The Mayor was spotted handing out meals at the 10th annual Jaime Martinez Thanksgiving in the Barrio on Monday. We publish this compassionate news roundup every Wednesday afternoon. If you want to get the news sooner, follow us on Twitter @compassionNET1. And don’t forget to use the hashtag #compassionateSA so we can find YOUR compassionate acts!
For the sixth year, @NISDLearningTre students collected canned cranberries to support the @JimenezDinner — 12,783 cans! This year they also collected 5,851 cans of green beans!
And Evalynn, Erin and Kathryn of Girl Scout Troop 416 earned their Silver Award by organizing food and supply drives for the Interfaith Welcome Coalition. They educated others, collected needed items, and packed 72 backpacks for those migrating to San Antonio.
Found in the Express-News, 20 November, 2019
SAPD’s crisis cops ‘Ernie & Joe’ receive national praise after HBO documentary premiere
“We hope it’ll inspire people to find out what’s happening in their community and hopefully agitate for their police department to work to handle mental health calls more humanely and compassionately.”
Seen on WOAI 4, 20 November, 2019
Kids helping kids in Tater Tot Patrol
Ben said he remembers meeting a little girl, scared and alone. He walked over and said ‘it’s ok.’ “And then I helped her open her stuff, and she hugged me.”
Seen on KSAT 12, 21 November, 2019
‘While You Were Sleeping’: Leftovers go to good use, thanks to overnight ‘food rescuers’
San Antonio Food Bank partners with Starbucks for food salvage program.
Heard on Texas Public Radio, 21 November, 2019
Here’s How San Antonio ISD Plans To Shift Away From ‘Punitive’ Discipline
The new code commits the district to a discipline policy called restorative practices, which are designed to reduce traditional punishments like suspensions. Restorative practices work to repair the harm created by students’ actions and address the root causes of their negative behavior.
Found in the Express-News, 22 November, 2019
Our plan to address domestic violence in Bexar County
We cannot make this plan and this work real without everyone in the community joining us with their knowledge and resources.
Found in the Express-News, 22 November, 2019
A&M San Antonio announces partnerships with seven school districts
The will design and operate “lab schools” within seven high-poverty area school districts and will create new academic programs, fill needs in special education and in teacher preparation and retention, and enhance efforts to prepare students for college.
Seen on KSAT 12, 22 November, 2019
$1M gift from Charles C. Butt Foundation launches education partnership
The school districts involved are East Central, Edgewood, Harlandale, Somerset, South San Antonio, Southside and Southwest.
Found in the Express-News, 23 November, 2019
Indian nurses donate 1,000 hygiene kits to charity, homeless
The SA Indian Nurses’ Association, a nonprofit founded in February, partnered with @CleantheWorld, which donates soap & shampoo large hotels would otherwise discard.
Found in the Rivard Report, 23 November, 2019
Last Chance Ministries Serves Up Thanksgiving Meal on the West Side
“We’re blessed to be here and give back to the community that we love. God provided for us, and now we provide for everyone else.”
Seen on KSAT 12, 24 November, 2019
San Antonio recognized for improved health policies
San Antonio is the latest winner of a gold medal recognition from CityHealth, presented Saturday at the National League of Cities summit.
Found in the Express-News, 25 November, 2019
At interfaith Thanksgiving, unity is embraced
“We need to know each other. There’s power in large groups. They can be of different faiths, cultures, and can continue to work for the good for the community.”
Found on the Express-News, 25 November, 2019
Retiree drives literacy caravan to promote reading to San Antonio children
In the first five years that the Caravan hit the streets, more than 125,000 children and their families climbed aboard to take part in the unique literacy experience.
Found in the Express-News, 25 November, 2019
California firm working on San Antonio homelessness plan impressed with what it sees so far
“I have done work on homeless systems in 22 states and was very impressed at the level of compassion, commitment, and systems and program-level execution I observed throughout my tour.”
Found in the Rivard Report, 25 November, 2019
Homebase Team Dives Into San Antonio’s Homelessness Network
For the strategies to be effective organizations need to make sure they’re not overlapping services or competing against one another. “Why compete when we can work together?”
Seen on KSAT 12, 25 November, 2019
Changes to SAPD Crisis Response Team address domestic violence epidemic
Police chief says staff changes, future additions are all for efficiency, more advocacy.
