Family and Youth Success (FAYS)
Kiana Blanquez serves as a Family Support Specialist with BCFS, supporting children and families throughout the San Antonio area. She works within the Family and Youth Success (FAYS) program, which serves children ages 6 to 17 and focuses on strengthening family relationships before concerns escalate to Child Protective Services.
A core component of the FAYS program is the provision of free counseling and case management services for both youth and families. These services address areas such as behavioral concerns, school-related stress, peer and sibling relationships, and overall family communication. Family Support Specialists collaborate closely with families to
identify strengths, establish goals, and develop skills
that promote resilience and positive outcomes for youth.
Although BCFS was originally known as Baptist Child & Family Services, the organization now operates simply as BCFS, reflecting its broader mission of serving families regardless of background. Kiana explained that the primary goal of the FAYS program is to strengthen family bonds by enhancing communication, parenting skills, and emotional support. This approach helps ensure children have trusted adults to confide in and that families feel supported rather than overwhelmed.
The FAYS program provides short-term
counseling
as well as limited short-term
financial and resource assistance
to help families meet immediate needs. This support may include hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and bus passes. In certain situations, the program may also assist with utility or rental support, although these requests typically require additional approval time. When families experience more significant food or clothing insecurity, additional assistance may be provided to help stabilize the household.
In addition to ongoing support, the FAYS program plays an important role during key times of the year. During the most recent Thanksgiving season, the program distributed over
200 meals to families in need. For Christmas,
FAYS provides gifts to approximately
200 children, allowing youth to select toys
or receive items aligned with their interests, such as arts and crafts supplies, coloring materials, or creative play items. During the summer and back-to-school season, families receive school supplies.
On average, the FAYS program serves approximately 500 families each month, with services typically lasting three to four months. The overarching goal is to promote self-sufficiency. When families require longer-term support, FAYS connects them with partner organizations that can provide continued assistance beyond the program’s scope.
Families may also be referred to the
BCFS Family Resource Center (FRC), where they can access additional services such as detailed resource navigation, support groups, and educational workshops. Notably, the FAYS program is
entirely free and does not require income verification, Social Security numbers, or documentation. Services are provided solely based on a family’s needs. Many participating households include single parents, grandparents, or families relying on a single income. For more information call
(210) 283-5183
or complete the online form
www.bcfscsd.org/FAYS-Referral
