The Founding
In 1976, with a small budget of $100,000, Roy Maas opened up the Bridge, a 16-bed emergency shelter for abused and neglected boys who were too often ending up in the juvenile justice system. In 1977, with donor support, he opened up Girlsville, an emergency shelter for girls. Seeing the need for safe living environments for children, he expanded the organization merging with other like-minded local non-profit child servicing agencies to form the brand; Youth Alternatives, Inc.. Roy Maas served as the executive director for Youth Alternatives, Inc. from 1976-1994, until his untimely passing from cancer at the age of 46.
Today, Roy Maas Youth Alternatives (RMYA) has expanded to include the Bridge Emergency Shelter, Meadowland a long-term residential care program in Boerne, Texas, a family counseling and resource center for the San Antonio community, TurningPoint, a transitional independent living program for young adults, and on-site charter schools serving 1st-12th grade students. RMYA has served thousands of youth and families since its inception.
"My hope for you is that you use my experience to improve the quality of your own life: Live one day at a time. Be positive. Be good to others. Be compassionate. Don’t argue. Be thankful for the things you do have. Don’t take your health for granted. Pray for others and yourself daily. Smile a lot. Be sure you let the people important to you know how special they are."
The Bridge Emergency Shelter for boys is opened. Through providential growth, both boys & girls will be included.
Several like-minded agencies from decades long partnerships, merge together to form “Youth Alternatives, Inc”, to expand services for youth in crisis.
The 40-acre Meadowland Campus in Boerne is purchased with the generous help of RMYA's founding 900 Club members, key supporters & donors.
The name is refashioned from “Youth Alternatives, Inc.” to “Roy Maas Youth Alternatives” in honor of the founder. In 1994, Roy Maas passes away from cancer at the age of 46.
Turning Point Transitional Living Program opens & eventually expands to 6 houses, providing life skill homes for homeless youth ages 18-24.
Meadowland adds an on-campus charter school to serve grades 1st through 12th.
The Community Psychiatric Clinic opens. RMYA becomes the sole licensed Safe Place agency for Bexar County in collaboration with the National Safe Place Network.
RMYA joyfully celebrates its 45th anniversary, continuing to serve San Antonio's youth & families.
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