Last Chance Ministries uses sports to empower West Side youth

Christian Sports Organization aims to reach area youth for positive change

SAN ANTONIO – For the last four years, San Antonio's Last Chance Ministries has used sports to reach West Side youth and influence positive changes.

Jessica Gramajo's 6-year-old daughter Zyana loves to play baseball. Last Chance Ministries' Christian Sports Organization has given her the opportunity to do just that.

"We just finished basketball, and now we're in soccer season, and then baseball and then we have football," Gramajo said. "We're just constantly doing something, keeping our children busy."

Gramajo also has three other children in the Christian Sports Organization, or CSO.

"Especially here, the 78207, which has got the attention of the nation and is considered one of the of the worst ZIP codes," pastor Jimmy Robles said. "We're trying to change that around."

Robles said they don't turn anyone away, but the field they have been playing on for a year on Frio City Road is a little rough.

The dugout needs repairs, the field needs lighting and sand, and they could also use more equipment.

"With 675 kids in our league, even just on baseball, over 200 kids have to sign out a glove and a bat and they have to sign it back in," Robles said. "I would love for them to have their own glove and take the glove home and their bats."

Last Chance Ministries accepts equipment donations at its 404 Brady Boulevard location and online.


About the Author:

Stephanie Serna is a weekday anchor on Good Morning San Antonio and GMSA at 9 a.m. She joined the KSAT 12 News team in November 2009 as a general assignments reporter.