In 2021, the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word began a special grant initiative entitled “Sisters Supporting Women for a Better World”. Because women are at the heart of their communities, the demands that they face are many as are the challenges they encounter. For women living in economic poverty, the resources they need to succeed are often beyond their reach. These include education, economic opportunity, personal safety, health care and social services. Our educational ministries were asked to consider how they could make a difference in lives of women and in their communities. Projects were requested from student teams in the United States and Mexico with assistance from a faculty mentor in this new initiative. In Peru, projects were requested from areas served by Sisters; no grant applications from Peru were received this year.
The purpose of the grant initiative has been to provide funding to develop and implement a project to serve economically poor women. These projects were asked to incorporate direct services for women, or advocating for policy change on an issue that direct impacts women.
CURRENT YEAR: For the current grant year, 2024-2025 (funded in 2025), 10 applications were received, and seven grants were approved by a review committee composed of CCVI Sisters. Five grants were given in Mexico, and two in the United States.
On the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, December 12, 2024, we announced the approved projects:
MEXICO
University of the Incarnate Word, Campus Bajio, “Vitalidad En Manos de Mujer – Vitality in Women’s Hands”
This project was designed to produce healthy snacks in environmentally friendly packing made from agave bagasse waste. The products were made by a group of community women and were used in the dining room of the Community Hospitality in municipality of Abasolo. The products were sold to promote nutritious food and strengthen the local economy. The Tequilera “Dockers Mormar” donated the agave bagasse residue. Funding for this project provided working utensils, work tables, refrigerator, support furniture and other needed items. The team partnered with Instituto de la Mujer, IECA, GEN Consultores.
Results and Achievements:
• 5 women were trained in healthy food production using a socially and ecologically responsible approach.
• Initial production targeted school stores due to a law banning ultra-processed foods in schools, which created demand for healthy alternatives.
• Packaging equipment could not yet be acquired; temporary wrappers made from corn husks and thread were used.
• A logo for branding was developed; nutritional labeling was supported by GEN Consultores.
• Cost per unit was reduced through bulk purchasing, better workflow organization, and product reformulation.
• Further training in cost analysis is scheduled to support sustainability.
• The project aims to expand sales points and improve pricing strategies in the upcoming school cycle.
Colegio Central, “Un Comedor Un Esperanza – A Dining Room, A Hope”
This project aimed to create a self-managed community dining room for women in marginalized situations, allowing them to develop skills in areas of cooking, administration and customer service. A training program was developed and strategies in financing and sustainability established.
Funding provided professional inspection costs, repairs, minor refurbishment, cooking and tableware materials, printing, etc.
Results and Achievements:
• The initial venue proved to be unsuitable so a new site was secured in collaboration with a local single mother and entrepreneur.
• Space was identified and conditioned; recruitment and training of participants began, tailored to individual needs.
• The team emphasized flexibility, empathy, and addressing hidden urban marginalization.
• Though still in early stages, foundational steps in logistics, space prep, and participant engagement were completed.
Instituto Miguel Angel, de Occidente A.C. IMAO, “Luna de Mujeres – Women’s Moon”
This project was designed to support girls and women between the ages of 13 and 45 living in El Venado, Nayarit, and to educate them on living a life free of violence, and provide a greater opportunity to make informed decisions. Feminine hygiene products were distributed, and separate workshops were structured for adolescents, 13-25 years of age, and for women, 30-45 years of age, providing helpful information for their age groups. Funding for this project included purchase of didactic materials and transportation costs. The team partnered with the Fundación Encendiendo una Luz.
Results and Achievements:
• 80 women participated in age-appropriate workshops on hygiene, reproductive health, disease prevention, and gender violence.
• Women learned to recognize risk signs in their bodies and environments, and how to access services and support.
• The project fostered personal empowerment, confidence to discuss taboo topics, and greater autonomy.
• Informal support networks were formed among participants.
• Learning was reinforced through visual aids, short videos, group exercises, and symbolic certificates.
• Impact tracked through session attendance, knowledge comparison, testimonials, and photo documentation.
Instituto América, Chihuahua, Mexico, “Support to Ichmujeres”
This project provided support for women who are physically or spiritually vulnerable and can become homeless. Self-esteem and personal knowledge were taught through playful and recreational activities that benefit the mental and emotional health of these women. The team offered sessions of help, friendship, relaxation and prayer. Funding provided all materials needed for the workshops and activities.
