Where We Serve

In 1976, Catholic Family and Children’s Services and the San Antonio Urban Council applied for and received a grant from the Department of Health, Education and Welfare (now Health and Human Services) under the “Runaway Act”. They were awarded the grant and Roy Maas was hired as Executive Director. Roy opened “The Bridge Emergency Shelter” with a budget of $100,000 for 16 boys. In November 1977, working with the San Antonio Optimist Club, Roy became a consultant at Girlsville, which was a long-term home for girls. Girlsville, formerly known as Aganier Hall, was opened in the mid 1950’s by the Girls Council of San Antonio. In August 1978, the Bridge and Girlsville merged to become Youth Alternatives, Inc. At this point the “umbrella” concept now operating as Roy Maas’ Youth Alternatives was born. As residential programs were added, it became clear that the children in the care of Youth Alternatives would benefit from living together in one facility. In 1986, when a 40 acre facility became available in Boerne, the Board voted to purchase it, remodel existing structures and add additional buildings to house more children. In August 1993 the Board of Directors voted to change the organization name from Youth Alternatives, Inc. to Roy Maas’ Youth Alternatives, Inc. This was done to honor the hard work and dedication of its founding Executive Director, Roy Maas, who passed away in 1994. RMYA has grown to meet the needs of over 80,000 children from our community whose lives have been scarred by abuse, parental desertion, family strain, or emotional turmoil. To address the varying needs of children today, RMYA provides a wide continuum of exceptional programs and services. The RMYA San Antonio Campus is located on West Avenue, and consists of the RMYA Administrative Office, Thrift Shop, The Bridge, The RMYA Counseling Center, and TurningPoint Independent Living Program, which is located adjacent to the West Ave. building in a small neighborhood. Their long-term residential services are located on the Meadowland Campus in Boerne, Texas, and the Meadowland Charter School which serves at-risk students in grades 1st-12th. Meadowland (located in Boerne, Texas) is a home for long term placement of children removed from homes due to severe abuse and neglect. The children are delightful and love visitors! The Roy Mass Youth Alternative creates brighter futures for children in crisis by promoting individual success and healthy relationships in a safe, healing environment, giving children and families the tools to end the cycle of abuse.

Current Needs:

Toothbrushes
Deodorant
Shampoo and Conditioner
Toothpaste
Soap/Body Wash
Cologne/Perfume
Nail Clippers
Board Games for 12 and up
Small MP3 Player
Small CD Player
Electronic Handheld Games
Sports Watch
Nail Polish Set
Manicure Set
Scented Body Lotion and Body Spray
Hair Styling Products like Gel (boys) and Hair Straightening Spray (girls)
Perfume and Cologne
Art/Drawing Supplies
Gift Cards to the Movies
DVD TV Episodes PG or PG 13
Twin Bed Sheets
Twin Bed Comforters
Standard Size Pillows
Hooded Sports Sweaters
Zip up Jackets Beanies,Winter hats, Scarves and Gloves
Hair Accessories for girls
Brushes, Combs
Gift Cards to buy clothes – Ross, Marshalls, Target, Old Navy
Socks
Slippers
PJs
African American Hair Care Products
Shoe-specific Gift Cards (Academy)
Unscented Body Lotion (for those with allergies)
Flat Irons
Blow Dryers
Backpacks
Duffle Bags
Suitcases

If you would like to donate any of these items, please contact the Administration Office directly at 830-816-2425 or visit them online at rmya.org You may also email them directly at rmya@rmya.org today!