Discover How to “Live A Life You Love” at Southwind Fields

Authors: Leslie Bellieu, Chief Executive Officer, Southwind Fields

You can hear the laughter from outside. A short sidewalk leads you to an unassuming brick building, surrounded by windows and with a logo of a sparrow printed on the front door. When you open it, you can feel the energy, the peace, and the joy. You’ve found Southwind Fields. 

It’s a small non-profit nestled in the Shavano Park area of San Antonio, providing a variety of support services to adults with learning differences. When you turn the corner to head towards their “Local Society” building, you’ll see dozens of their “Locals” (the name they use for those they serve), walking up and down the street. Some are out for a stroll, others are headed to work or to catch the bus, but most are headed up to spend time with friends. The Local Society houses are not just offices, but a community space meant especially for them. There, locals can attend their day program, work out, play games, attend an independent living skills class, or join in with the vinyl music or Pokémon clubs. They can participate in theater rehearsals or join a prayer group. They can meet with their employment specialist or work on paying bills and budgeting with their advisor. They can meet with their wellness director or even attend a counseling or doctor’s appointment with one of their partnered providers. There’s always something going on that locals can be a part of. 

Southwind Fields is heavily based in community. In fact, they call it the “community strong concept.” They want their locals participating in authentic, healthy relationships and finding fulfillment from day to day. Their motto is “Live a life you love,” and you can tell, instantly, that the Southwind team truly wants that for them. There’s no “Us and Them” mentality. Instead, it’s very much a mindset of family, doing life together. In fact, several of the staff are visually or hearing impaired and can relate on a deep level to the locals. The whole team is all in, providing supportive independence services for a wide variety of people, from all walks of life, at a fraction of the cost you’d expect. Many, including their Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Product Officer (CPO), who were also co-founders, volunteered for years before ever receiving a small paycheck. They’ve bought in on the mission. They want the freedom of independent living to be available to anyone, and the enjoyment of the community that comes with it. 

Becoming a “local” is easy and meant to be accessible for anyone who needs Southwind’s help. Locals have to be over the age of 18 and have a learning difference of some kind. To be a “City Local,” and live in one of their partnered apartment complexes, the applicant must be able to be safe in the community, prepare meals for themselves, take medication without supervision, and be able to meet the financial requirements necessary to pay rent ($550-$950/month) and membership dues ($350/month for San Antonio and $550/month for New Braunfels). Many at Southwind have a diagnosis on the autism spectrum. Others have profound ADHD, cerebral palsy, a traumatic brain injury, or a nonspecified learning disability. Some use walkers, wheelchairs, or assistive devices. Some locals have master’s degrees or are in college. Some rely on Social Security Income, and many work at least part-time. Some locals drive, most catch the bus or use door-to-door services. Some are extremely independent, and others have in-home providers, paid for by their insurance, to help with cooking and cleaning. At Southwind Fields, there’s room for everyone. 

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, visit the Southwind Fields website, or call 210-526-1567. For information on how you can help with the upcoming tiny home community, email [email protected]