SAN ANTONIO – The Center for Health Empowerment in South Texas (CHEST) celebrated the grand opening of CHEST South on Saturday with a lively ribbon-cutting ceremony, tours of the facility, and a community resource fair.
This new site, CHEST South, aims to foster similar partnerships in other former school buildings and areas throughout San Antonio. The initiative not only revitalizes an existing facility but also links residents in South San Antonio to essential services, programs, and resources.
The event was attended by Kevin C. Dinnin, President and CEO of the FirstDay Foundation, along with local officials, leaders from the South San Antonio Independent School District, and various community partners. During the celebration, the FirstDay Foundation was honored for being the largest contributor to CHEST South.
Special thanks were given to the FirstDay Foundation employees who played a key role in preparing the venue. Team members such as Shawn, Daniel, Marilu Reyna, Connie Belciug, Ph.D., Lorraine Pulido, Ph.D., Sarah, and Marina Flores Salgado contributed significantly to the setup, including creating signage and decorations that made the occasion memorable.
Community Spirit Fuels CHEST South’s Launch
Jim Perschbach was acknowledged as the biggest individual donor for CHEST South, having made significant contributions towards the building’s lighting and its food pantry.
The ribbon-cutting was led by the South Texas Business Partnership, with support from the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. Volunteers from ABLDP and Frost For Good also played a vital role in the success of the event.
The opening of CHEST South was a collaborative effort, made possible by the dedication of countless individuals and organizations. Grateful mentions were made for Board Chair Dr. Lyssa Ochoa, the Board of Directors, and the Health Empowerment Zone Advisory Committee, along with all the elected officials, donors, volunteers, interns, advocates, and community members who supported this project.
Particular recognition was given to CHEST President and CEO Adriana Rocha Garcia for her leadership and commitment throughout the development of CHEST South.
Saturday’s event was not just a facility opening; it represented the launch of a new partnership focused on enhancing neighborhoods, connecting residents with valuable resources, and creating a model that can benefit more communities across San Antonio.
CHEST South is conveniently located behind Dwight Middle School at 419 Lovett Ave., San Antonio, TX 78211. For more information about their services, programs, and upcoming community events, you can call 210-416-6199.
