Our Speaker today was Will Bailey, Chief Development Officer of Good Samaritan Community Services. "In 1951, guided by the parable of the Good Samaritan, members of St. Mark's and the Diocese of West Texas were called to make a difference by furthering their ministry and building a community service center in a part of San Antonio then known as the 'death triangle' because of the high infant mortality rate and the lack of access to health care," says Will. Good Sam’s mission is to serve as a catalyst for change for our neighbors to overcome generational poverty. On their 4.6 acre campus programs benefit all ages including children, seniors and families. In addition to their ministry in San Antonio, they serve neighbors in Brownsville, Wimberley, Sonora and in the upper Rio Grande Valley. Childhood development includes Early Head Start. "This is not a daycare," says Will. "They follow a curriculum." As the children age out many continue on to our preschool program “La Escuelita”. Youth Development Services include an afterschool program, Camp Good Sam, building personal assets (honesty, integrity, achievement, motivation, school engagement, responsibility, planning and decision-making etc.) They have a successful college and career program in High School that helps kids apply for college and FAFSA. Will reports that 1,185 youth in the program planned for a future beyond high school through their College and Career Readiness Programs. Last year $1.1 million in scholarships were awarded. One Good Sam Scholarship is a stipend to help with clothing and meals etc. while the students attend college. One remarkable success is a former student of the program was admitted to Notre Dame University. He became an architect and serves on the Board to "give back". Nationally recognized, their wide range of programs not only help mold the minds of youth. "The Senior Services' activities are designed to promote a holistic approach to healthy living while aging." He also shared that "this is the only nationally recognized senior citizen center in South Texas." The Center strives to "empower and change lives" says Will. To learn more, visit their website HERE! A book will be donated in honor of our speaker to the Locke Hill Elementary School Library.Club Lunch and Business Program
Our Speaker today was Will Bailey, Chief Development Officer of Good Samaritan Community Services. "In 1951, guided by the parable of the Good Samaritan, members of St. Mark's and the Diocese of West Texas were called to make a difference by furthering their ministry and building a community service center in a part of San Antonio then known as the 'death triangle' because of the high infant mortality rate and the lack of access to health care," says Will. Good Sam’s mission is to serve as a catalyst for change for our neighbors to overcome generational poverty. On their 4.6 acre campus programs benefit all ages including children, seniors and families. In addition to their ministry in San Antonio, they serve neighbors in Brownsville, Wimberley, Sonora and in the upper Rio Grande Valley. Childhood development includes Early Head Start. "This is not a daycare," says Will. "They follow a curriculum." As the children age out many continue on to our preschool program “La Escuelita”. Youth Development Services include an afterschool program, Camp Good Sam, building personal assets (honesty, integrity, achievement, motivation, school engagement, responsibility, planning and decision-making etc.) They have a successful college and career program in High School that helps kids apply for college and FAFSA. Will reports that 1,185 youth in the program planned for a future beyond high school through their College and Career Readiness Programs. Last year $1.1 million in scholarships were awarded. One Good Sam Scholarship is a stipend to help with clothing and meals etc. while the students attend college. One remarkable success is a former student of the program was admitted to Notre Dame University. He became an architect and serves on the Board to "give back". Nationally recognized, their wide range of programs not only help mold the minds of youth. "The Senior Services' activities are designed to promote a holistic approach to healthy living while aging." He also shared that "this is the only nationally recognized senior citizen center in South Texas." The Center strives to "empower and change lives" says Will. To learn more, visit their website HERE! A book will be donated in honor of our speaker to the Locke Hill Elementary School Library.