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Good Samaritan Community Services

January 2016

Gift Honoring Bob Morehead

Ping-Jung Tsai on January 10, 2016

SAN ANTONIO, January 10

Pharr, TX — Good Samaritan Community Services (GSCS) is pleased to announce that the Cook-Collins-Dalton-McCullick families have honored Bob Morehead for his many years of service by making a gift of $52,500 to establish an endowment in support of GSCS – Pharr programs.
“Bob has worked for our family business for over 40 years now and we are so grateful for the leadership and vision that he he has brought us,” says Jim Collins,President of Rioco, “He has dedicated so much to Good Sam here in the Valley and we could not think of a better way to honor him.”
Bob Morehead is President and CFO of Mayfair Properties/Rioco, a company he has been with for 45 years. A Pharr native himself, he has made it a point to continuously give back to his community. He has held leadership roles at St. John’s Episcopal Church, the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, two City of McAllen Zoning boards and Beta Gamma Sigma. He first became involved with Good Sam as a mentor and a tutor and currently leads the local Advisory Board. Bob has a heart for the South Texas children. “When I was asked to join the board, I knew that God was inviting me to serve Him through the children of Good Samaritan,” Bob said.
“Bob is not only a major asset to the families who are honoring him, but to the Good Sam community as well,” said GSCS CEO, Jill Oettinger.”He really embodies the parable of the Good Samaritan with his passion for children and is a major contributor in helping us fulfill our mission to help youth overcome the impact of poverty.”

In recognition of the gift, GSCS will rename the “University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley” classroom the “Bob Morehead University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley” classroom in honor of Mr. Morehead.

For more information, please contact Jill H. Vassar atjill.vassar@goodsamtx.orgor 210-424-2065.

About Good Samaritan Community Services

Good Samaritan Community Services is a catalyst for change, supporting individuals and families by providing excellent community services to overcome the impact of poverty.These services include a child development program, afterschool and summer youth enrichment programs, a college readiness program, family services, and the only nationally accredited senior center in south Texas.What began as a ministry of the Episcopal Church on the west side of San Antonio in 1951 now reaches 5,500 individuals and families across eight (8) sites in seven (7) South Texas cities.

Leadership Awards

Ping-Jung Tsai on January 10, 2016

SAN ANTONIO, January 10

Jennifer Cook, Director of Youth Development Services, was recently awarded the “Outstanding Leadership Award” from the State of Texas.Jennifer’s incredible passion for youth andher tireless work to continually improve the youth programs offered by Good Samaritan Community Services (GSCS) is easily recognized.Jennifer herself is a change agent and has influenced hundreds ofeconomically disadvantaged youth to stay in school, keep learning, build their assets, and go to college or further training.She is a driving force behind GSCS clients’ ability to overcome the impact of poverty.
Jennifer has been the Director of Youth Development Services (YDS) since 2002 and has continually transformed programs with a “Best Practices” approach and a “client needs” vision. She operates six (6) programs that are delivered at seven (7) sites throughout South Texas, all targeted towards youth living in poverty and all demonstrating strong outcomes.Jennifer is also a part of several leadership and professional associations that keep her constantly abreast of industry trends, research, and effective practices.

One staff member writes, “…with the expertise and passion that Jennifer has for helping others, GoodSamaritan will continue to evolve and continue to provide excellent community services.”

Albert, age 16, was awarded the “Outstanding Youth Award. Albert has been successful in passing all of his classes at school while also participating in multiple sports teams and extracurricular activities such
as football, basketball, soccer, track and the MariachiBand.This fall he will attend Travis Early College High School, a school that has earned state recognition for its academic performance. There Albert will get the opportunity to graduate with a high school diploma with two (2) years of college credits, setting him on an early path for success.
Albert’s leadership qualities shine particularly bright through his participation in YDS’ Youth Advisory Council (YAC), an optional leadership development program that focuses on building leaders and giving back to the community through service learning. He regularly attends all YAC community service projects.He values connecting with his peers andsets a positive example for his friends and family.Albert is an exceptional young person. His”lead by example” approach has not only paved the way for a brighter future for himself; it has also influencedhis peers to do the same.
Good Samaritan Community Services celebrates this recognition from its partner, The Prevention and Early Intervention Division of the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.

