Art, Wellness & Hope at San Carlos

Creating connection through creativity and calm

The Connection Center RGV group, facilitated by Perla Salce, recently hosted a special event at the San Carlos Endowment Center dedicated to supporting the emotional well-being of older adults through art and mindfulness 🎨🧘‍♀️.

The event was thoughtfully designed to create a safe, welcoming space where participants could express themselves creatively while engaging in meaningful conversations about mental and emotional health. As attendees worked on their canvases, discussions covered topics such as navigating loneliness, strengthening emotional regulation, practicing self-forgiveness, and learning to cherish the time and opportunities shared with loved ones. The event welcomed 150 participants, exceeding expectations to the point that additional canvases had to be purchased. The enthusiasm and engagement reflected the community’s desire for connection and support 🤝.

The gathering became a powerful space for sharing life experiences, learning from one another, and fostering hope. It served as a reminder that growth, healing, and learning are possible at any age when people remain open and willing. The Connection Center RGV team is grateful to everyone who attended and helped make the event such a meaningful success 💛.

Young Adult - Thrive and Haven

Listening first, building together

On February 3, Connection Center SA held its first session with Thrive Dorm and Haven Young Adults Dorm. Peers Cassidy and Ofelia kicked off the group by introducing the foundations of Peer Support and setting a welcoming tone for connection, openness, and mutual respect.

They invited participants to share what they hope to gain from the group and what topics would feel most helpful to explore in future sessions. The conversation focused on listening to the needs and interests of the young adults, creating space for their voices, and shaping the group around what matters most to them. The first meeting served as a strong start, building comfort, trust, and excitement for what’s ahead.

We’re excited to share Fuel the Frontline, a community-centered day created for service providers to connect, recharge, and feel supported. Houston Peer Success is proud to host this gathering in collaboration with Prairie View A&M University and Magnificat Houses Inc., creating space for networking, relationship-building, and encouragement for the critical work service providers do every day.

With a mix of connection, empowering sessions, and a resource fair + block-party vibe, it’s designed to leave you feeling supported, inspired, and reminded that you’re not doing this alone. Come ready to learn, collaborate, and pick up practical tools you can bring back into your work right away. Most of all, it’s a space to feel seen and celebrated for the care you pour into others.

Join us on March 13 and come refuel with your community.

🌱 Fueling Your Mind: Discover, Learn, Grow in the Growth Corner

🎥 Movie of the month

Recommended by

Natalie Williams
Program Director - Peer Academy

Inside Out 2

Learning to Listen to Your Emotions

This month’s pick is Inside Out 2, a warm, funny, and surprisingly insightful look at what happens when growing up brings a whole new wave of emotions. As Riley steps into a new stage of life, her inner world expands, and we get a vivid picture of what it can feel like when emotions arrive quickly and loudly, especially anxiety.

The film gently reinforces that emotions aren’t “good” or “bad,” they’re signals. You don’t have to get rid of uncomfortable feelings to be okay; sometimes the most supportive thing you can do is notice what’s happening inside, name it, and make space for it without letting it take the wheel. Inside Out 2 normalizes emotional overload with a lot of compassion and reminds us that even the hardest emotions are often trying to protect us.

If your mind’s been a little loud lately, this one might feel like a warm exhale. After watching, take a moment to notice which emotion has been most present for you lately. You might be surprised by what it’s been trying to ask for.

"Emotional regulation explained better than most textbooks." - Natalie Williams

“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.”

-  Thich Nhat Hanh

This month’s quote is a gentle invitation to come back to what’s here, right now. When our minds are pulled into worry, regret, or “what’s next,” we can miss the small, steady sources of goodness that are already around us: a warm drink, a deep breath, a kind message, a patch of sunlight, a moment of quiet.

Attention doesn’t mean forcing positivity or pretending things are perfect. It means giving ourselves a pause long enough to notice what’s supportive in the present, even if it’s subtle. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try a simple reset: take three slow breaths, name one thing you can see, one thing you can feel, and one thing you appreciate in this moment. Often, that’s enough to soften the noise and let a little more peace in.

When you make a mistake or fall behind, what’s the first thing you say to yourself, and what would you say to a friend in the same situation?

Take a moment to pause and think about this question. 

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