JANUARY 2026

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A NIGHT TO DEFY GRAVITY: SALA'S WICKED GALA RAISES SIGNIFICANT FUNDS On October 8th, 560 guests stepped through the emerald curtain and into the magical world of Oz as SA Life Academy hosted its annual gala with a "Wicked" theme that left attendees spellbound.

The transformation was nothing short of extraordinary. Inside, guests entered an Emerald City brought to life with stunning green décor, while the outdoor spaces featured pink accents in tribute to Glinda. Life-size installations including Glinda in a bubble and an iconic boat created photo-worthy moments throughout the evening. Balloon artistry by Liz's Beautiful Events added whimsical touches that completed the immersive experience.

The evening raised a significant amount that will fund teacher salaries, yearly operations, and career development initiatives including Cindy's Cottage and Rising Stars Coffee - ensuring SALA can continue expanding opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Emcees Debbi Chesney and student Jake Ramirez kept the energy high throughout the night, while auctioneer Rick Shaw guided spirited bidding. Catering by The RK Group delighted guests throughout the evening. A highlight was the announcement of plans for Cindy's Cottage, SALA's upcoming vocational training storefront.

The evening also honored Dr. Dacia Napier, a dear friend of SA Life Academy who has supported the organization both financially and through her creative talents.

This marks Dr. Napier's fourth year designing décor for the gala - her first three years focused on centerpieces, but this year she went all out, spending six months crafting an unforgettable atmosphere that transported guests directly into the world of Wicked.

Led by Gala Coordinator Meggan Leonard and Co-Chairs Bill Ford and Debbie Roberts, with support from SALA's leadership staff, the event exceeded all expectations. The overwhelmingly positive feedback confirmed what attendees already knew: this was a night where magic and mission came together perfectly.

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JANUARY 2026

SAVE THE DATE FOR NEXT YEAR'S GALA ON OCTOBER 7, 2026, WHEN SALA INVITES YOU TO BE "PART OF OUR WORLD" WITH A LITTLE MERMAID THEME. PLANNING IS ALREADY UNDERWAY FOR ANOTHER UNFORGETTABLE EVENING. IF YOU’D LIKE TO RESERVE A TABLE, PLEASE REACH OUT TO ELLEN@SALIFEACADEMY.ORG.

JANUARY 2026

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COMMUNITY UPDATE NEW PORTAL LAUNCHES TO HELP FAMILIES NAVIGATE IDD SERVICES

Finding services for loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities just got easier, thanks to a new collaborative effort that SA Life Academy helped bring to life.

On November 19th, the San Antonio Community Resource Directory (SACRD) launched a guided IDD resource portal designed to help families locate services without the endless phone calls, agency run-arounds, and dead ends that have become all too common.

The launch followed a comprehensive community study conducted in spring 2025 by the IDD Champions coalition, which includes SALA alongside The Arc of San Antonio, Brighton Center, ABC of Southwest Texas, Morgan's Multi-Assistance Center, and Respite Care of San Antonio. The survey of over 800 families revealed a stark reality: 75% of families can't access IDD services when they need them.

"Every service, every transition, every single thing that has to be done takes hours and "EVERY SERVICE, EVERY TRANSITION, EVERY SINGLE THING THAT HAS TO BE DONE TAKES HOURS hours on the phone, because nobody answers phones, nobody calls you back," one parent AND HOURS ON THE PHONE, BECAUSE NOBODY ANSWERS PHONES, NOBODY CALLS YOU BACK," shared. Another described being "bounced between different agencies, and no one seems to ONE PARENT SHARED. ANOTHER DESCRIBED BEING "BOUNCED BETWEEN DIFFERENT AGENCIES, know who can help us."

AND NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW WHO CAN HELP US."

The new SACRD portal addresses this crisis by providing a guided pathway to help families locate services for their loved ones with IDD. Instead of navigating a fractured system alone, families can now access a centralized resource that connects them with available services across Bexar County.

For SALA families and the broader San Antonio IDD community, this tool represents a meaningful step toward making the system more navigable and responsive. As part of the IDD Champions coalition, SALA is proud to be part of creating practical solutions that directly address the challenges our families face every day.

Families can access the IDD resource portal by scanning the QR code below or visiting www.sacrd.org/portal/disabilitysupport/?gp=idd_start.

Scan here to access the SACRD portal.

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JANUARY 2026

LIVE & LOCAL LIVE & LOCAL

SALA STARS HAVE BEEN SPOTTED ALL OVER SAN ANTONIO!

STARS in the City!

This year, our STARS students embarked on an incredible journey of discovery, visiting over 100 locations throughout San Antonio and beyond. Each outing was carefully designed to build independence, spark new interests, and strengthen connections to the community we call home.

