HAVE COFFEE, WILL TRAVEL
SALA’S newest workforce initiative is positively percolating
PART OF THEIR WORLD
SALA contributes fin-tastic art to the walls of the Mermaid Cafe
SALA STARS AT NIGHT
Big and bright at the Texas Cavalier’s River Parade
Top of the Class!
SALA OPENS 7TH CLASS, NOW SERVING 165 FAMILIES WEEKLY
3
SCHOOL IS IN SESSION
SALA opens our 7th class since our opening in 2017.
SOMETHING NEW IS BREWING
Our innovative coffee truck partnership with Mount Calvary Lutheran Church represents a groundbreaking workforce development initiative for our students
CHAMPIONS OF A CAUSE
SALA is proud to be a founding member of IDD Champions, a groundbreaking coalition of local nonprofits working to transform how families access intellectual and developmental disability services in Bexar County.
A GRAVITY DEFYING EVENING WITH SALA
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 8th, 2025! SALA is thrilled to invite you to "Defy Gravity" with us at our annual Off-Broadway Gala at the Witte Mays Family Center and Zachry Gardens
SALA STARS shined bright at the annual Texas Cavaliers River Parade
SALA STARS SHINE BRIGHT STUNNING ARTWORK FOR THE MERMAID CAFE
The SALA STARS created stunning mermaid canvases that are displayed at The Mermaid Cafe. These vibrant collages have become a signature feature of the space.
2025 Off Broadway Gala Committee at their first meeting
FROM OUR DIRECTORS
Dear SA Life Academy Family and Friends,
As we share this inaugural quarterly magazine, our hearts are full of gratitude for all that SA Life Academy (SALA) has accomplished. What began as a dream has blossomed into a thriving community of 165 families from over 48 zip codes across San Antonio a testament to the critical need our program fills.
Every day, we witness the transformative power of what happens when adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are given meaningful opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to their community. From our STARS volunteering thousands of hours throughout San Antonio to the joy we see as they master new skills and build lasting friendships, we are constantly reminded of why this work matters.
This magazine represents just a glimpse of the remarkable things happening at SALA every day. From opening our 7th class to launching innovative partnerships like our coffee truck initiative with Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, we are continuously expanding our impact while staying true to Cindy Boynton's founding vision.
Thank you for being part of the SALA family. Your support, encouragement, and belief in our STARS make all the difference.
With a Grateful Heart,
Samantha Pety & Ellen Shoemaker Co-Executive Directors
SALA’S 7 CLASS KICKS OFF, SERVING
165 FAMILIES ACROSS 48 UNIQUE ZIP CODES THROUGHOUT SAN ANTONIO TH
SALA is proud to announce the opening of our 7th class, marking another significant milestone in our organization's growth and impact. We now serve 165 families weekly, representing 48 unique zip codes throughout San Antonio.
This expansion reflects the remarkable journey SALA has taken since opening our first class in 2017 with just 22 students. The continued growth demonstrates both the quality of our programming, and the critical community need we are meeting for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
We are thrilled to announce that Katie Clark has been promoted to Lead Teacher for our 7th class. Katie's dedication and expertise as an Associate Teacher have prepared her perfectly for this expanded role.
Additionally, we are ecstatic to welcome Tisa Peterson as the Associate Teacher for our 7th class. Tisa brings valuable experience in special education and a passion for supporting individuals with IDD that will greatly enhance our team.
THE OPENING OF OUR 7TH CLASS ENSURES THAT EVEN MORE FAMILIES IN GREATER SAN ANTONIO WILL HAVE ACCESS TO SA LIFE ACADEMY'S EXCEPTIONAL PROGRAMMING, CONTINUING OUR MISSION TO PROVIDE MEANINGFUL OPPORTUNITIES FOR LEARNING, GROWTH, AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FOR OUR STARS.
JAKE’S COMMITMENT TO TEAMWORK TRANSFORMS OUR CAMPUS INTO A PLACE WHERE EVERYONE FEELS VALUED AND SUPPORTED
SALA STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Jake Ramirez joined SALA in August of 2024, and has been a leader who brings positivity and kindness to our SALA community! With his generous spirit and infectious positive attitude, Jake consistently goes above and beyond to support both teachers and other students. Whether lending a helping hand or brightening everyone ’ s day with his wonderful sense of humor, Jake creates an atmosphere where friendships flourish. His natural ability to treat everyone with respect and kindness makes him a true role model who inspires others to be their best selves. Jake’s commitment to teamwork and genuine care for others transforms our campus into a place where everyone feels valued and supported. We’re lucky to have such an amazing student lighting up our campus every day!
