A Note from Simón

Empowering Communities to Thrive

As a new year begins, we are naturally drawn to think about the year that just ended. One reflection that we may all share is “We’re glad it’s over”.

What we have experienced the past 12 months has been historic. There have been few events, if any in my life, like the COVID-19 pandemic that have affected people so intimately across the world. We won’t soon forget what we have lived through and mourn the many souls that we lost.

However, there are other memories that I will hold most dear. Throughout the year we experienced great outpourings of compassion and care. Neighbors helping neighbors and asking “is there something else I can do?” Our partners in faith and service - individuals, churches, foundations and government, exceeded their callings in extraordinary ways. Together, they joined us in nurturing the Good Sam community. The reflection that defines my hope for the rest of this year is appreciating how much more we can accomplish, working together. While there is more to do as we look at the year ahead of us, we are “emerging stronger”.


Best,
2020 Community Strengths and Needs Assessment

You can now check out Good Sam's 2020 Community Strengths and Needs Assessment (CSNA) on our website! Our annual CSNA touches on issues and concerns that exist in our 78207 community which will inform our agency's overall vision.
Mums & Mimosas

We are so excited for our upcoming Mums event this February 9! Here's a special message from our 2021 Mums speaker and New York Times best-selling author Melanie Shankle.

It's not too late to reserve your seats for this year's Mums & Mimosas. You can also purchase raffle tickets and a book add-on to any package. Purchase your tickets today!
Family Services
PAT Parent Spotlight

Congratulations to Gabriela Ibarra who recently received her Master's in Nonprofit Management from Our Lady of the Lake University! She is a Parents as Teachers client who also has a child enrolled in Good Sam's La Escuelita program.

"Thanks to the La Escuelita program I was able to continue my education. The program provided me encouragement and peace of mind knowing that my daughter was in great care. Although I work full time, Good Sam gave me a cushion of time to focus on my education. The dedication and encouragement of the La Escuelita staff made a world of difference." -Gabriela Ibarra
Strengthening Families

Did you know Good Sam provides GED and workforce training in addition to assistance with childcare? Strengthening Families, a collaboration between Good Sam, SA Hope Center, and Restore Education, offers services to help families reach their personal and professional goals through an integrated approach to early education services, financial independence classes, and online learning opportunities leading to a certification or degree. For more info about this program, click below.
Youth & Teen Services
CCR Spotlight

Congratulations to Good Sam's Bishop Jones Ambassador scholarship recipient and College and Career Readiness (CCR) program client Laura Cid, who recently graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Austin! Pursuing her studies during COVID-19, she says she stayed motivated by "thinking of the future. I knew that by finishing my degree, I would one day be able to sign off as 'Laura Cid, BSN, RN' and I'd feel pride in that...I am a first generation student, so completing this degree has brought me and my parents a great sense of accomplishment."
SA Humane Society Donation

Thank you to the San Antonio Humane Society for its donation of reading kits to our Good Sam youth - it was a wonderful surprise! Our Youth Advisory Committee students were very happy to pick up the donation as well as stop to play with a few of the pups.
Through recurring monthly donations, your gift will create a sustainable impact for those we serve in the community. Good Sam relies on the support of compassionate and caring individuals to help provide programs that empower our neighbors.
Upcoming Events
  • January 21 | Bishop Jones Ambassador and GSCS Scholar Award Writing Workshop (Virtual)
  • January 27 | Parents as Teachers Group Connection (via Zoom)
  • January 28 | Bishop Jones Ambassador and GSCS Scholar Award Writing Workshop (In-Person)
  • February 3 | Project HOPE Senior Center Food Distribution (at St. Timothy's)*
  • February 8 | Senior Center Cheese Distribution (at St. Timothy's)
  • February 9 | Mums & Mimosas (Virtual Event)
  • February 12 | In-Service Training for Teachers (Early Release Day afternoon)

*Meal pickup on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday every week at St. Timothy's for eligible seniors who are registered with the Food Bank through Good Sam's Senior Center and/or St. Timothy's Senior Center
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