Discovering Arts & Culture From the elegant halls of the McNay Museum to performances at the Tobin Center and Carver Community Cultural Center, students immersed themselves in San Antonio's vibrant arts scene. Visits to the Witte Museum, Briscoe Western Art Museum, and the DoSeum offered hands-on learning experiences, while the Scobee Planetarium opened up the wonders of space exploration.

Connecting with Nature The great outdoors became a classroom as students explored the San Antonio Zoo, Botanical Gardens, and Japanese Tea Gardens. Nature walks through Brackenridge Park, Hardberger Park, and the Mitchell Lake Audubon Center provided opportunities to appreciate local wildlife and ecosystems. Swimming outings to Morgan's Wonderland Inspiration Island and community pools added refreshing fun to our adventures.

Staying Active & Having Fun Whether bowling, playing pickleball at Chicken N Pickle, or jumping at Altitude Trampoline Park, students stayed active and social. Top Golf, mini golf at multiple venues, and fitness sessions at Orange Theory and the JCC helped build both physical skills and confidence.

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JANUARY 2026

Giving Back to the Community Service remains at the heart of our program. Students volunteered at the San Antonio Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, Catholic Charities, and numerous other organizations. From park clean-ups to setting up for community events, our STARS learned the joy and responsibility of helping others.

Building Career Skills Real-world job training took center stage with classes like Kitchen Skills 101 and hands-on experience working at Los Palapas, where students practiced essential job skills. Many students worked in the Rising Stars Coffee Truck, gaining valuable customer service experience while serving the community. Students also worked toward their Food Handlers Certification and participated in our wildly successful Pop-Up Market—which sold out at every event! Mock job fairs, dress for success workshops, and the R.O.P.E.R. program rounded out their preparation for meaningful employment opportunities.

Creating & Celebrating Together Creative outlets flourished through pottery painting at Clay Casa, candle making at Mission Crafts, and DIY projects at Board and Brush. Special celebrations brought everyone together, including our World Down Syndrome Day Breakfast, Halloween Zumbathon, Thanksgiving Feast and Talent Show, and unforgettable End of Summer and Winter Dances.

Throughout 2025, every outing reinforced that learning happens everywhere—in museums and parks, at volunteer sites and restaurants, through art projects and athletic activities.

Our students didn't just visit these places; they became active participants in the vibrant tapestry of San Antonio life. Here's to another year of growth, discovery, and limitless possibilities!

JANUARY 2026

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Ryan: A STAR Who Loves the Open Road Ryan Higgins has been a STAR student at SA Life Academy since 2022, bringing his infectious enthusiasm and sweet spirit to our program. At 21 years old, Ryan has found his place in the SALA community, where his passions are celebrated and encouraged.

Ask anyone who's been to a SALA talent show, and they'll tell you about Ryan's signature song: "Life Is a Highway" by Tom Cochrane (famously covered by Rascal Flatts for the Disney movie Cars).

It's the perfect anthem for someone whose heart races for cars and NASCAR. Ryan is a wonderful traveler who loves being outdoors with his family—hiking in the mountains of Park City is a family favorite. He also enjoys building Legos, volunteering in the community, and spending time with his friends at SA Life Academy.

THE HIGGINS FAMILY OF BOERNE EMBODIES WHAT MAKES SA LIFE ACADEMY SPECIAL—A BEAUTIFUL BLEND OF STUDENT SUCCESS, PARENT INVOLVEMENT, AND BOARD LEADERSHIP ALL WORKING TOGETHER TO STRENGTHEN OUR STARS COMMUNITY.

SALA FAMILY SPOTLIGHT 14

Amy: An Artist Who Gives Back Ryan's mother, Amy Higgins, is an accomplished artist who has generously donated her artwork to our annual Off Broadway-themed gala and served on the gala committee. This past year, Amy worked directly with our STARS to create beautiful handmade ring dishes featured at both the gala and community pop-up markets. Guiding students through the creative process, Amy helped them develop new skills while producing products they were proud to sell—and that sold out at every market.

JANUARY 2026

Jeff: Leading from the Board Jeff Higgins serves SA Life Academy as Board Treasurer, providing vital financial oversight and strategic guidance to ensure our organization remains strong and sustainable. His commitment to SALA extends beyond his family's personal connection—he believes deeply in creating meaningful opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

A Family Committed to Inclusion From Boerne to our Mount Calvary campus, the Higgins family brings dedication, creativity, and leadership to everything they do. Ryan thrives in our programs, Amy inspires creativity in our students, and Jeff ensures our financial foundation remains solid. Together, they're proof that SA Life Academy isn't just a program—it's a family where everyone has something valuable to contribute.

Thank you, Higgins family, for everything you bring to our STARS community. Your commitment makes all the difference.

