Steele's Caden Sterns takes on new opponent: Child homelessness in SA

Sterns, brother Jordan, NFL players donated supplies to SAMMinistries

SAN ANTONIO – The Friday night lights always shine brightly on Steele High School junior defensive back Caden Sterns.

Sterns is regarded by many as the top 2018 high school football recruit in the San Antonio area and has verbally committed to LSU. 

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When the opportunity came for Sterns to shine a bit of light onto child homelessness in the area, he jumped at the chance.

Sterns, his older brother Jordan and three current NFL players -- former Steele standout Malcolm Brown and San Antonio natives Darryl Morris  and Ashaad Mabry -- visited SAMMinistries last week with their trainer, Duane Dunkley, who organized the outing. 

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“They were talking about going to SAMMinistries to help out homeless children so I was like, I’d love to do something like that, just to impact them and see them smile,” Sterns said.

The group spent time playing basketball and talking with the children at SAMMinistries. They also delivered school supplies to the transitional housing and learning center.

WATCH BELOW: Caden talks about experience at SAMMinistries

Sterns said the children had as much impact on him as he hoped to have on them.

“I enjoyed every minute of it because to see what these kids go through and just to have a smile on their face and enjoy every second of life. I didn’t see one kid mad or upset the whole time I was there,” Sterns said.

Sterns quickly found a connection with the children and said it was a enlightening experience.

“I felt like I had a bond with them. Me and my brother had a unique bond with them just because of the things that we went through,” Sterns said. “I want to let them know the situation that they are in now doesn’t always mean that’s going to be the case. It just takes keeping their grades up in school, doing the right things in sports or out of sports.”

SAMMinistries provides rental and utility assistance to individuals and families who are in imminent danger of eviction, or are currently homeless.

The center offers transitional housing to 65 families across the San Antonio area.

The goal is to provide housing, support and resources to families who show a commitment to becoming self-sufficient.

Sterns said the visit inspired him and he wants to continue to shine a light on child homelessness in the future, either in college at LSU, possibly the NFL or in the San Antonio area. 

“The way they had a smile on their face the whole time inspired me because somebody is always going through something worse than you. It’s a blessing to see that and very humbling,” Sterns said. “I wouldn’t have wanted to spend my time anywhere else besides with those kids."


About the Author:

RJ Marquez is the traffic anchor/reporter for KSAT’s Good Morning San Antonio. He also fills in as a news anchor and has covered stories from breaking news and Fiesta to Spurs championships and high school sports. RJ started at KSAT in 2010. He is proud to serve our viewers and be a part of the culture and community that makes San Antonio great.