We’ve been joking that the symbol of Compassionate San Antonio must be the hairnet -— or maybe the apron — worn here by some city council members and friends at the Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner. Thanks, District 8 Councilman Manny Pelaez for the photo! Each week Compassionate San Antonio provides this weekly news roundup of compassionate acts found in our city.
A Compassionate Thanksgiving message from Mayor Ron Nirenberg
Seen on Fox 29, 22 November, 2017
UTSA, Whataburger provide free recovery services to Sutherland Springs community
In collaboration with The University of Texas at San Antonio’s Academy for Crisis and Trauma Counseling, Whataburger has pledged $150,000 to support counseling and wellness services to the community.
Seen in the Rivard Report, 26 November, 2017
Organizations Mobilize to Sustain Mental Health Services in Sutherland Springs
“People are going to grieve for a very long time.”
Seen in the Dallas Morning News, 24 November, 2017
H-E-B’s Charles Butt, who’s giving $150 million to public schools, is my Texan of the Year
He also deserves recognition, if for no other reason than his brand of philanthropy ought to be a model: trying to improve the lives of his neighbors, his customers, his fellow Texans. Helping them when trouble strikes, and trying to make sure their kids have access to schools with talented teachers and committed administrators.
Seen in FOLO Media, 28 November, 2017
Should schools do more than teach?
“We are increasingly recognizing that addressing the social and emotional health of all students is an important piece of providing an education.”
Seen on KSAT 12, 23 November, 2017
Elf Louise to provide for 19,000 children, in need of volunteers
It’s a massive undertaking, run on hope, faith and donations, as well as $45,000 worth of AA batteries for the toys.
Seen on the SA Youth Twitter feed, 22 November, 2017
A pie for every kid
So grateful to @IBCBank for their amazing donation of 31 bags full of can goods and one pie for every kid at our Poplar Center.
Seen on the St. PJ’s Twitter feed, 22 November, 2017
St. PJ’s Thanksgiving dinner
St. Phillips Culinary Institute preparing Thanksgiving Dinner.
Found on the Seton Home Twitter feed, 22 November, 2017
Turkeys to Seton Home
Pregnant 2 Parenting program was blessed to receive 30 turkey dinners donated by St George Maronite Youth Ministry Group.
Seen in the Express-News, 22 November, 2017
Two-year-old nonprofit helps move people from homelessness to self-sufficiency
De Novo provides modest gifts of money — the average is $1,100 — to clients who’ve successfully completed programs at local nonprofits that provide services to people who are homeless.
Seen in the Express-News, 22 November, 2017
Houston Street Charities sends S.A. Cocktail Conference proceeds to children’s charitable organizations
Since its inception, SACC has raised enough money for Houston Street Charities to have distributed about $500,000 to local children’s charities.
Also seen in the Express-News, 22 November, 2017
Couple commits to volunteering to help children in need
Seen on Texas Public Radio, 22 November, 2017
Mission Thanksgiving Offers San Antonio Soldiers A Home Away From Home
“It’s hard to be away from home during the holidays,” [Ann Schladetzky] said. “If we can make it a little easier, we try to do it.”
Seen on Univision 41, 23 November, 2017
Miles de personas acuden a la cena de Acción de Gracias de la organización Raúl Jiménez [Thousands of people attend the Thanksgiving dinner organized by Raúl Jiménez]
Residentes de San Antonio se reunieron en el centro de convenciones Henry B. González para disfrutar de la cena tradicional sin costo. [Residents of San Antonio met at the Henry B. González Convention Center to enjoy the traditional dinner at no cost.]
Seen in the Express-News, 23 November, 2017
Thanksgiving baskets delivered to families with special needs
Eagles Flight Advocacy & Outreach, the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, Riders United 4 Children and The Bank of San Antonio completed distributing more than 100 Thanksgiving bags to families with children with special needs and financial help.
Seen in the Rivard Report, 22 November, 2017
Duncan Takes Thanksgiving to Virgin Islands
[Tim] Duncan, the retired Spurs legend, and a team of volunteers distributed ham, cornbread mix, stuffing and cans of green beans, cranberry sauce and yams to more than 5,000 islanders.
Seen on KSAT 12, 23 November 2017
Haven for Hope residents treated to holiday feast
The San Antonio Food Bank prepared the food, while USAA volunteers served the meals to hundreds of residents.
Also seen on KSAT 12, 23 November, 2017
Veteran goes all-out hosting airmen, trainees during ‘Operation Home Cooking’
Each year, [Cory Matranga] invites airmen and trainees from Lackland by providing a holiday meal and family atmosphere through “Operation Home Cooking.”
Seen on Spectrum News, 23 November, 2017
Meals on Wheels delivers Thanksgiving to the less fortunate
Meals on Wheels has been delivering Thanksgiving day plates since 2006. Thursday almost 500 people were given a hot holiday meal and some company.