JANUARY 2026

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SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT Thank You to Our Amazing Supporters SA Life Academy is deeply grateful to the donors whose generosity makes our mission possible. Your support enables us to serve 167 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the San Antonio region, providing lifechanging programs and creating pathways to meaningful community integration.

Cornerstone Partners Ed Rachal Foundation Bill Greehey Greehey Family Foundation Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation Transformational Partners Gordon Hartman Family Foundation Ryan LeBlanc Rosa & Freddie Longoria Lanham & Dacia Napier Harvey E. Najim Charitable Foundation Renee Benson Family Foundation Bryon and Rena Sehlke Stephen A Ramseur Consulting Inc Visionary Supporters Amarillo National Bank Bob Broadnax Todd Burek Richard Crumly Mays Family Foundation Sterling Turner Foundation

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JANUARY 2026

Leadership Circle Bryan Boynton Sharla and John Campbell Rick & Jan Davis Clay Ellis Ford Murray PLLC Frost Bank Hill Country Classics IBC Bank Cheryl and Greg Jackson Lula and Richard G. Morales Laura and Lew Moorman Mr. and Mrs. Robert Trautmann Bavi and Dennis Nixon Blanche Todd Nixon Vincent & Tinker Notzon Supreme Rental Services, LLC Valero John and Cheryl Vollmer Benefactors Christy Anderson Ann & Troy Reiter Arnim Family Foundation Scott & Nicole Boynton Theresa & John Bruce Alex Buffkin Genny & Nick Campbell James and Liza Cole Shelby Coleman Chris & Claudia Courtright Jonathan Dear Deborah Kennedy Bill and Kathryn Dehlinger Mark Dorazio The Emergency Clinic Alamo Heights Alan Feldman Joey & Kelley Feste Bill Ford Curtis & Nancy Funderburk Margaret & Doug Greehey JANUARY 2026

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Benefactors (Cont.)

Paige and Frank Guerra Hill Family Charitable Fund Al & Sylvia Honigblum Robin & David Hoyer Jefferson Bank John Jenkins Kenedy Memorial Foundation James and Ginger Lambert Angie Lemmons Meggan & Mike Leonard Letty & David Lloyd Alcide and Ashley Longoria Mark Motors Carlos Martinez Jake and Kathryn Martinez Cecelia & Daniel Mays Morkovsky & Associates, Inc Myra Stafford Pryor Charitable Trust Chaylor and John Newlin Tobin & Andrea Olson Janel and Eric Pearce Todd & Lisa Piland Aja and Thomas Pina Pivot Investment Planning, LLC Rachael & Ben Vaughan Foundation Rancho Santa Fe Foundation Annie and Jackson Rogers Jeff Rogers Bob and Theresa Rosenheim Sharon & Clint Plant Liz Simmons Trudy and Gary Songco Lisa Spanjer St Luke's Episcopal Church Green Door Elizabeth and Merill Swanson Thad Ziegler Glass Dawn and Gary Vogel Weil Family Fund Garey Willbanks Chuck & Sandra Wright

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JANUARY 2026

Giving Tuesday Super Supporters Marguerite Beckingham Kellene Davis Susan Ardourel We are also grateful for the generous support of 105 additional donors whose gifts of all sizes make our mission possible.

Your support enables SALA to continue offering exceptional programming that promotes independence, builds life skills, and creates opportunities for community engagement. Every donation, whether large or small, directly impacts the lives of our STARS and their families.

Ready to Support SALA's Mission?

You can make a difference in the lives of adults with IDD by visiting our website to make a donation. Your support funds the meaningful opportunities that help our STARS reach their full potential and live fulfilling, independent lives in our community.

Thank you for believing in our mission and supporting the incredible adults we serve. Together, we are creating a more inclusive San Antonio where everyone has the opportunity to shine!

SCAN HERE TO MAKE A DONATION TO SA LIFE ACADEMY

JANUARY 2026

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KICKSTART YOUR DAY AT RISING STARS COFFEE! MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, & FRIDAY 8:15AM - 10:00AM

SA LIFE ACADEMY PARKING LOT 308 MOUNT CALVARY DR. SAN ANTONIO, TX 78209

Watch our KSAT SA Live Segment!

SHRED WITH THE STARS!!

WE ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THAT SA LIFE ACADEMY IS NOW OFFERING A CONVENIENT DOCUMENT SHREDDING SERVICE! How it works: Pick up a banker box from SA Life Academy to use for your shredding documents Bring your boxes of documents to our location Make a donation per box (suggested amount $20 per box) to support our mission If you have any questions or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to serving you and helping you with your document shredding needs!

GIVE US A CALL AT (210) 380-3835 TO GET STARTED!

EASY. SAFE. SECURE.

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