Jake lends a hand while unloading a van full of supplies with a peer.
Jake brings his positive energy to the fields at Devin Acres.
SOMETHING NEW
IS BREWING
OUR INNOVATIVE COFFEE TRUCK PARTNERSHIP REPRESENTS A GROUNDBREAKING WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE FOR SALA STUDENTS
SALA is excited to announce our innovative coffee truck partnership with Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, representing a groundbreaking workforce development initiative for our students.
Building on the strong foundation established since SALA moved to Mount Calvary's campus in January 2024, this partnership takes our collaboration to the next level. Mount Calvary has purchased a coffee truck that operates on their property at 308 Mount Calvary Drive, while SALA will provide vocational training, student supervision, and daily operations management.
Operating Monday through Friday from 8:00-10:00 AM, the coffee truck serves as a real-world training platform where our STARS will develop professional barista and food service skills. Students will gain hands-on experience in customer service, food preparation, and business operations while serving quality coffee and baked goods to our campus community of 160+ students and their families, as well as neighborhood customers.
This career development program directly prepares participants for competitive employment and serves as a pathway to SALA's upcoming vocational storefront, "Cindy's Cottage," opening in 2026.
The partnership demonstrates how educational institutions and faith communities can leverage their distinct strengths for collective impact, creating an inclusive community space that transforms how the community views individuals with IDD.
The coffee truck will begin operations in September so stay tuned and follow our social media for updates on our opening!
CHAMPIONS OF A CAUSE CHAMPIONS OF A CAUSE
A GROUNDBREAKING COALITION OF LOCAL NON-PROFITS WORKS
TO TRANSFORM HOW FAMILIES ACCESS INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY SERVICES IN BEXAR COUNTY
SALA is proud to be a founding member of IDD Champions, a groundbreaking coalition of local nonprofits working to transform how families access intellectual and developmental disability services in Bexar County.
The coalition, which includes The Arc of San Antonio, Brighton Center, Morgan's MultiAssistance Center, Respite Care of San Antonio, and SA Life Academy, emerged in fall 2024 in response to families navigating a fractured and under-resourced system.
OUT OF 485,000 TEXANS WITH IDD, A CONSERVATIVE ESTIMATE, ONLY ABOUT 97,000 INDIVIDUALS ARE CURRENTLY BEING SERVED WITH LONG-TERM IDD SERVICES.
In spring 2025, IDD Champions conducted a comprehensive community-wide survey of over 800 respondents that revealed stark realities: 75% of families can't access services when they need them, and nearly half report that coordination between service providers is ineffective or non-existent. The survey found that parents are essentially acting as full-time care coordinators, managing referrals, appointments, and waitlists across disconnected agencies.
One of the coalition's key initiatives already underway is a partnership with San Antonio Community Resource Directory (SACRD) to launch a guided IDD resource platform that directly addresses families' struggles to navigate services and will help families find and access the support they need.
Through IDD Champions, SALA is working to ensure that every family in Bexar County has access to the resources and support they deserve, building a more navigable and effective system for our community's most vulnerable residents.
Ellen Shoemaker presenting at the IDD Champions press conference.
INOUR COMMUNITY
SA LIFE ACADEMY'S STARS HAVE DEMONSTRATED EXTRAORDINARY COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY SERVICE THROUGHOUT THE FIRST HALF OF 2025 CONTRIBUTING AN IMPRESSIVE 3,552 VOL HOURS VALUED AT OVER $25,752 TO OUR ANTONIO COMMUNITY.
From January to June (Q1 – Q2), the following organizations were served:
Alamo Heights Pool Catholic Charities Corazon Ministries Diaper Bank Eagles Flight Food Bank Frost Bank (On Campus) Gardopia
This diverse range o gain experience in v meaningful contrib The impact extends these volunteer opp essential social skill listening, eye conta also develop crucial systems, task analy building stamina a community.
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House of Neigh KickStart Meals on Whee Nowhere Book Operation Gra Park Clean Up Respite Care S SA Hope Cente Salvation Arm
A EVENING WITH SALA gravitydefying
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 8th, 2025! SALA is thrilled to invite you to "Defy Gravity" with us at our annual Off-Broadway Gala at the Witte Mays Family Center and Zachry Gardens.
This year's "Wicked"-themed event begins promptly at 6pm and will benefit 160+ adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The evening includes cocktails, a seated dinner, a brief program, and a live auction featuring auctioneer Rick Shaw.
