Since 2014, San Antonio Threads has emerged as a prominent non-profit organization dedicated to providing at-risk youth with a safe, nurturing shopping experience. The non-profit provides free, high quality necessities like new clothing and other essentials to those in child protective services, foster care or facing homelessness. Beyond the sphere of material sustenance lies the nonprofit’s mission to support and empower children going through hardships.
Cathy Hamilton, CEO and founder of SA Threads, drew inspiration from her prior experience as a court appointed special advocate to bring this organization to life. As a CASA, Hamilton consistently saw children who only had access to unwashed or outdated clothing and other essentials, and a sense of duty prompted Hamilton to make a change.
“Their future is uncertain and now we’re like ‘go dig out of that trash for something to wear,’” Hamilton said. “There’s not much dignity and respect, and you don’t get the same confidence and comfort from being able to slip on a new pair of shoes that no one has tried on.”
Hamilton’s passion for helping at-risk youth stems from her childhood. She said she has a firsthand understanding of childhood trauma.
“I grew up in a very abusive home. You name it, we experienced it,” Hamilton said. “I know all about abuse, neglect. I’m an expert on that. I’m going to look at it a different way. What I went through, I’m going to turn it into more of a positive. I’m going to use it to do good. And now, those of who are strong enough, we need to stand up and let these kids know we’re here. I see you. Let’s make a difference. Let’s change things.”
Sometimes kids arrive at the store right after getting placed into foster care. For teenagers, the organization aims to recreate a traditional mall shopping experience as closely as possible by dressing up mannequins and having staff and volunteers act as stylists and store clerks.
Trinity University Volunteer Action Community shows solidarity with this cause through frequent volunteer events at SA Threads. Sia Joshi, sophomore neuroscience major, is a Trinity student and Youth & Education Volunteer Coordinator for TUVAC who frequently volunteers for SA Threads in her spare time. Packing donation bags, helping unload shipments and restocking shelves are part of the various tasks she does to help support the non-profit. Participating in this movement instills a sense of hospitality and purpose within Joshi.
“Everyone there is really nice. I never feel burdened to go volunteer,” Joshi said. “I feel like I’m respected there. I get to give back to the community, and that also makes me feel valued.”
Steffany Zepeda, SA Threads receptionist, has worked for the non-profit since 2021. Zepeda highlighted the impact this nonprofit has had on at-risk youth in their sense of belonging.
“When the shoppers leave, we ask them to write us a note, and a lot of the notes say the same thing: That we were really nice and that it was great to have someone to talk to,” Zepeda said. “I was also in foster care, so I kind of know first hand how they feel. Sometimes they feel alone and just talking to them and getting them to open up makes me really happy.”
Sergio Flores, warehouse manager at SA Threads, echoed this sentiment. During his eight months at the company, he recalled key moments interacting with the youth that tugged on his heartstrings.
“My favorite part would have to be the smiles that our shoppers give,” Flores said. “They just look at the room and they’re just like ‘oh,’ and they just have a smile that you can’t take it back, you can’t re-see it. It just feels good to help kids.”
Flores stated that the impact SA Threads has made on at-risk youth would be boosting their self-confidence, self-esteem and self-love.
When pondering on the future of SA Threads, Hamilton said that running the non-profit is a lot of work, but she wants to keep going for many years to come. While the work is not without its challenges, Hamilton remains steadfast.
“I love that we can now prepare them for either staying in school, feeling better about themselves, getting a job and being able to move forward wherever they are going,” Hamilton said.
*Faith Olabanji is a site leader for TUVAC.
