Our 14 Uplift programs help ease the burden of utility costs for those who qualify — to ensure all our neighbors have access to life-sustaining water and sewer services.
To be eligible for Uplift, you must:
- Be a SAWS account holder.
- Meet income requirements.
- Home value must not exceed $300,000.
- Complete the Uplift application.
Give To Our Mission
Your tax-deductible donation to Project Agua will keep water flowing to your neighbors during difficult times. It’s simple, and every contribution — no matter the size — helps.
Meet Our Team
Peggy Conerly
Uplift Employee
Hearing — not just listening — are hallmarks of Peggy’s passion for serving others. She has worked in the customer service environment for more than 40 years. As an Affordability Specialist, Peggy helps customers ease the burden of financial hardship through payment assistance. She treasures time spent with her loved ones and enjoys reading, traveling and watching sports.
Rebecca Gonzalez
Uplift Employee
Rebecca has spent the majority of her 17 years with SAWS personally engaging with customers. At education and outreach events, she offers customers a shoulder to lean on through our many financial assistance programs. Known by her family as hardworking, Rebecca enjoys her off-hours hanging out with her daughter and two grandchildren.
Mary Jane Villalobos
Uplift Employee
Mary Jane is passionate about helping families in need. By developing community partnerships and sharing valuable resources, she empowers families facing life challenges. When she’s not spending quality time with her family and beloved rescue dogs, Mary Jane enjoys reading and antique shopping.
Teresa Castillo
Uplift Employee
Teresa has nearly three decades with SAWS, including 22 years in Customer Service and the last six in Affordability. She genuinely enjoys helping customers in need, enrolling them into SAWS Uplift, and supporting them with other personal issues they may be facing. When she’s not serving the community, Castillo enjoys taking trips with family and friends.
Milagros “Mila” Gomez
Uplift Employee
Having experienced financial hardship growing up, Mila understands how meaningful community support can be. She is compassionate and empathetic towards our neighbors with every situation. Those experiences drive her passion for helping our neighbors access Uplift resources to help them navigate difficult times and move forward for a better future.
Cheryl Smith
Uplift Employee
Cheryl is a dedicated affordability specialist with San Antonio Water System, experienced in community outreach, partnership development and customer support services. She is recognized for strong communication, compassionate leadership and the ability to build meaningful relationships within the community and workplace. Cheryl enjoys serving others, spending quality time with her family, taking solo road trips, and bringing encouragement and purpose into the work she does every day.