InfuseSA in the Community: Crosspoint
Do you have any idea what it is like to be a broken life? To have lost your way? To desperately need not only a safety net but also a helping hand? You can be certain it is a dark place to be, where hope and help are desperately needed if you are to find a way back to a meaningful, productive life.
Crosspoint, Inc is that hugely impressive link right here in San Antonio that offers such practical help to multiple at-risk populations, both male and female. It’s a nonprofit organization that is celebrating its 60th year of serving the San Antonio community. Founded in 1963 to provide transitional residential services to people with mental health needs, it has expanded over the years to serve many more types of people who have gotten in serious trouble and need help to restore their lives.
Today, Crosspoint helps homeless veterans, women who were victims of human trafficking, those with mental health problems, new or expectant mothers who have substance abuse problems, and people who have gotten entangled in the criminal justice system.
The number of different at-risk populations that Crosspoint serves is so very impressive. Most are referred by our local criminal justice system, Federal Bureau of prisons, the Department of Veteran Affairs and San Antonio behavioral hospitals.
It is an understatement to say that Crosspoint is a bridge that is so well conceived and so very needed.
Today they offer 6 different, structured residential reentry programs that have accountability as their foundation, and a restored life as their vision. They are focused on their goal of providing multiple layers of intervention to each client, with resources and the guidance necessary to lead them to productive, independent lives. Each requires an active investment from the client in order to reclaim their lives.
What is so impressive is that these populations are able to live at six different specific locations in the city – each location designated to serve a specific type of population
We had the privilege of speaking with Paula Nunez, Crosspoint’s Community Service Specialist. Her passion for the mission and her commitment to each client’s recovery was so evident. She embodies the perspective of the entire organization. She is well aware of everyone’s history and background, yet has a belief in their respective potential.
She spoke of the resilience she has observed in spite of horrific backgrounds, and her subsequent amazement that many are still standing. She believes in the possibilities for every person who comes to Crosspoint, and like all of their staff, approaches each person with a sense of who they can be!
She noted everyone works to break down the ‘us vs. them’ barriers of separation, and works to help them experience a new sense of self as a valued member of our community.
Their Mission Statement says it best: “Crosspoint exists to build safer and stronger communities by empowering individuals to lead productive lives. With the right combination of resources, services, and vision, we believe that successful community reintegration is possible”.
Crosspoint has provided a wide array of services to tens of thousands of people whose lives were seriously at risk. Wherever there has been a need, Crosspoint has found a way to assist. Through their services, they’ve been able to help restore hope and meaningful lives to many.
Their logo sums up their mission. It is a compass and embedded around the perimeter are words “Opportunity.” “Hope” and “Restoration”.
We are all better because of what they do 24/7 for others and for our community!
It has been a joy to introduce you to them. They collaborate with multiple groups in San Antonio and welcome the collaboration of everyone who would like to help. Do consider contacting them.
Contact info: Paula Nunez @ 210-225-0864 ext. 2026. Website: www.cpsatx.org.