The nonprofit honored the Najim Charitable Foundation and Yvonne Katz, Ed.D., as longtime supporters of the organization

San Antonio, TX — The nonprofit TEAMability celebrated its 20th year of providing inclusive services to those with complex disabilities at its annual fundraiser, the Two-Step Gala, on Friday, April 12.

“This event is our annual celebration of human potential and those who believe in it,” said Barbara Goldman, CEO of TEAMability.

In addition to marking the organization’s 20th year, TEAMability underscored its accomplishments during its first 20 months at the new Morgan’s Multi-Assistance Center (MAC). Moving into the much larger facility, TEAMability increased services from 40 clients to more than 180. The team providing expert care also tripled in size from nine to 27 staff members.

The Two-Step Gala, held at the University of the Incarnate Word’s Rosenberg Skyroom, included moments to honor the Najim Charitable Foundation and Yvonne Katz, Ed.D., with the Legacy of Caring Award.

The Najim Charitable Foundation makes a difference in the lives of children by providing funding and guidance for food, shelter, clothing, child abuse/neglect, developmental disabilities, education, foster care, homelessness, mental health, medical treatment, substance abuse, and other children’s charitable purposes to nonprofit organizations in the greater San Antonio area.

“The Najim Charitable Foundation has supported TEAMability since the beginning,” Goldman said. “It is this kind of consistent support that makes TEAMability sustainable. We couldn’t do this work without the support of the Najim Charitable Foundation.”

Yvonne Katz, Ed.D., serves as the Alamo Colleges trustee for District 7. She spent 39 years in public education as a classroom teacher in regular and special education; middle school principal; Director of Accreditation and Associate Commissioner at the Texas Education Agency; and superintendent for almost 20 years in the Harlandale Independent School District, Beaverton School District in Oregon, and Spring Branch Independent School District in Houston.

“Dr. Katz is a champion for TEAMability!” Goldman said. “She shows her passion for education in everything she does. San Antonio and TEAMability are better because of her.”

More about the honorees:

The Najim Charitable Foundation

Established in December 2006, the Harvey E. Najim Family Foundation is aimed at helping children’s charitable organizations in the greater San Antonio area. Harvey Najim used $75 million of the proceeds from an equity partnership transaction to initially create the Harvey E. Najim Family Foundation.

In 2019, The Harvey E. Najim “Family” Foundation changed its name and is now known as The Harvey E. Najim “Charitable” Foundation. The word “Charitable” truly describes the nature of the foundation and Najim’s commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and those in need in San Antonio.

Yvonne Katz, Ed.D.

Earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin, she graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio and received her doctorate from Texas A&M University in College Station. Understanding the need to continue to support education, she was the organizing and first president of the UTSA Alumni Association and was the first inductee as the Distinguished Alumna. She began the scholarship program for the Alumni Association and challenged all alums to contribute as they have for over 30 years.

In 1991, Katz was selected by the Texas Association of School Boards as one of the top five superintendents in the state. She was inducted into the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame in 1984 and served as president in 2010. Katz was awarded the Outstanding Educator Award from Texas A&M in 2003.