Families and Schools Together
Guiding at-risk children in a positive direction.
 

Families and Schools Together (FAST) has been strengthening families in San Antonio since 1993. Today, FAST serves 18 elementary schools, 6 middle schools and 3 Head Start centers in Bexar County, as well as families and 9 schools in Uvalde and Zavala Counties. In a collaborative effort among schools, Family Service Association and families, FAST focuses on children at risk for school failure, juvenile delinquency and substance abuse in adolescence. FAST brings parents, children, teachers and schools together to enhance family functioning and communication, support parents and children in stress-reduction techniques and increase parental participation in the schools. FAST builds self-esteem in children and helps them develop resilience to negative social influences.

This year, over 5500 children and their families will benefit from these FAST services:
     • eight to ten-week family strengthening program
     • two-year Phase II support group with monthly activities for the families
     • individual and family counseling
     • assessment and referral
     • information and presentations on substance abuse issues
     • anti-tobacco presentations for minors
     • assessments and intervention counseling
 

FAST in the Elementary Schools

Funding sources for FAST include The Texas Department of State Health Services *, the City of San Antonio, private foundations, corporations, and school districts. *TDSHS funded program: "The Texas Department of State Health Services provided funds for the activity described in this publication/product. This does not imply the Department’s endorsement or concurrence with statements or conclusions contained therein."

For more information about the FAST program, see
Families and Schools Together Program
(University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin Center for Education Research)

If your school is not listed here and you are interested in having this program in your school,
please contact or email:

San Antonio Area -- Luis Perez at 210-299-2400