GSCS

Simon Salas Appointed New CEO of Good Samaritan Community Services

Ping-Jung Tsai on December 19, 2017

SAN ANTONIO, December 19

Good Samaritan Community Services (GSCS) has announced the appointment of Mr. Simon G. Salas, Esq. as its new CEO. He will join GSCS in January, 2017 and will succeed Mrs. Jill Oettinger, who is retiring after 20 years of service. Mr. Salas will be the 5th named CEO of GSCS in its 65 years of operation.

Simon served as Vice President and Board Member of GSCS between the years of 2010 and 2016 and has demonstrated his commitment and desire to serve the mission of GSCS through his work as a volunteer over the years.

“Simon brings 30 years of experience to GSCS as an executive, strategic leader, community advocate, and mentor,” says Will Hileman, GSCS Board Chairman. “We are thrilled to have him on board to carry forward the mission and vision of GSCS for many years to come.”

Jill Oettinger, GSCS’ retiring CEO, reflected on her 30 year association with Good Sam and said, “I am thrilled to leave the organization in the hands of our outstanding team of committed staff. I look forward to seeing Simon continue to lead the organization in fulfilling its mission as a catalyst for change in the communities we serve throughout South Texas.”

Simon is a chief executive in San Antonio with 30 years of experience creating service delivery infrastructures for start-up and mature organizations in the education, government, nonprofit and business sectors in New York City and San Antonio. He received his BA from Columbia College, his JD from Columbia Law School, and an MPA from Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs. Simon most recently served as the CEO/COO of a charter school network in San Antonio, where he successfully expanded the educational options available to chronically underserved children in San Antonio over the last ten years.

Mr. Salas expressed,”I am grateful for the opportunity to serve a community that I was born and raised in. Over the decades, Good Samaritan Community Services has been a beacon of hope for families throughout South Texas and I look forward to strengthening our partnerships with the communities we serve and continuing our mission to be a catalyst for change.”

About Good Samaritan Community Services

Good Samaritan Community Services is a catalyst for change, supporting youth, individuals, and families by providing excellent community services to overcome economic poverty. These services include a Child Development program, After School and Summer Enrichment programs for youth, a College & Career program, Family Development 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 over 5,500 individuals and families across six (6) sites in five (5) South Texas cities.

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.

Good Samaritan Community Services Names Director of Advancement

Ping-Jung Tsai on May 21, 2013

SAN ANTONIO, May 21

Good Samaritan Community Services (GSCS) today announced Jill H. Vassar as its new Director of Advancement. Vassar is the organization’s first Director of Advancement and will oversee strategic planning, marketing and development while advancing the mission, vision and values of GSCS across South Texas.

“We are so pleased to welcome Jill Vassar to the staff. Her experience with San Antonio’s business, nonprofit and philanthropic communities will be such an asset to Good Samaritan Community Services,” said Jill Oettinger, Chief Executive Officer. “Jill is known for her exceptional organizational and strategic planning skills and we are looking forward to applying her expertise to support the delivery of our high quality community services.”

Vassar comes to GSCS with more than 20 years of nonprofit experience in economic development, strategic planning, governance, marketing and development. She is a former Vice President of the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation and currently serves on the Boards of the Witte Museum, St. Luke’s Episcopal School, St. Benedict’s Workshop and the Summer Dreams Foundation. She is active in The Charity Ball Association, National Charity League San Antonio Rose Chapter, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, Cancer Center Council, the San Antonio Symphony League, the Wellesley Club of San Antonio, the Junior League of San Antonio and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. Vassar holds a B.A. in economics from Wellesley College and is a graduate of Leadership San Antonio XXV.

Chair of the Board Jeff Rochelle commented, “Good Samaritan Community Services is fortunate to have hired Jill Vassar. She is recognized as a leader in the community and her notable skills will help the agency advance its strategic planning, marketing and fundraising objectives. The entire Board of Directors is looking forward to working with her.”

The new position of Director of Advancement will bring together Good Samaritan Community Services’ excellent programs with a more cohesive system of planning, branding and fundraising. Jill Vassar is exceptionally well-qualified to fill this position based on her background and experience.

For additional information contact Kathleen Judson, Community Relations Coordinator, at (210) 424-2066 or judson_k@goodsamcenter.com.

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 preparatory program, family services and the only nationally accredited senior center in South Texas. What began on the west side of San Antonio in 1951 as a ministry of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church now reaches 4,500 individuals and families across eight (8) sites in South Texas.

Outstanding Academics and Leadership Merit Award for Two Graduates

goodsamaritans on May 19, 2011

SAN ANTONIO, May 19

Good Samaritan Community Services (GSCS) will present Lanier High School graduates, Adriana Cardenas and Fatima Hernandez, with the Helen and Everett Jones Scholar’s Award in an end of year celebration taking place on Thursday, May 26 at 6:00 p.m.

“In addition to academic achievement and promise, The Helen and Everett Jones Scholar’s Award is presented to students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and service to GSCS, their school, and their community,” Jill Oettinger, GSCS Chief Executive Officer, said.

