On December 13, twelve San Antonians completed a three-days intensive workshop in Compassionate Integrity at Life University in Atlanta, Georgia. Congratulations to Ann Helmke, Bianca Esquivel, Bill Neely, Brandon Beidel, Caroline Bergeron, Diana Phillips, Fuji Walker, Keith Wideman, Liz Lutz, Sally Gomez-Jung, Susan Ives and Amy Brown. Every Wednesday Compassionate San Antonio publishes a weekly news roundup. We hit a new record this week: 67 items! Wow! If you want to read about them as they are reported, follow our Twitter feed, @compassionNET1. Or, search for the hashtag #compassionateSA (you can use it on your compassionate Tweets, too.)
Seen on KSAT-12, 13 December, 2017
Spurs’ Manu Ginobili, Danny Green, Rudy Gay, visit children’s shelter to spread Christmas cheer
“We know we are followed, appreciated, and admired, so we try to just return something,” Ginobili said.
Seen in the Express-News, 13 December, 2017
Santa came early with $7 million in gifts for San Antonio area nonprofits
The Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio on Tuesday distributed nearly $7 million in grants to almost 100 area nonprofits.
Seen in the Rivard Report, 13 December, 2017
United Way Surpasses Smaller Community Campaign Goal
“I think the generosity of the people of San Antonio is something that we can’t underestimate,” said Joe Gorder, this year’s United Way campaign chairman and chairman, CEO, and president of Valero Energy.
Also Seen in the Express-News, 13 December, 2017
United Way exceeds fundraising goal by more than $1.2 million
This year’s fundraising goal was $47.5 million.
Seen in the Express-News, 13 December, 2017
USAA employees show off new ideas at Innovation Day
USAA is known for developing various technologies to solve its members problems.
Seen in the Rivard Report, 13 December, 2017
VIA Completes 1,000th New Bus Stop Shelter, More to Come
That communicates to the public that if you try the bus, there is a place for you to wait out of the sun and rain.
Seen on KENS 5, 13 December, 2017
H-E-B donates over 2.9 million meals to Texas food banks
H-E-B is giving the gift of food, with special truckload deliveries of H-E-B Select Ingredients Quick Oats oatmeal to 17 Texas food banks this week.
Seen on KENS 5, 17 December, 2017
S.H.A.R.E Center at Palo Alto College helps underprivileged students
More than half of the students at Palo Alto College are low-income, first-generation students. Some are also struggling and can’t afford food or clothes for interviews.
Seen on Fox 29, 13 December, 2017
Big Bob’s Burgers repaying community with Christmas turkey
“Food and love: the two things you need in life,” Bob Riddle explains. “And this will do at least one of them.”
Found on Univision 41, 13 December, 2017
¿Cómo promover la unión familiar en esta época navideña? [How can you promote family unity in this Christmas season?]
La consejera familiar Loerna Yakovelv habla de la importancia de fomentar el diálogo cuando hay un momento de conflicto en una familia. [Family counselor Lorena Yakovlev talks about the importance of encouraging dialogue when there is a moment of conflict in a family.]
Seen on KSAT 12, 13 December, 2017
Habitat For Humanity closes on last home of 2017 in SA
The organization built its 1000th home this year.
Seen in the Rivard Report
SAPD Mental Health Detail Honored with ‘Spirit of Health’ Award
“These officers orchestrate positive outcomes [which] takes great skill and empathy,” Mayor Ron Nirenberg said.
Seen on the Trinity University web site, 14 December, 2017
2017 IMPACT magazine shares @Trinity_U scholarship, creative works, and community engagement
Compassion is seen throughout this annual magazine: In search of commemoration (p. 17); To the community and beyond (p. 19); Moving the needle (p. 33); Paving the way (p. 38); Honest to God (p. 42); Picture this (p. 50)
Seen on Kens 5, 13 December, 2017
People Who Make SA Great: Lobbyist, skier, mountain climber Mona Patel
Last year a San Antonio woman organized a team of 15 to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Nine of them were amputees, like herself.
Found on the San Antonio Food Bank Twitter Feed, 14 December, 2017
Here Comes ParkerClaus!
Look who came out to visit the kids at the Presa Community Center! The San Antonio Food Bank along with @tonyparker distributed Holiday Boxes to families from the community center!
Seen on Fox 29, 14 December, 2017
San Antonio congregation delivers early holiday gifts to Sutherland Springs
The donations from Baruch Hashem and Emanuel Worship Center include toys, sweet treats, and gift baskets for the families.