Found in La Prensa, 21 November, 2017
Clarity unveils renovated Santikos living unit
“A warm and welcoming environment for children and their families is an important part of treatment, and the John L. Santikos Charitable Foundation recognized this need in our community.”
Found in La Prensa, 21 November, 2017
CAM celebrates 40 years, unveils 10 year plan
Today, Christian Assistance Ministry’s mission is supported by 100 member churches, hundreds of local businesses, individual donors, foundations and more than 200 volunteers.
Seen in the SA Observer, 21 November, 2017
Free Holiday Giving
A reflection by Stephanie Zarriello: “that man felt a sliver of family and love that a 4 year old delivered to him.”
Seen in the Express-News, 24 November, 2017
Food Bank called region’s most efficient nonprofit
The bank distributes $125 million a year in food and grocery products weighing in at about 65 million pounds a year. It all flows through 550 nonprofits in a 16-county area that feed about 58,000 people each week.
Found in the Express-News, 24 November, 2017
Food Bank volunteer finds sense of purpose, camaraderie
“You’re not only giving back to the community,” [Janet McDaniel] said, “but you form friendships with the people that you work with.
Found in the Express-News, 24 November, 2017
San Antonio literacy charity recruits college students as tutors
More than 1,400 students at Texas A&M University-San Antonio have tutored elementary school students using Literacy San Antonio’s science-based reading programs since the nonprofit partnered with faculty in the university in the fall of 2010.
Read in the Express-News, 24 November, 2017
Literacy San Antonio treats reading like serious business
SAReads matches elementary school kids with wannabe teachers, using data to develop customized reading programs for each student.
Seen on KSAT 12, 24 November, 2017
SAFD hosts Thanksgiving for airmen, trainees
Dozens arrived at Station 16 aboard VIA buses Thursday morning and were greeted by firefighters.
Seen in the Express-News, 22 November, 2017
Animal Defense League of Texas oldest No-Kill shelter in the state
“Along with the other large animal organizations in the city, we’re all working toward the same goal,” Elmore said, “to make San Antonio the largest no-kill city in the United States.
Also in the Express-News, 22 November, 2017
Volunteer embraces mission of Animal Defense League of Texas
Last year, helpers logged 15,629 volunteer hours and 5,075 hours fostering animals.
Seen in the Express-News, 22 November, 2017
American Diabetes Association hopes to expand local youth camp
In San Antonio each summer, the nonprofit joins the Westside Family YMCA to host Camp PowerUp, a weeklong Type 2 diabetes prevention youth camp for children 10 to 14 years old who are at risk of developing the disease.
Also in the Express-News, 22 November, 2017
Diabetes awareness, education at heart of longtime volunteer
Seen in the Express-News, 22 November, 2017
New ChildSafe center to offer the healing power of nature
The new complex will feature green spaces, rooftop gardens, courtyards, outdoor therapy and activity areas, all to bring peace and tranquillity close to clients, as well as to staff members, who may experience secondary trauma from the dark and often heartbreaking cases they must handle.
Found in the Express-News, 22 November, 2017
Say Sí develops young San Antonians’ creative talents
Open year-round, SAY Sí serves urban inner city economically-disadvantaged youth.
Found in San Antonio Magazine, November, 2017
Hurricane Harvey Helpers
Individuals from eight responding organizations share their experiences.
Seen in the Express-News, 25 November, 2017
San Antonio’s peace market offers beautiful wares that benefit communities in need
“The market is about peace, harmony, cooperation and promoting the folk spirit.”
Found on the Express-News, 26 November, 2017
SA organization benefits children gripped by extreme poverty in Southern Africa
Since 2002, the board has raised more than $1 million that goes directly to the children and families in Zambia.
Found in the Express-News, 26 November, 2017
American Cancer Society, with nationwide reach, relies on locals
“Our goal is one day to have a world without cancer, but there are patients that we have to serve today.”
Found on the Express-News, 26 November, 2017
Meals on Wheels provides food and company to thousands of San Antonio seniors
Receiving a meal they don’t have to prepare and seeing people every day helps keep seniors independent and living in their own homes.
Found in the Express-News, 26 November, 2017
Green Spaces Alliance draws on partnerships to protect urban environment
In the city, perhaps the group’s most visible work is the network of food, pollinator and community gardens it has launched throughout San Antonio — now more than 50.
Found in the Express-News, 26 November, 2017
“Good Sam” offers health and education to West Side
rather than see Good Sam as some kind of “finger in the dike” against a deluge of societal crises, [CEO Simon} Salas considers it “a windmill generating power” for the West Side.
Found in the Express-News, 26 November, 2017
Assistance League of San Antonio helps thousands
Last year, the program provided 4,548 children with new clothes or school uniforms, shoe vouchers, books, and a personal safety booklet.
Seen in the Express-News, 26 November, 2017
‘I want to live’: Domestic violence survivor advocates for women like her
Seen on KSAT 12, 26 November, 2017
Community comes together to help family of girl killed in drive-by shooting
Dozens of bikers got together to have a plate sale to help Delilah’s family with the funeral costs.