Found on NBC New, 23 November, 2019
Chicano student walkouts changed Texas, but inequities remain
Scholars, activists, students and alumni of the walkouts came together this week to preserve this crucial, but overlooked civil rights history, and draw parallels for a younger generation mobilizing for not only education, but climate change, gun violence and immigration reform.
Found in the Current, 22 November, 2019
Five Ways to Give Back to the San Antonio Community
@safoodbank @texasiwc @HFTexas @SanAntonioAIDS @peaceSATX
Seen on KSAT 12, 25 November, 2019
Firearm injury prevention campaign unveiled
The campaign includes a public education campaign, distribution of gun locks and other initiatives.
Found in the Express-News, 25 November, 2019
Bexar County launches initiative to protect San Antonio children from guns
“Now, with children home for holidays, it’s the most important time to take advantage of this program, and to make sure your guns at home are (kept) in a safe manner and locked.”
Seen on WOAI 4, 25 November, 2019
Preparations underway for Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner
Raul Jimenez established the dinner in 1970 with the goal to feed 100 people in need. Now, the dinner serves 25,000 hungry San Antonians.
Found in the Express-News, 25 November, 2019
Lonnie Walker IV eager to bring ‘joy, laughter’ to needy this Thanksgiving
“Doing the best I can to help this world out to be a better place.”
Found in the Express-News, 26 November, 2019
VIA buses to offer free fares on Dec. 2 for Rosa Parks Day
The purpose is to honor the Civil Rights icon and the role of public transportation in the modern Civil Rights movement.
Found in the Rivard Report, 21 November, 2019
San Antonio Housing Authority CEO Vows to Review Eviction, Fee Policies
“We are here to house people. It [brings] me no joy if we have to move down the path of eviction.”
Found in the Rivard Report, 26 November, 2019
Esperanza Center’s Peace Market: A Community Alternative to Black Friday
“It’s a selfish day … but our idea is that this would be a way to redirect some of spending to folks… that are doing something good for communities.”
Seen on KENS 5, 26 November, 2019
‘Turkey Shortage’: SA Food Bank asks for last-minute donations
“…we want every struggling family to know we care.”
Found on the Trinity University web site, 26 November, 2019
KIND Snacks CEO Daniel Lubetzky ’90 Makes $1 Million Donation
Funding will endow a research fellowship and partnership with Empatico to foster empathy and kindness in elementary school students
Seen on KSAT 12, 27 November, 2019
H-E-B donates nearly 2,000 Thanksgiving meals to San Antonio Food Bank during shortage
H-E-B also stated it will donate Thanksgiving dinners to residents of the George Cisneros housing complex, a senior citizen community under the San Antonio Housing Authority.
Found in the Express-News, 27 November, 2019
Study finds most loose dogs on San Antonio streets have owners
We (San Antonians) need to do a better job and I believe that can start with the care of our animals. We need owners to embrace compassion and become better neighbors and better people.”
Seen on KSAT 12, 27 November, 2019
Reagan HS student donates 150 blankets to Roy Maas Youth Alternatives
Senior Samantha Sanchez is bringing comfort to teens and children who have no place to go.
Found in the Express-News, 27 November, 2019
San Antonio homeless lift their spirits find a home in song
“You have to raise your voice to find it. And I did.”
Visto en KVDA 60, 27 de novienmbe, 2019
Familias invitan a militares a su cena de Thanksgiving [Families invite military to their Thanksgiving dinner]
La organización Operation Homefront reune a miembros de las Fuerzas Armadas con familias para que celebren la tradición del Día de Acción de Gracias aún lejos de sus seres queridos. [The Operation Homefront organization brings together members of the Armed Forces with families to celebrate the Thanksgiving tradition even far from their loved ones.]
Visto en KWEX 41, 26 de noviembre, 2019
Cerca de 200 familias de escasos recursos reciben pavos y despensas en San Antonio [Nearly 200 poor families receive turkeys and pantries in San Antonio]
Caridades Católicos organizó este donativo a fin de regalar un momento de alegría y optimismo a quienes más lo necesitan. [Catholic Charities organized this donation in order to give a moment of joy and optimism to those who need it most.]
Found in the Rivard Report, 27 November, 2019
How a Car Accident Showed Me the Meaning of ‘San Antonio Kind’
I wonder what the ripple effect would be if we made it a priority to celebrate and share stories of human kindness in San Antonio.
