Southwest Key Programs

Southwest Key Programs: Supporting Youth and Families

Southwest Key Programs is a nonprofit organization based in Austin, Texas, dedicated to supporting the well-being and development of youth and families across the United States. Founded in 1987, it has become a significant provider of shelter, education, and alternative justice programs for children and adolescents.

Immigrant Children's Shelters

One of Southwest Key's key services is operating shelters for unaccompanied immigrant minors. These shelters provide temporary housing and care for children arriving in the U.S. without legal guardians. The organization runs facilities in Texas, Arizona, and California, creating a safe environment for vulnerable children.

However, in March 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services stopped placing unaccompanied children in Southwest Key's shelters due to concerns over alleged abuse.

Youth and Family Services

Southwest Key Programs offers a variety of services beyond sheltering. These include family preservation programs, mental health support, parenting assistance, and alternative education for youth involved in the juvenile justice system.

The organization also provides workforce development programs, which feature career planning, upskilling, childcare, and veteran services aimed at helping individuals achieve self-sufficiency.

Social Enterprise Initiatives

To support its programs and create job opportunities, Southwest Key operates several social enterprises:

• Café del Sol, a Mexican café
• The Blooming Florist
• Southwest Key Green Energy & Construction
• Southwest Key Maintenance
• Southwest Key Workforce Development

These initiatives provide employment and contribute to local economic development.

Locations

Southwest Key Programs has facilities across multiple states. Its headquarters and El Centro de Familia are located in Austin, Texas at 6002 Jain Lane, Austin, TX 78721.

The organization operates in these locations:

• Houston, TX, USA
• Brownsville, TX
• Tucson, AZ
• Austin, TX
• Los Fresnos, TX
• Phoenix, AZ
• Mesa, AZ
• Pleasant Hill, CA
• San Benito, TX
• Harlingen, TX

Recent Developments

In July 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit alleging that employees subjected unaccompanied children to severe and pervasive sexual harassment, with incidents dating from 2015 through 2023. Southwest Key Programs denied these allegations and reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of children in its care.

In March 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services ceased placements of unaccompanied children in the organization's shelters amid these concerns. Later, the Department of Justice dismissed its lawsuit against Southwest Key Programs.

Despite these challenges, the organization remains focused on its mission to provide essential services to youth and families, striving to improve lives and create opportunities daily.