We are honored to pay tribute to Dr. Dacia Napier, whose creative vision and passionate dedication to our mission have been vital to our gala's continued success and organizational growth.
Funds raised through our annual gala support our year-round programming and help us add additional spots for new students to move off our waitlist. Like Elphaba and Galinda, we believe that everyone deserves the chance to "fly" and reach their full potential.
Forsponsorship information orto secureyour table, contact Finance DirectorKristen Collierat kristen@salifeacademy.org or512.705.1080.
SALA AMONG A GROUP OF SELECT NONPROFITS CHOSEN TO SHINE BRIGHT AT THE ANNUAL TEXAS CAVALIERS RIVER PARADE
SALifeAcademywasecstatictobeselectedasoneofsevencharitablehonoreesforthe2025 TexasCavaliersCharitableFoundationRiverParade!Whatanincredibleprivilegeand opportunitytosharemoreaboutourorganization'smissionandimpactonthefamiliesand communitywesoproudlyserve.
OurSTARShadanamazingtimebeingfeaturedonafloatduringtheparade,bringingjoyand excitementtothousandsofspectatorsalongtheSanAntonioRiver.Theexperienceprovided anexcellentopportunitytospotlightourmissionofprovidingexceptionalcontinuing educationopportunitiesforadultswithintellectualanddevelopmentaldisabilities. BeinghonoredalongsidesixotherimpactfulorganizationsservingindividualswithIDD includingRiseSchoolofSanAntonio,SpecialReach,TheArcofSanAntonio,BrightonCenter, MissionRoadMinistries,andRespiteCareofSanAntonio wastrulymeaningful.Theparade's theme,"ShineBright,"perfectlycapturedthespiritofourSTARSastheyproudlyrepresented SALAandthebroaderIDDcommunity.
ThisrecognitionfromtheTexasCavaliersCharitableFoundationnotonlycelebratesourwork butalsoraisesawarenessaboutthecapabilitiesandcontributionsofindividualswithIDD throughoutGreaterSanAntonio.ThankyoutotheTexasCavaliersforthiswonderfulhonor andforhighlightingorganizationsthatmakeadifferenceinourcommunity!
Part of Their World Part of Their World
SALA CONTRIBUTES FIN-TASTIC ART TO THE WALLS OF THE MERMAID CAFE
TheSALASTARScreatedstunningmermaid canvasesthataredisplayedatTheMermaid Cafe.Thesevibrantcollageshavebecomea signaturefeatureofthespace.Created collaborativelybySALifeAcademystudents undertheinstructionofourtalentedart teacher,thesepiecesshowcaseincredible creativityandartisticskill.
Thedetailedprocessinvolvedpaintingand texturizingcanvasbackgrounds,designing scalesandtailsusingstencilsandcutpaper, andaddingspecialfinishingtoucheslikesand, seashells,andtissuepaperplants.Eachpiece isatruecelebrationofcolor,texture,and creativitythatvisitorscanadmireandenjoy.
Whatmakesthiscollaborationevenmore specialisthatTheMermaidCafefounderLeah MeyerisherselfaSALASTARwhoattendsSA LifeAcademy.SeveralSALASTARSwhoattend SALifeAcademyarealsoproudemployeesof TheMermaidCafe,wheretheygainvaluable workexperienceinaninclusiveworkplace whileservingthecommunity.Leah's entrepreneurialsuccessservesasaninspiring exampleofwhat'spossiblewhenadultswith intellectualanddevelopmentaldisabilitiesare givenopportunitiestopursuetheirdreams.
Waytogo,STARS!
Student artwork on display at the newly-opened Mermaid Cafe
2025 CAREGIVER SURVEY RESULTS DEMONSTRATE SALA'S TREMENDOUS IMPACT
SALA'S 2025 CAREGIVER SURVEY RESULTS REVEAL THE PROFOUND IMPACT OUR PROGRAMMING CONTINUES TO HAVE ON STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
The feedback overwhelmingly demonstrates that SALA is fulfilling its mission of promoting independence, skill development, and community engagement for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Outstanding Program Results:
95% of families report that SALA participation has positively impacted their adult's sense of independence and self-confidence
95% noted improvements in daily independent living and social skills
82% observed improvements in their adult's physical and/or emotional health through our Health and Wellness programming
What Families Are Saying:
"MY DAUGHTER'S INDEPENDENCE HAS GROWN SO MUCH SINCE ATTENDING SALA, SHE IS SO PROUD OF HERSELF!"
"Every day my son gets more and more confident in the community. I believe the things he learns and experiences at SALA are directly responsible for this."
