The Good News
June 2020

A Note from Simon


Friends,


The past several weeks have been a test for our community, nation and the world, in the wake of the tragic death of Mr. Floyd. We reiterate that Good Samaritan believes that everyone in our community has the right to be respected. We do not condone nor will we tolerate the dehumanization of people of color or any member of our community.

In the spirit of Black Lives Matter, we recommit to healing ourselves and each other and "to intentionally build and nurture a beloved community that is bonded together through a beautiful struggle that is restorative, not depleting." We practice empathy and create a safe space welcome to everyone regardless of race and commit ourselves to being agents of change for equality and racial justice through our service and education to the community.

To sign petitions, donate and more to help support the black community, click here: https://blacklivesmatter.com

For additional related resources, click here:
 
Best,
Summer Programs in Session!
We are pleased to announce that our Camp Good Sam and La Escuelita programs are now open to clients, although on a limited basis, with staff working to ensure all safety protocols to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus are met.
Welcome to Cynthia Cardenas
We would like to give a big Good Sam welcome to Cynthia Cardenas, our new Senior Director of Family Services! Ms. Cardenas will be responsible for managing programs provided to families in the Early Head Start, Preschool, Parents as Teachers Program, and the Senior Center. Cynthia has 27 years of professional experience serving children and families. She worked as an advocate for young children in local non-profit organizations, as an early childhood director in nationally accredited programs, as well as served as an early childhood coordinator and taught in public schools.

Cynthia was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, where she lives with her husband and sons. She holds a Master of Education degree in School Administration from Trinity University and a Master of Education degree from Our Lady of the Lake University in Early Elementary Education with a Specialty in Early Childhood Education. She also has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Our Lady of the Lake University. She is most proud to be serving in the community where she and her family have always called home.
Furthering the Mission
Our Furthering the Mission Fund is ongoing, and we are 85% of the way to our goal! Please join us in helping us further our mission.

Welcome to our two newest PAT members (babies)! Our Parents as Teachers (PAT) program includes activities that encourages mothers to talk to their babies and promotes early language development and parent child interaction. For more information about our PAT program, please contact alejandra.chapa@goodsamtx.org .
Parents as Teachers (PAT) Distribution
Our Parents as Teachers team distributed Family Kits to our PAT families this month, as well as HEB gift cards and books provided through the United Way. The team did a wonderful job prepping the kits!
School Supply Drive 2020
We are collecting donations for our back-to-school supply drive for 2020! Each year, we partner with churches, families, businesses, and organizations to benefit students attending our Youth & Teen Services programs in San Antonio. This fall we anticipate the need for additional supplies as classrooms move away from shared supplies for students. We will be accepting donations from July 20th - 24th. Click below to view the full list of requested supplies. Please contact Rebecca Earle at rebecca.earle@goodsamtx.org with any questions.
Philanthropitch 2020

Thank you to everyone who supported Good Sam by voting and donating to our agency through this year's virtual Philanthropitch event! We won the audience award and received $1,812 from the Philanthropitch event through your support.
We are so grateful for all of our donors who give to our agency each month. Good Sam relies on the support of compassionate and caring individuals to help provide programs that empower our neighbors.