Serving The Rio GraNde Valley FOr Over 10 Years
STJDA will be offering FREE summer meals to children 0-18 at all summer programs. For more information please contact us at 956-627-5594.
Our Impact
Since our founding in 2011, STJDA has responded to the changing needs of families of children with diabetes, continuously adding new programming, including:
Summer Camps – Camp Freedom was started in 2012, providing children with diabetes an overnight summer camp where they can relate to peers. Our summer camp program now also features several week-long day camps. In 2019 over 180 kids participated in at least one camp.
Stomp Out Diabetes – In 2015, STJDA began partnering with Weslaco ISD and other mid-Valley school districts on a one-week educational program at elementary school campuses focused on diabetes and its prevention. The program currently reaches more than 23,000 students each year.
Shots Spots Bears – STJDA partners with area hospitals to provide approximately 100 Shots Spots Bears annually to children initially diagnosed with diabetes following a hospital visit. Each Build-a-Bear has sewn-on patches to help children learn about insulin injections and insulin pump site rotation, and comes with resources to help parents learn how to care for their child with diabetes.
750+
shot spots bears distributed
Since 2012, STJDA has distributed an estimated 750 Shot Spots Bears to newly-diagnosed children, providing them and their families hope and a direct connection to an organization made up of families just like them.
10+
Years Serving the RIO GRANDE VALLEY
STJDA was founded by families of children living with Type 1 diabetes and has expanded to provide a range of programs and services, while never forgetting that our number one mission is to empower children and support families.
23+
Thousand children Impacted
STJDA has reached an estimated 619 children with diabetes with direct services and more than 22,000 children to promote Type 2 diabetes prevention through Stomp Out Diabetes.
Our Programs
STJDA currently provides 14 programs that are designed to enhance the lives children living with diabetes through personal empowerment, family support, community awareness and public advocacy. We continually assess what our kids and families need to thrive and respond with programming that meets those needs.
CHILDREN
Children are at the heart of STJDA, providing them with support and a community of friends and family to help them grow in the journey with diabetes. We provide a variety of programs, such as support groups and camps and activities, that impact their lives profoundly.
PARENTS
When a parent learns that their child has diabetes their lives change as they worry and want to provide the best for them. At STJDA-sponsored family gatherings, support groups, fun runs, and community events parents connect and learn from each other.
AWARENESS
STJDA promotes awareness about children living with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes through our annual 5K Sweet Run and programs like Stomp Out Diabetes, which reaches over 23,000 elementary school age children through a one-week education campaign.
EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY
STJDA is the only Rio Grande Valley organization providing training for schools and other youth-serving organizations so staff and volunteers know how to care for children with diabetes and look for signs of diabetes in students. We also educate government officials and advocate for the needs of diabetics.
“The program is a huge help in educating my whole family about how to help our son. Thank you for the personal attention and services.”
-Parent of a child with diabetes
Get Involved
STJDA is all about children living with diabetes, their families, volunteers, and friends who believe in our cause: to enhance the lives of children living with diabetes through personal empowerment, family support, community awareness and public advocacy. STJDA is here to serve you if you are the parent of a child living with diabetes. We welcome volunteers who want to advance our mission. And, we appreciate your gifts and donations, all of which go to support our work on behalf of children living with diabetes.
ASK A QUESTION ABOUT STJDA
Please contact us if you have a question about how we can serve you, to sign up for one of our programs, or to learn more about STJDA.
Volunteer opportunities
Volunteer for our Camp Freedom summer programs, assist with our monthly Food Pantry, help out in our office, or give of your time and skills to help STJDA.
MAKE A GIFT
As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, STJDA relies completely on the generosity of our friends, corporate sponsors, and donors who want to help us make a difference.