Seen in the Express-News, 15 December, 2017
Catholics, Jews celebrate Hanukkah in San Antonio
“Help us to learn from each other, to trust one another and to support one another in love, fellowship and peace. May the blessing of Shalom be our blessing.”
Seen on Fox 29, 14 December, 2017
Councilwoman hopes ‘vision zero’ program reduces pedestrian deaths
Shirley Gonzales: “People dying on our streets is not inevitable, and we have to decide that it’s gonna be a priority.”
Seen on Univision 41, 15 December, 2017
Este libro infantil busca combatir el acoso escolar [This children’s book seeks to combat bullying]
Cresencia Huff de la Biblioteca Pública de San Antonio habla del mensaje detrás de ‘The Story of Ferdinand’ y el poder de los libros para transmitir mensajes positivos a los niños. [Cresencia Huff from the San Antonio Public Library talks about the message behind ‘The Story of Ferdinand’ and the power of books to convey positive messages to children.]
Also seen in La Prensa, 8 December, 2017
¡Corre, toro, corre!: “Ferdinand” se estrena el 15 de diciembre [Run, bull, run !: “Ferdinand” opens on December 15]
La premisa principal de este dulce cuento de un gigantesco toro con un gran corazón es: “No puedes juzgar al toro por su apariencia”. [The main premise of this sweet tale of a giant bull with a big heart is: “You can not judge the bull by its appearance”]
Heard on Texas Public Radio, 14 December, 2017
San Antonio Rent Prices Low, But Demand Outpacing Supply
Despite these lower rents, 45 percent of the city’s renters are cost burdened, spending more than 30 percent of their income on housing. Nearly a quarter spend half their income on housing.
Found on the Haven for Hope Twitter feed, 15 December, 2017
Bubble Bath Carwash donates grand opening proceeds to Haven for Hope
During their grand opening weekend, carwash proceeds totaling more than $2000 were donated to Haven for Hope.
Found on the UTSA web site, 13 December, 2017
Commencement Spotlight: May Mzayek is shedding light on the refugee crisis
“UTSA is an amazing place,” she said. “Everyone was very sympathetic to what I was going through and did everything they could to help me out. It was like having a second family.
Found on the UTSA Web site, 14 December, 2017
Higher Education Council of San Antonio: Hate speech is not free speech
Hate speech has no place at our colleges and universities. Inappropriate messages, banners and flyers that are meant to provoke, spread hate, or create animosity and hostility, are not welcome or accepted.
Seen on FOLO Media, 15 December, 2017
Nirenberg benches housing incentives policy, for now
“Those are case in points of a policy created with [the] great intention of revitalizing downtown, but that left out affordability so that only certain portions of our community can actually benefit from that revitalization,” Nirenberg said after Tuesday’s meeting. “That’s not what we want. We want downtown to be a place for all San Antonians, especially when its (growth is) coming with public dollars.”
Seen on the Food Bank Twitter feed, 15 December, 2017
Convoy of Hope
The San Antonio Food Bank and the City of San Antonio government come together in the Convoy of Hope to deliver food to senior citizens across the council districts. Project HOPE (Healthy Options Program for the Elderly) is a nutrition program that provides free groceries to eligible seniors at centers throughout the city.
Found on the NEISD Twitter feed, 15 December, 2017
Reagan Rattlers donate toys to SAPD Blue Santa
Reagan’s front office was piled high with 5,556 presents for needy children in San Antonio. The students were able to collect the toys in just one week and all are going to assist the Blue Santa gift giving programs.
Found on the SAReads blog, 15 December, 2017
SAReads Semester-in-Review
This semester 458 students received tutoring from 223 preservice teachers from Texas A&M University – San Antonio. This is the largest cohort of SAReads participants to date.
Seen on News 4 San Antonio, 15 December, 2017
UTSA students make video games for injured veterans
“I wanted to play the games like everyone else. I didn’t want to have to sit there and watch.”
Seen on KENS 5, 15 December, 2017
Airmen donate 3,000+ toys to west side church
Air National Guard members with the 149th Air Wing donated more than 3,000 toys to Last Chance Ministries.
Seen in La Prensa, 15 December, 2017
Pets on the Plaza make lunchtime appearance
Animal Care Services and the Main Plaza Conservancy join forces to bring a group of waggers with swagger to make the lunch hour pawsitively purrfect for downtown locals and visitors.
Seen on News 4SA, 15 December, 2017
Kansas police hope to change perception of pit bulls with new drug detective
Kano trained with Universal K9, a San Antonio-based organization that rescues pit bulls and trains them for police work.