"Karen loves to come to SALA. She enjoys conversing with people and trying new things there. Karen always has a big smile on her face when she comes out the door for pick up"
"SALA has filled a highly necessary niche in the San Antonio community We are eternally grateful for your service and speak highly of your efforts to everyone we know."
"SALA is such a terrific program. I tell everyone about it!"
The survey results reinforce what we see every day at SALA that our STARS thrive in an environment that promotes independence, builds meaningful relationships, and provides opportunities for community engagement. Thank you to all the families who took time to share their experiences and help us continue improving our programming.
SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT
Thank You to Our Amazing Supporters
SALA is deeply grateful for the generous support we receive from foundations, businesses, and individuals throughout our community. Your contributions make it possible for us to provide meaningful opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to learn, grow, and thrive
WE EXTEND OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS, INCLUDING STERLING-TURNER FOUNDATION, TEXAS CAVALIERS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, NAJIM CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, INVEST IN OTHERS, GREEHEY FAMILY FOUNDATION, VALERO, HEB, FROST BANK, MAYS FAMILY FOUNDATION, BEXAR COUNTY, ST. LUKE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, MYRA STAFFORD PRYOR CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, ARNIM FAMILY FOUNDATION, AND JOHN & MARIE STELLA KENEDY MEMORIAL FOUNDATION.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our supporters, including Sterling-Turner Foundation, Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation, Najim Charitable Foundation, Invest in Others, Greehey Family Foundation, Valero, HEB, Frost Bank, Mays Family Foundation, Bexar County, St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Myra Stafford Pryor Charitable Foundation, Arnim Family Foundation, and John & Marie Stella Kenedy Memorial Foundation.
These partnerships enable 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!
JENNY KOEHLER, ASSOCIATE TEACHER
SALA is excited to welcome Jenny Koehler as our newest Associate Teacher! Jenny is a certified special education teacher with over eight years of classroom experience and brings a unique educational background, having graduated from Texas Tech University with a major in English and a minor in Film and Media Studies.
Driven by a deep commitment to equity and inclusion, Jenny is passionate about highlighting the unique strengths of each individual and serving as an advocate for those whose voices are not always heard At SALA, she applies her educational expertise to support students in developing communication, literacy, and self-expression skills that enhance their independence and community engagement When she's not working, Jenny enjoys traveling, staying active with CrossFit, and unwinding with board games at her San Antonio home with her husband and three cats.
TISA PETERSON, ASSOCIATE TEACHER
We are also thrilled to welcome Tisa Peterson as an Associate Teacher! Tisa brings nine years of teaching experience and a degree from UT Austin's College of Communications to SALA. She has taught art to children, teens, and seniors, driven by her passion for expressive arts and commitment to serving others. Her work with individuals with special needs began in high school and continued through volunteering with the Down Syndrome Association of South Texas, Special Reach, and Equessense equine therapy program. She draws personal inspiration from her nephew, who has Down Syndrome. Most recently working in special education, Tisa brings compassion, creativity, and a deep belief in inclusion to SALA's mission of promoting independence and community engagement.
SALANEW TEAMMEMBERS
JENNIFER ROBELO, PROGRAM ASSISTANT
SALA is delighted to welcome Jennifer Robelo as our new Program Assistant! Jennifer brings a deeply personal connection to our mission as the mother of three children, including Sebastian, who has autism and graduated from Alamo Heights High School in May. Sebastian is now attending the 09 Academy, the transition program through AHISD, and the family hopes he will attend SALA in the future.
Jennifer has volunteered to assist with SALA's gala for the past 8+ years, demonstrating her long-standing commitment to our organization She holds degrees from Duke University, including an MBA from the Fuqua School of Business, and brings extensive experience from her background in marketing, consulting, and brand management with companies like Anderson Consulting and Johnson & Johnson
Now a San Antonio resident of 12 years, Jennifer is excited to support SALA's staff with billing, expenses, grant research and preparation, and donor relations and communications. Her positive demeanor, professional experience, and personal understanding of families with special needs make her a tremendous asset to our team.
POP-UPMARKET
SEPTEMBER 4TH: 9AM - SOLD OUT
308 MOUNTCALVARYDRIVE
Shop baked goods, treats, and handmade goods made by the SALA STARS
SUNSETRIDGE FARMERS MARKET
SEPTEMBER 6TH: 8AM - SOLD OUT
291 EMPORIABLVD
Shop tshirts and goodies made by the SALA STARS
OFFBROADWAYGALA
OCTOBER 8TH: 6:00PM – 9:30PM
WITTE MAYS CENTER & ZACHRYGARDENS