Good Sam’s Youth Advisory Committee Hosts Free Vaccination Clinic

Ping-Jung Tsai on January 10, 2016

SAN ANTONIO, January 10

Good Samaritan Community Services’ (GSCS) Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) will be hosting a free vaccination clinic from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on November 21 at the Good Samaritan Center. The YAC program helps youth build a sense of purpose, explore their interests and find their voice. YAC services consist of leadership development and participation in the Community Collaborative Committee, In addition,YAC participates in the San Antonio Humane Society’s (SAHS) L.E.A.S.H.E.S club in order to address the high volume of stray dogs and cats in their neighborhood. L.E.A.S.H.E.S., which stands for Leadership Enrichment And Student Humane Education Society, is a club for youth designed to build leadership by addressing responsibility, respect, education and awareness while working with animals.

“Our YAC kids, who have been partners with the Humane Society for years now, have a passion for helping animals.They jumped at the opportunity to host the free vaccination clinic,” explained YAC Coordinator, Marcus Jordan.

Dr. Bill Campaigne with the Seguin Animal Hospital is donating his time to conduct vaccinations and microchips for dogs and cats. Dogs must be on a leash and cats must be in a carrier or secured by owner. Our Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) will also attend the event to help shepherd neighborhood pets through the process.
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, “The state of Texas requires that dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies by 4 months of age. The vaccination must be administered by a licensed veterinarian.Additionally, when traveling with a dog or cat, you must have in your possession a rabies vaccination certificate that was signed by the veterinarian who administered the vaccination.”
“For many pet owners, their dogs and cats are a part of the family. Vaccinations can eliminate the need for euthanizations or isolation, should your pet come in contact with rabies.” explains GSCS CEO, Jill Oettinger. “We encourage all pet owners to take advantage of this free event.”

Vaccinations and microchips along with event parking are free to the public. For more information, please contact Kathleen Dove at 210-424-2066 orkathleen.dove@goodsamtx.org.

About Good Samaritan Community Services

Good Samaritan Community Services is a catalyst for change, supporting individuals and families by providing excellent community services to overcome the impact of poverty.These services include a child development program,after-schooland summer youth enrichment programs, a college readiness program, family services, and the only nationally accredited senior center in south Texas.What began as a ministry of the Episcopal Church on the west side of San Antonio in 1951 now reaches 5,500 individuals and families across seven (7) sites in six (6) South Texas cities.

Honoring Those Who Have Selflessly Dedicated Their Lives To Protecting Our Country

Ping-Jung Tsai on January 10, 2016

SAN ANTONIO, January 10

Good Samaritan Community Services (GSCS) is celebrating the men and women who served our country from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on November 10, 2015 at the GSCS Pavilion.

“Each year we come together to recognize these men and women who have selflessly dedicated their lives to our country in so many ways, not because they had to, but because they wanted to.” says Jill Oettinger, CEO of GSCS. “We will continue to honor and care for them, not only today, but for the rest of our lives as we are forever grateful for our veterans.”

This year’s keynote speaker will beSergeant Major US Marine Corps Reynaldo Rivera, who grew up attending the Good Samaritan Center youth programs. He served in Operation Desert Storm and Vietnam, where he earned a purple heart and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. After a distinguished 32 year career, having received 28 personal and service awards. He retired with the highest rank an enlisted may achieve, that of Sergeant Major of Marines. Lt. Col. Cecilia Prado, USA, Retired will be this year’s Master of Ceremonies.

In addition to the ceremony, artist Robert Sifuentes, a decorated combat veteran who served in Vietnam, will have an art exhibit. His series of work, collectively titled “173d series”, started with Vietnam and now includes Afghanistan with the Taylor piece. The 173d was created for Vietnam trained in Okinawa, it was the first Army combat unit in Vietnam and was inactivated after Vietnam. The 173d was again reactivated after 9-11 and made the night jump into Northern Iraq then made several deployments into Afghanistan. The 173d command at the moment is in transition from Italy to Germany.
Lunch and dessert will be served to all attendees. There will be a performances by Lanier High School’s ROTC, Choir and Color Guard. Juan Guajardo will recite the poem “The Bullet Followed Him Home.”

The ceremony is free. Veterans, Good Sam Alumni and city officials are encouraged to attend. For more information about the event, contact Kathleen Dove at 210-424-2066 or kathleen.dove@goodsamtx.org.

About Good Samaritan Community Services

Good Samaritan Community Services is a catalyst for change, supporting individuals and families by providing excellent community services to overcome the impact of poverty.These services include a child development program, afterschool and summer youth enrichment programs, a college readiness program, family services, and the only nationally accredited senior center in south Texas.What began as a ministry of the Episcopal Church on the west side of San Antonio in 1951 now reaches 5,500 individuals and families across seven (7) sites in six (6) South Texas cities.