Maria Benavidez

Maria Benavidez is the President & CEO of SA Youth. In 1984, Brother Danna Gauthreaux noticed there were many kids hanging out on the streets of downtown San Antonio. So, he organized activities and offered a snack and homework help in the basement of St. Mary's Church. In 1986, the program became known as The Downtown Youth Drop In Center and officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

The need became so great that the group soon outgrew the basement of the church and moved into a building donated by the Toudouze family, where it remained for many years. Today, Brother Dana’s vision continues as SA Youth and his mission continues. Through two signature programs, SOAR! and Academic Achievers, SA Youth continues to serve the youth of San Antonio. Academic Achievers provides after school care for the elementary and middle school students of South San ISD. SOAR, which stands for See Our Achievements Rise, offers accredited high school diplomas for students ages 16-24 who left their high schools before graduating.

While earning their diploma, the students also earn up to 128 hours of workforce development, leadership skills and life skills through enhanced programming offered by partners such as Bank of America, Venture Lab and Healthy Futures. A Student Engagement Specialist helps the students complete such tasks as applying for college, completing financial aid applications, connecting with community resources and accomplishing goals each student sets upon enrolling in SOAR. Mental health services are also available for all SOAR! students.