The Brownsville Police Department and Buckner Children and Family Services announced a new collaboration to better support vulnerable children and families in the Rio Grande Valley. As part of the collaboration, officers will distribute contact cards to youth and parents in at-risk situations referring them to Buckner Family and Youth Success (FAYS) program, a free program designed to reduce crises and strengthen families.

"The services and programs FAYS offers are a wonderful benefit within our communal families," said Brownsville Police Chief Felix Sauceda. "This program allows officers to provide the best care and assistance for our community’s families when they are in crisis."

Buckner FAYS is designed to reduce family conflict, help with family support and skills, and prevent the problems of runaway, school attendance issues and delinquent behaviors. The free program helps youth and families resolve crises and establish and achieve goals that strengthen and promote healthy families. The services provided to the youth and families include screening/intake, crisis intervention, skills-based training, case management services, case follow-up and outreach.

FAYS is available in the Rio Grande Valley through Buckner in Hidalgo, Brooks, Cameron, Willacy and Kenedy counties.

Sonia Figueredo, the program supervisor for Buckner FAYS, visited with Brownsville officers on Oct. 13 to discuss how to identify at-risk youth and parents who may benefit from the program and what services are available to them.

"I was really impressed by the positive response from the officers," Figueredo said. "They were engaged throughout my presentation and asked some great questions reflective of their compassion and dedication to service. The Brownsville Police Department is committed to making a positive impact in the community, and it’s our job as nonprofits to help them identify the available resources and how to pass along the information to a family in crisis."

The Buckner FAYS program cards are printed in English and Spanish and include a QR code along with phone numbers and the website.

Buckner is in its 50th year serving vulnerable children and families in the Rio Grande Valley. 

“Our impact over 50 years is a direct result of the successful collaborations and relationships we’ve developed with other nonprofits and organizations in the community,” Figueredo said. “It takes all of us working together to create real change.”

Learn more about Buckner programs offered in the Rio Grande Valley and see how you can help vulnerable families and children find hope.