Found in the Express-News, 27 November, 2017
SA Life Academy is a day program for adults with disabilities
The program’s curriculum is structured around five main areas: academics, building relationships, community service, creative expression and teaching healthy habits.
Seen in the Express-News, 27 November, 2017
Child Advocates San Antonio lends a hand to neglected and abused kids
“We exist to be their guide through that whole system, whether it’s with (Child Protective Services), their school or their public defender,” said Kevin Moore, president of CASA’s board of governors.
Seen in the Express-News, 27 November, 2017
San Antonio Sports brings events and civic opportunities to San Antonio
At events such as the Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon, Fit Family Challenge and the Final Four, volunteers play an integral role.
Seen in the Express-News, 27 November, 2017
Heart association working hard to improve people’s health awareness
San Antonio heart health research received $2 million last year that went to research universities including the UT Health at San Antonio.
Found on the SA Food Bank blog, 21 November, 2017
Family Gifts Time During Thanksgiving Break
“I was looking for a place where I could take my small children and get them involved in the community and help others to let them know that not everyone is as fortunate as they are.”
Seen in the Express-News, 26 November, 2017
Rowan’s Reach
Rowan died in December when he was 10, but his dedication to helping others reaches beyond his years. He continues to inspire those working to achieve his greatest wish to get 1 million more matching bone-marrow donors.
Found on the Downtown San Antonio web site, 21 November, 2017
Valerie Salas: Paying It Forward
“It was a realization for me was that there’s a group of people who are compassionately helping others without judgement”
Seen in the Express-News, 27 November, 2017
Tech Bloc, AT&T launch mentorship program for San Antonio’s CAST Tech High School
Rep. Will Hurd: “Quality mentoring greatly increases a student’s chance of success and, here in San Antonio, opens their eyes to the wide range of opportunities in our local community.”
Also in the Rivard Report, 27 November, 2017
Tech Bloc, AT&T Launch Mentorship Program at CAST Tech High School
The program is supported by a $95,000 grant from the AT&T Foundation, the telecommunication company’s philanthropic arm.
Heard on Texas Public Radio, 27 November, 2017
San Antonio Districts Top List of Texas Schools Preventing Hunger
The Harlandale and San Antonio independent school districts are among the best in the state at making sure their students have enough to eat.
Found on the NEISD Twitter feed, 27 November, 2017
NEISD Book Drive for Houston
Kolter Elem. School in Houston, TX sustained significant damage during Hurricane Harvey, destroying everything inside the school. MacArthur Library held a book drive to help rebuild the library collection. A total of over 4.5K books were collected from numerous #NEISD schools.
Found on the NEISD Twitter feed, 28 November, 2017
Buddy Bench at Hidden Forest Elementary
The buddy bench is a compassionate idea that eliminates loneliness and fosters friendship on the playground.
Seen on KSAT 12 News, 28 November, 2017
SAISD Foundation surprise campuses with Giving Tuesday grants
The presentations Tuesday were the first of 146 grants that will be distributed through January across 74 campuses.
Seen on KSAT 12, 28 November, 2017
New program will help low-income HS seniors continue dream of college
Community rallies to raise $400,000 after losing federal grant.
Seen in the Express-News, 29 November, 2017
Alamo Rescue Friends transports stray dogs East for last time
With the city’s live release rate improved dramatically from just 30 percent in 2010 to 90 percent today, the nonprofit has decided to end its regular 2,000-mile trips to New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Vermont.
Found in the Rivard Report, 28 November, 2017
Pre-K 4 SA Evaluation Shows Continued Gains in Student Skills
“If you want to have a strong community, and if you want to have a strong economy, the best investment a community can make is in early childhood education.”
Found on KENS 5, 29 November, 2017
‘Bridging The Gap’ uplifting east side amid growing violence
The two-year-old organization began as a way for pastors to network and draw strength from one another, but it quickly grew into a collaborative that also includes businesses, organizations, and agencies.
Seen on Univision 41, 28 November, 2017
Médicos de San Antonio preparan brigada para ayudar a Puerto Rico [Doctors of San Antonio prepare brigade to help Puerto Rico]
El grupo de médicos planea viajar el próximo 14 de diciembre, su objetivo es brindar servicios médicos y dar donaciones que han recolectado y así ayudar a los cientos de personas que aún no se recuperan del paso de María por la isla. [The group of doctors plans to travel on December 14, its goal is to provide medical services and give donations that have collected and thus help the hundreds of people who have not yet recovered from Maria’s passage through the island.]
COMPASSIONATE SAN ANTONIO . .
. . . is a grassroots movement that promotes, supports and celebrates San Antonio’s commitment to be a world-class compassionate city: one where the civic government, the religious and volunteer organizations, the businesses, the community and its educational institutions come together to recognize the importance and value of compassion in the life of a city and by doing so create an ethos of compassion and a safety net for its most vulnerable citizens. #compassionateSA
