MCALLEN, Texas - Methodist Healthcare Ministries, in partnership with Ascend at the Aspen Institute, held the “South Texas 2Gen Summit,” a conference for nonprofits seeking to better serve their communities through family-centered methodology.
Groups from across Texas converged at the McAllen Convention Center to learn about “2Gen,” or two-generation, approaches and how they can be implemented within their organizations.
The summit featured expert presentations; panels with parents and practitioners; and focused breakout sessions to discuss best practices for incorporating adults and children in specific ways.
Marjorie Sims, managing director of Ascend at the Aspen Institute, gave the keynote speech, explaining the history of two-generation policy, the research behind it and its application with real-world examples.
“Two-generation approaches are approaches that support the entire family towards their goals and their outcomes,” said Sims. “Really important to understand [is] that most programs in communities are very, very siloed. So, families have to go to one place for early care and education – their childcare needs – and to another place to access job opportunities and training ... Two-generation approaches recognize that families operate as a unit, and we change programs and policies to make certain that they support families holistically.”
The Aspen Institute, based in Washington D.C., is an international nonprofit that aims to create “a better world” through various programs and initiatives, from leaderships seminars to art exhibitions. As a policy program of the Aspen Institute, Ascend’s objective is to work directly with organizations and train them in two-generation strategies.
“Our work is about changing systems and policies so that families move towards economic mobility,” said Sims. “We use a two-generation approach, and we support a cohort of leaders across the country that will lead families towards economic mobility.”
Part of the work showcased at the summit was “Futuro Juntos,” a cohort of 12 organizations selected by Methodist Healthcare Ministries to undergo 18 months of training with Ascend. Sims said it was the first time Ascend had worked in South Texas, noting a community primed for 2Gen solutions, but in need of some direction.
“Working collaboratively with Methodist Healthcare Ministries has been a really amazing opportunity to work in a community that is culturally rich and has deep understanding of supporting families,” said Sims. “But, how do you do that more strategically and intentionally given some of the constraints, whether at the federal level or state level or within counties?”
Three of the 12 groups – MHP Salud, Su Casa de Esperanza and Unidos Contra La Diabetes – are based in the Rio Grande Valley. Parent advisors and leaders from these groups were included in both panel discussions to speak about their experiences and the changes they have made toward 2Gen integration. Sandra Martinez, vice president of strategy and partnerships at Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, said listening to these voices is an essential step in breaking the cycle of poverty.
Marjorie Sims, managing director of Ascend at the Aspen Institute. (Photo: Patricia Martinez/RGG)
“Part of our goal is to generate generational health and well-being,” said Martinez. “… And, today’s commitment around building a two-generation learning cohort in South Texas was our way of identifying and learning from the community on the best strategies to support that journey.”
In its 30-year run, Methodist Healthcare Ministries has invested heavily in research and programs to find proven methods for reaching economic prosperity in poor communities. Jaime Wesolowski, president and CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, recognized that “poverty is a big indicator of health,” and called Ascend “phenomenal partners” in their shared goal of uplifting families.
“As we look to make improvements in families, and then, therefore, communities, it’s just so important to focus not just on the adult only, but our future, our next generation,” said Wesolowski.
He was pleased at the event’s turnout, saying MHM is making concerted efforts to focus more on the Valley and other rural areas within its service boundaries.
“Our mission statement is ‘Serving Humanity to Honor God,’ and we focus on doing the most we can for the least served,” said Wesolowski. “… About five years ago, we determined that because we’re headquartered out of San Antonio, we tend to do a lot more in San Antonio, but that’s not necessarily where the greatest need is and where the least served is. And, so, we’ve been working really hard over the last five years to push out of San Antonio and to go throughout our 74 counties, and especially down in the Valley.”
In light of the current government shutdown; federal spending cuts; and uncertainty surrounding the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Wesolowski says MHM is working to continue to provide access to care, food security and other help individuals may need during these “challenging” times.
“One thing we talk about at Methodist Healthcare Ministries is that, if we think it's challenging now, it’s probably going to get more challenging,” said Wesolowski. “It’s not going to get less for a while. So, we have our separate task force, if you will, that’s trying to determine where and how we can help along the way, whether we go from big needs to bigger needs.”
Whatever may come, MHM will soldier on in its mission from God.
Editor's Note: Videojournalist Adrian Alfaro contributed to this story from McAllen.