Results and Achievements:
• A one-day event was held for women served by Cáritas Parroquial of Santa Teresita del Niño Jesús including a professional talk on mental and emotional health, refreshments, and the distribution of hygiene kits with personalized messages.
• Four student volunteers helped create a warm, welcoming environment and facilitated the event.
• Positive affirmations were included with each kit to reinforce dignity and care.
Instituto Hispano Inglés, San Luis Potosí, “Mi Mundo, Mi Hogar – My World, My Home”
This project was designed to work with migrant boys and girls and provide playful workshops. The goal was to foster dignity, social integration and emotional recovery for these migrants. Team building exercises were provided, and funding paid for stationery and for sporting goods for recreational experiences.
The funding granted also provided materials for relaxation activities, box lunches, personal care kit, coffee breaks. The team partnered with Casa de la Caridad del Migrante.
Results and Achievements:
• Migrant children at Casa de la Caridad del Migrante participated in interactive workshops led by student volunteers.
• Activities focused on restoring dignity through respect and personal attention.
• CCVI students developed greater empathy and insight into migration issues.
• The project built upon over 20 years of collaboration between the school and the shelter.
• Support included recreational activities, care kits, snacks, and reflection.
UNITED STATES
University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Texas, “Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Impacting as Citizen Scientist (STEM-ICS) hosted by GEMS and AVS Labs
This project was designed to expose the community to an issue of invasive cactus moths that are affecting the Texas State Plant, Prickly Pear Cactus. The project involved students in underserved, lower income areas and provided free lunches and education. Funding was used for office supplies, food and water, Prickly Pear Cactus Products and other miscellaneous expenses. The team partnered with the San Antonio Southside ISD, St. Mary’s University and UIW students.
Results and Achievements:
• Weekly and bi-weekly sessions were held at Losoya Middle School involving GT female students.
• Students developed personal projects inspired by the prickly pear cactus: recipes, 3D art, crochet, and clay sculptures.
• Students shared family stories tied to the cactus, deepening cultural connections.
• AVS Labs participated in district-wide STEM events and university research conferences.
• Use of artificial intelligence was highlighted to protect native species.
• The project created enthusiasm and ownership among students, with many wanting the program to continue.
• Exposure to STEM was broadened as creative, inclusive, and community-centered.
Students at Losoya Middle School projects
Southside ISD GT & Special Programs Event
Undergraduate student conference presentations
Incarnate Word Academy, St. Louis, Missouri, “Connecting with Our Family at Good Shepherd”
This grant was designed to provide needed items for the young, expectant mothers and their children who are in residence at Our Family at Good Shepherd to enable the moms-to-be to feel affirmed, more independent, and prepared for raising their children both now and as they leave this program. Many of these young mothers have suffered from addiction, and Good Shepherd is helping them to recover from their addiction. Working with staff at Good Shepherd, funding from this grant was used to purchase items needed by the mothers and their children, i.e., strollers. The team partnered with Our Family at Good Shepherd.
Results and Achievements:
• Mission Committee students purchased and delivered essential items like strollers for mothers in recovery.
• The 18-20 Mission Committee students from Incarnate Word Academy, some returning and some new students with a junior and sophomore chairing the project, participated in writing encouraging notes to the mothers and in purchasing the items.
• The project required early logistical planning to coordinate student schedules and deliveries.
• The experience built compassion, awareness, and a commitment to serve others.
• The main challenge for this project was time management, planning ahead for student leaders to coordinate their schedules so they could work together with me in ordering the requested items.
• Students were asked early this year to plan when they could be available to leave school to deliver the items to Good Shepherd and to take a tour of the program there.
• The Mission Committee members who participated grew in awareness of an understanding of others’ personal and family situations.
• One mother’s comment in the agency’s brochure was very impressive: “I need my kids to see me continue to elevate because I want them to be the best humans they can be.”
• As part of the service with Good Shepherd, the following prayer was offered:
“Holy Mary – amidst fear and doubt you trusted God’s call and became the mother of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I ask you to pray for Good Shepherd, a ministry named for your Son and dedicated to serving young mothers, children, and families in need. Pray that your Son, Our Lord, will bless all who work in support of Good Shepherd, as well as all those who come to Good Shepherd seeking assistance. May Good Shepherd be a constant source of compassion, mercy, healing and hope. Amen. “
