Mission/History
Southwest Mental Health Center's mission is to help children, adolescents and families overcome the disabling effects of mental illness, and improve their ability to function at home, at school and in their community.
History and achievements
Southwest Mental Health Center's roots reach more than a century, when it was founded as a San Antonio orphanage. Though our daily work has changed over the years, our commitment to helping children in need has remained the same.
Timeline
Read on to learn even more about our 122 years of community service and milestones along the way.
1886
On June 23 a group of thirteen women met at the Maverick Hotel in San Antonio, Texas to establish a home for destitute and orphaned children. The founding Board of Directors included Mrs. Ed R. Norton, Mrs. George S. Chabot, Mrs. A. Belknap, Mrs. C. C. Cresson, Mrs. John Newton, Mrs. F. L. Talcott, Mrs. Sam Johnston, Mrs. H.D. Kampmann, Mrs. Junkle, Mrs. V. Lott, Mrs. W.B. Seeley, Mrs. I.P. Simpson and Miss Mary Lamb. The first location of the home was at 217 Sixth Street and was rented for $30 a month with donations from Col. Breckenridge.
1887
A state charter was obtained on February 7 for THE HOME FOR DESTITUTE CHILDREN. On February 17 the first election was held and the following officers appointed: Mrs. Ed R. Norton, president; Mrs. George S. Chabot, vice president; Mrs. C.C. Cresson, corresponding secretary; Mrs. John Newton, recording secretary; and Mrs. F. L. Talcott, treasurer.
1888
On July 23 the charter was amended under the name PROTESTANT HOME FOR DESTITUTE CHILDREN. Also in 1888, the organization moved to its second home located at 815 San Pedro Avenue.
1890
A large home was acquired at 802 Kentucky Avenue to accommodate the growing number of children that were part of the Home. The house was built in 1870 and was a gift of Gen. G. N. Russ.
1924
A campaign began to raise funds for a new building to be erected on 50 acres of land on Woodlawn Avenue. In a great show of civic pride and humanitarian sentiment, volunteers collected $250,000 for the construction of the new building. By October of this year, 3,414 children had come through the home.
1926
On January 25 the organization moved to their fourth home located at 3031 W. Woodlawn (where a time capsule was secreted in the wall.) In succeeding years, the same admission policy was followed: a home was to be provided for children who were needy, neglected, or orphaned.
1927
Charter amended on December 10 to PROTESTANT ORPHANS' HOME OF SAN ANTONIO.
1929
First swimming pool donated to the home by Mr. and Mrs. Albert Friedrich. First staff of doctors includes Dr. T. J. Walthall.
1937
Renewal of Charter on March 4.
1950
Organization amended its charter on January 5 to PROTESTANT CHILDREN'S HOME OF SAN ANTONIO.
1960s
Moved to its fifth location at 2939 W. Woodlawn (a group of cottage homes next door to the Woodlawn "mansion"). Evolving through the years in response to community needs, the Home began the transition from orphanage to a residential treatment facility for emotionally disturbed youth.
1962
In April, Protestant Children's Home severed its relationship with Allied Children's Services and became self-administering. In December, the first school was established on the grounds with a teacher provided by the San Antonio Independent School District.
1965
The Home was a self-sufficient agency with its own therapy team and a treatment center including five cottages, a new swimming pool, tennis courts, playroom and gymnasium.
1971
First "discharge cookie" baked and a tradition begins.
1972
Responding to a need for more intensive psychiatric treatments in a hospital setting, the Center formalized an agreement with the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio to become an affiliate teaching hospital and was licensed as a private psychiatric hospital. Name changes to SAN ANTONIO CHILDREN'S CENTER.
1986
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the organization, Draw on Your Feelings Art Contest is organized. Center offers a wide range of mental health services, including comprehensive diagnostic services, acute care and crisis intervention programs, moderate and long-term care for chronic or difficult-to-treat patients, and outpatient services.
1988
The Center expands to another location on 8535 Tom Slick in the South Texas Medical Center area.
1990
Name changes to SOUTHWEST NEUROPSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTE to build on national recognition for training program in child psychiatry and research activities in the causes and treatments of psychiatric disorders appearing in childhood and adolescence.
1995
Name changes to SOUTHWEST MENTAL HEALTH CENTER.
1997
Southwest Mental Health Center launches its first Internet website at www.smhc.org.
2000
Woodlawn programs are closed. Facility and property are sold to the San Antonio Children's Shelter.
2001
First Hope for Children event held to raise awareness of children's mental health, thank donors, and honor a champion of children and families. Esperanza Award presented to entrepreneur, board member and former employee Hope Andrade.
2002
Therapeutic Recreation program expands with addition of playground funded by Charity Ball Association and ROPES Course.
2003
Center completes $850,000 capital campaign to expand and renovate Living Unit. Addition of 12 beds increases inpatient service capacity by 30 percent.
2004
Receives Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, reflecting our achievement of the highest standards of hospital care.
The mission continues...
