In May of 2025, resident Services Coordinator, Valerie Valdez had her initial meeting with her new Property Manager.
What began as a routine introduction quickly turned into a moment of connection. During their conversation, the property manager shared that her schedule might be unpredictable this summer due to her son, Jeven, being in hospice care with a degenerative disease. She also mentioned, with pride, that Jeven has a deep love for lowriders.
Valerie, touched by Jessica’s vulnerability and her son’s passion, couldn’t shake the feeling that she needed to do something special. On her way home, she sprang into action. She reached out to a local lowrider car club, hoping they might visit Jeven so he could enjoy seeing some of the artful cars he loved.
But what Valerie envisioned as a simple visit turned into something extraordinary. Within three days, over 100 custom lowrider vehicles arrived at the property to surprise Jeven. The event grew so large that the local police had to get involved, and they did so gladly, providing the necessary permissions and support. Two full car clubs showed up, eager to bring a little joy to a young man they had never met. In Valerie’s own words: “Even though he doesn’t know us, I want him to know that we love him. That San Antonio loves him.” The love didn’t stop there. Jeven was gifted a special purple t-shirt with his name and a lowrider design on the front. A generous food truck owner, upon hearing about the event, joined in and handed out free popsicles and ice cream to everyone in attendance.
Word of the event even reached a lowrider magazine, which is now working on a story about Jeven, his family, and the community’s outpouring of love. Valerie’s compassion knows no bounds. She saw a need and didn’t hesitate to rally an entire community to bring joy to one boy and his family. Her new residents are truly fortunate to have such a devoted, empathetic, and action-driven Resident Services Coordinator. Valerie’s heart led the way, and what a beautiful difference it made.