Read in the Express-News, 16 December, 2017
Bexar County programs bring Christmas early for kids
Judge Peter Sakai: “We have a new year coming, and I think we have a good year coming, because all of these people care about you.”
Seen on Fox 29, 16 December, 2017
San Antonio’s First Lady talks about sexual harassment
“The Golden Rule is the Golden Rule for a reason. You treat someone like you would like someone else to treat you.”
Seen in the Express-News, 12 December, 2017
S.A.’s diversity on display for Tricentennial
Mayor Nirenberg: We are the city of the 21st century — compassionate, welcoming and embracing diversity.
Seen in the Express-News, 12 December, 2017
Offer people with disabilities some humanity
The solution is simple, but it needs to be taught, just as it was taught to me. . . Let them know you are glad they are there, offering them the same humanity we all seek.
Found on Spectrum News San Antonio, 16 December, 2017
Santa’s Firefighters Toy Drive brings smiles to San Antonio children
So if you can imagine, toys being delivered to you; you get a Christmas gift but you also have it delivered by firefighters on fire trucks.
Seen on KSAT 12, 16 December, 2017
SA Food Bank, Bank of America give away 200 holiday meals
The group has been working with non-profit organizations to identify families in need for approximately 32 years.
Seen in the Express-News, 16 December, 2017
Drugs, death, redemption — and a guilt that will never die
He wasn’t dancing because he was free from his past. He never will be. Some chains of sorrow can’t be broken. He was dancing because he was grounded in his faith, transformed into a beacon of hope for those who travel through darkness.
Seen on Fox 29, 15 December, 2017
How you can join the Spurs in the fight against hunger
The San Antonio Food Bank’s most needed items include peanut butter, cereal, tuna, beans, rice, and canned soups and stews.
Seen on Kens 5, 17 December, 2017
North-side church serving up holiday cheer for kids in CPS
University Methodist Church partnered with CPS to host a day of Christmas cheer complete with arts and crafts, holiday treats, and even a parking lot petting zoo.
Seen on Great Day SA, 17 December, 2017
Tamales for a Cause
“Everyone deserves a second chance.”
Seen on KSAT 12, 17 December, 2017
Thousands of kids get Christmas presents in Southside toy giveaway
Bexar County Commissioner Sergio “Chico” Rodriguez, Judge Ciro Rodriguez, Judge Robert Tejeda and the Venom Elite cheer team teamed up to collect and distribute toys to families in need.
Seen on KSAT 12, 17 December, 2017
Woman spends year collecting Christmas presents for kids in need
[Bridget] Dickens’ desire to spread Christmas cheer comes from the fact that she saw her own family struggle.
Seen on CNN, 17 December, 2017
Finding new life after limb loss
Mona Patel: “I think the big catalyst of me doing what I do to help the amputee community is because I lived it.”
Found in the Express-News, 18 December, 2017
Nonprofits and residents seek ways to improve city’s vulnerable ZIP codes
“We need to help them recoup dignity. There’s nobody in the community if asked if they want to be poor would say yes.”
Found in the Express-News, 18 December, 2017
Saving the world, 12 kids at a time
Via their San Antonio Sharks basketball club, the trio is more focused on cranking out good people than good players.
Seen on Kens 5, 18 December, 2017
Homeless children tell Santa where to leave gifts
“Children, no matter where you go Santa can always find you,” said Mr. Claus.
Found on FOLO Media, 18 December, 2017
Buying power: When selling is giving in the holiday season
For parents who participate, the joy of purchasing gifts for their children brings dignity during the holidays.
Found in the Express-News, 18 December, 2017
San Antonio’s cultural mash-up this time of year can entertain and educate
An inauthentic representation of a cultural tradition can feel like opportunism. It can be blatantly commercial. It can be an attempt at trendiness. Cultural appropriations can go wrong, can demean and misrepresent.
Seen on the NSISD Twitter feed, 18 December
1,600 students receive food for winter break
Spirit of giving on full display at Zachry Middle School and Knowlton Elementary as a special delivery arrived in semi-trucks from the Food Bank, with help from United Way and Family Services.
Also seen on Kens 5, 18 December, 2017
Northside ISD school makes sure every student eats during the holidays
“Helping somebody gives you that pride inside that you’re doing something.” eight grader Robert Hernandez said.