Ms. Cardenas and Ms. Hernandez will both attend Texas A&M University this fall. The Jones Scholar’s Award will provide each of them with a weekly stipend of $100 to cover any non-tuition expenses, including food, clothing, or books.

All high school seniors enrolled in the GSCS college preparatory program are eligible to apply. The application process, modeled after that of the Gates Millennium Scholarship, is rigorous and competitive. In addition to the nine page application, students must submit personal statements, two letters of recommendation, and participate in a formal interview with the selection committee. Applicants are expected to be leaders in their schools and to have made a significant impact in their community. Of this year’s five finalists, Ms. Cardenas and Ms. Hernandez stood out as the most outstanding among a group of highly accomplished seniors.

Ms. Hernandez and Ms. Cardenas are both enrolled in the International Banking and Business Magnet program at Lanier High School and are involved in a long list of extra-curricular activities. Ms. Hernandez is Vice President of the National Honor Society, President of the National Technical Honor Society, and President of the National Association of Women Business Owners. Ms. Cardenas is a member of Student Council, Vice President of G-Force (a peer education component of a college preparation program), and is Battalion Commander for the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). Both young women are also accomplished musicians, playing for the Lanier Orchestra and Mariachi group, as well as assisting teachers with the Youth Orchestras of San Antonio program at GSCS.

About Good Samaritan Community Services

For sixty years, Good Samaritan Community Services (GSCS) has been a positive presence on the west side of San Antonio. What began in 1951 as an outreach project of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church is now a non-profit organization serving thousands of people each year across San Antonio and South Texas. Today, GSCS operates a nationally accredited child development program, after-school and summer youth enrichment programs, a college preparatory program, youth employment training, family services, and a nationally accredited senior center. GSCS’s mission, changing lives through excellent community services, is carried out through the delivery of these programs which are designed to foster education, character development, healthy living, and self-sufficiency.

San Antonio Youth Come Together in the Vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

goodsamaritans on January 14, 2011

SAN ANTONIO, January 14

Good Samaritan Community Services (GSCS) is bringing youth from all backgrounds together to celebrate the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King through a service learning project. On Monday, Jan. 17, GSCS will host 250 students from St. Luke’s Episcopal School to participate in games and team building activities aimed at teaching teamwork and enhancing self-confidence.

“The service learning project is a way to bring youth from diverse upbringings and different parts of San Antonio together to build character while learning about each other and having fun with youth their own age,” Executive Director Jill Oettinger said.

In addition to crafts, games, and relays, participants will paint a mural in one of the GSCS Youth Department classrooms. As many across the country engage in a day of service this holiday, this is one of the ways Good Samaritan and St. Luke’s are honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

GSCS Youth Program Manager Jennifer Cook said, “In the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, GSCS and St. Luke’s Episcopal School want to instill Dr. King’s powerful message in these children.”

About Good Samaritan Community Services

Since its founding in 1951, GSCS has actively served as a place of change, reaching out to support individuals and families in overcoming the impact of poverty. Our mission, changing lives through excellent community services, is carried out through the delivery of programs and services designed to foster education, character development, healthy living and self-sufficiency. Today the center changes the lives of thousands of people each year through our nationally accredited child development program, after-school youth enrichment, college preparation programs, youth employment training and adult and senior services.

Good Samaritan Community Services Distributes Christmas Baskets to Families in Need

goodsamaritans on December 20, 2010

SAN ANTONIO, December 20

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Good Samaritan Community Services (GSCS) on San Antonio’s near west side. More than 470 bags brimming with canned vegetables, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and frozen chickens were distributed to families in need Friday, December 17.

“The holidays can be a difficult time for a family trying to make ends meet so giving the gift of a beautiful Christmas dinner they can share with their family is a blessing,” GSCS Chief Executive Officer, Jill Oettinger, said.

For more than ten years, Good Samaritan Community Services has, through the help of volunteers and philanthropists, provided Christmas baskets to needy families. Churches, schools, and other community volunteers collected items to make the perfect holiday meal along with something that makes the holidays special like ornaments, cards, and gingerbread houses. GSCS staff and volunteers collected, organized, and distributed the bags to selected families in the community. Over 400 families came to GSCS seeking assistance this holiday season and with 420 families registered to receive Christmas baskets, it is sure to be a memorable day for everyone involved.

Simon Salas Appointed New CEO of Good Samaritan Community Services

About Good Samaritan Community Services

Gift Honoring Bob Morehead

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Leadership Awards

Good Sam’s Youth Advisory Committee Hosts Free Vaccination Clinic

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

About Good Samaritan Community Services

Good Samaritan Community Services Names Director of Advancement

About Good Samaritan Community Services

Outstanding Academics and Leadership Merit Award for Two Graduates

About Good Samaritan Community Services

San Antonio Youth Come Together in the Vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Good Samaritan Community Services Distributes Christmas Baskets to Families in Need

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