The Good News
April 2020

A Note from our CEO


Friends,

I hope you are doing well and safe as we all adjust to what a "normal" routine is for each of us during these times. We are grateful for your support as Good Sam adjusts its services to better serve our neighbors. This alignment has significantly increased our remote working footprint and showed us how it is still possible to be intentional even if we aren’t able to see each other daily.  

We are revising our current processes and developing new ones for when we resume normal operations. The opportunity has been presented to think of different and possibly better ways to serve. In the meantime, we continue to provide virtual visits for clients in our early childhood and preschool programs, as well as in our youth services programs and expanding resources for families and seniors. Staff meet daily to share the new tools they are learning to use and share with neighbors every week. Truthfully, the times are unsettling and exhilarating, but very comforting, knowing that we are on this journey together. 
Best,
A Farewell to our Chief Program Officer Jen Cook
Our staff held a great virtual surprise party for our Chief Program Officer Jen Cook, who dedicated almost two decades of tremendous contributions to serving the youth and families of Good Sam! You can check out our farewell video from staff here:
#GivingTuesdayNow
Take part in an international effort and support Good Sam through #GivingTuesdayNow on May 5th. Save the date or make your gift today at the link below!
Afterschool Schedule
Good Sam's Afterschool Online program is live with learning activities our youth can do at home (see schedule). Homework Help is also available through download or the Ring Central app. Please contact Alexis Perez at alexis.perez@goodsamtx.org for more information.
YAC Virtual Activities
We want to share pictures from our Youth Activities Committee (YAC) virtual meetings led by our YAC Coordinator Marcus Jordan. From crazy hat day, crazy socks day and yoga, Marcus keeps our youth on their toes!
SAISD Adult Education
Our partner SAISD has adult education classes that are now online! Using the free ZOOM platform, you can take virtual classes such as GED in English and Spanish, GED Mathematics Test Prep, and ESL. Please see the attached flyer of SAISD's new program offerings. Additional information is also available at  www.saisd.net/ace .  #saisd #adulteducation
Our Seniors on Facebook!
Our seniors now have their own Facebook group! If you are a senior actively enrolled in our Senior Center, please contact Ellie Saucedo at ellie.saucedo@goodsamtx.org for more information about joining.
Free Meal Distribution Info
Wi-Fi for our Community
Our neighbors in our West Side community now have access to free Wi-Fi thanks to the partnership of SAHA, SAISD, VIA and many others! Check out the flyer below for locations instructions on connecting.
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.