Our Story

     Divine Redeemer is a Hispanic, bi-lingual Presbyterian church located in the heart of the west-side of San Antonio. At its founding in 1915, Divine Redeemer’s congregation was composed of first-generation immigrant families that lived within this community and were served by its ministries.  We continue today as a vital urban congregation and have been recognized by our denomination as one of 12 exemplary congregations doing urban ministry.  Family empowerment through education lies at the core of our labor across these decades. 

    In 2000, after listening to local families receiving food from the House of Neighborly Service Emergency Food Pantry, we discerned a variety of opportunities for outreach that have expanded and strengthened our effectiveness as a community congregation.  This included Boy Scout Troop 52 and ¡Vamos Ya!

    The mission of Divine Redeemer Presbyterian church is Loving, Serving, Sharing, and Growing the Kingdom of God in our lives and neighborhood so that all of us may experience the transforming power of God’s love and justice.

    What started with community youth at Teen Night expressing the need for a safe place to develop their life skills and nurture their passions grew into House of Teens in 2003.  As the program grew and connected to more families it became evident that a program for children of the community was needed, this awareness brought about Peace Pals.  Finally, in 2010, Multi-Level Educational Youth Outreach (MEYO) was created encompassing Peace Pals, House of Teens, Teen Night, the Martinez Rivera Scholarship Fund, and supporting partnerships with other area organizations. In 2012 Peace Camp was added to the list of programs provided, and as of September 2018, MEYO officially changed the name to ¡Vamos Ya!

    ¡Vamos Ya! guides our Westside youth to realize their full potential and grow into productive people through holistic support and caring relationships.