También visto en Univision Univision 41, 19 diciembre, 2017
Cientos de estudiantes en San Antonio reciben alimentos gratis para que en sus hogares no falte nada esta Navidad [Hundreds of students in San Antonio receive free meals so that nothing is lacking this Christmas in their homes]
Seen on KSAT 12, 18 December, 2017
Valero’s $3 million gift to SA Zoo will help fund field trips for underprivileged schools
“Children today don’t spend as much time outside as maybe our generation did. We’re getting them outside, connected to these animals that are quickly disappearing from the wild and learning about conservation efforts and why conservation is so critical on our planet.”
Seen on KENS 5, 19 December, 2017
Chanukah message shared with all faiths
“It teaches us the profound message that even a little bit of light dispels much darkness,” said Rabbi Teldon.
Seen in the SA Current, 19 December, 2017
Is This the End of Low-Income Housing Along San Pedro Creek?
Going forward, [District 1 Councilman Roberto] Treviño said, it’s important developers are considerate to the communities they swoop in on.
Seen on the United Way Twitter feed, 19 December, 2017
Women United awards child care scholarships
Women United celebrated 2018 Childcare Scholarship Awards for 20 parents (40 kids) pursuing education with total investment of $210,720!
Seen on the NISD Twitter feed, 19 December, 2017
Kindness Club delivers blankets
Garcia Middle School Kindness Club delivered blankets to Methodist Children’s Hospital. There was even a special blanket for Hazel the dog.
Seen on the Texas Cavaliers Facebook page, 13 December, 2017
Cavaliers donate books to hospital
The Texas Cavaliers stormed The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio, in full uniform and armed with more than 1,200 books to help entertain children while they are seeking treatment.
Seen in the Express-News, 19 December, 2017
Ruth McClendon, former state representative, dies at age 74
“She was a person of principle and decency who spoke for those whose voice is too often not heard,” [Texas House Speaker Joe] Straus said.
Seen on Fox 29, 19 December, 2017
Clothing & bedding top Christmas wish list for kids in shelter
“Kids have come here not because of anything they’ve done, but because someone that they really depended on just didn’t do a very good job.”
Seen on Univision 41, 20 December, 2017
Noticias Univision sorprende a pequeños con sorpresas navideñas [Univision new surprises little ones with Christmas presents]
Niños bajos la custodia de Casa San Antonio recibieron este martes algunos regalos para pasar una Navidad inolvidable. [Children under the custody of Casa San Antonio received some gifts this Tuesday to spend an unforgettable Christmas.]
Seen on Univision 41, 19 December, 2017
Preparan más de 3,000 comidas navideñas para personas de la tercera edad [They prepare more than 3,000 Christmas meals for the elderly]
Un grupo de voluntarios junto a una cadena de supermercados local preparan cenas navideñas a través del programa “Meals on Wheels”, que les otorga alimentos a personas de edad avanzadas que no pueden salir de sus casas. [A group of volunteers together with a local supermarket chain prepare Christmas dinners through the “Meals on Wheels” program, which provides food to elderly people who can not leave their homes.]
Seen on Texas Public Radio, 19 December, 2017
‘Super Chikis’ Aim To Help San Antonio Girls Discover Their Superhero Powers
[Luz] Diaz has high hopes the Super Chikis will save the day with a little tolerance, diversity, and kindness.
Found in the Express-News, 17 December, 2017
SAISD, Alamo Colleges partnership working for students
With opportunities to leverage a free start in college, combined with hard work and quality instruction, students can have brighter futures without the baggage of extra debt, the obstacles of the unknown, or the lack of social and academic support some people face as first-time college students.
Seen on News 4 San Antonio, 19 December, 2017
Haven for Hope helps mom of six start over in new home
“I’m grateful for everyone that has come my way to be able to help me get to this point.”
Seen on Telemundo San Antonio, 19 December, 2017
Reporte: las ciudades más amigables de Estados Unidos [Report: the friendliest cities in the United States]
La ciudad de San Antonio, en Texas, se llevó la posición de honor por tener a las personas más amigables. [The city of San Antonio, Texas, took the position of honor for having the most friendly people.]
Seen on Fox News 29, 20 December, 2017
Woman helping Sutherland Springs survivors will ‘Share the Joy’ during difficult holidays
[Mary Beth] Fisk plans to use the gift card to buy toys for the little boys and girls who will spend the holidays missing their loved ones.
Found on the Spiritual Spiritualities web site, 17 December, 2017
Interview Exclusive: Lorenzo Gomez
I grew up in a rough neighborhood and don’t have a college degree. I want to inspire people from my background and from my neighborhood to think they can do it, too.
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
