Reintroducing Good Samaritan Community Services - Your Diocesan Ministry
Good Samaritan Community Services was established in 1951 by the Diocese of West Texas as a diocesan ministry. Affectionately known as “Good Sam,” we are a non-profit social service institution of the Diocese, supported by the diocese, Episcopal churches, private contributions, foundations, corporations, grants, contracts with local government, and funds raised via special events.
Good Samaritan has grown over the years to include a campus in San Antonio and services in Brownsville. These services have reached more than 3,500 individuals and families across South Texas over the past several years.
For over 70 years, Good Samaritan has been an anchor of San Antonio’s Westside community. Good Sam planted its roots in this area due to the lack of access to health care. Our community was known as the “death triangle,” and we were one of the agents of change in partnership with the Community Chest and the City of San Antonio. While our work began with a focus on health equity, our role as a community center rapidly evolved. What makes Good Sam unique as an organization is that we are constantly listening to our community and adapting the resources we offer to meet their new needs. That is the only way to serve with intention and relevance.
The tools and access Good Sam provides through its early intervention programs for infants, children and youth have helped individuals and families break the cycle of poverty in San Antonio’s most historically underserved zip code for decades. As residents move out and newer residents move in, our role as an incubator of opportunity is constantly tested. Our holistic approach to serving families means we can assess the needs of every person in a family from infants to children and youth, to parents and grandparents. If a service is needed that we do not offer, we can turn to our network of partners. This one-stop-shop, direct service, and referral approach allows us to be agile in meeting client’s needs, whether on our main campus or via a referral. Therefore, client needs can be addressed faster and more effectively.
Our services in Brownsville are focused on youth and their families with services provided in school and expanding support for families and youth, after school. We now offer services from two locations, an office at the Episcopal Church of the Advent and added offices and classrooms working out of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. As support for our ministry and ministry grows in Brownsville, we intend to continue to added services desired and needed by the community.
Churches and individuals are invited to join the ministry of the Good Samaritan Community Services by following us on social media (fb.com/goodsamtx and fb.com/goodsamaritanbrownsville), subscribing to our email newsletter, volunteering at our campuses, and giving to support this intergenerational ministry. Together we are empowering communities to thrive!
Our Mission
In 2021/2022 Good Sam served: 2,941 + Neighbors, 154 Seniors, and 2,599 Teens
Good Samaritan serves as a catalyst for change, supporting youth, individuals, and families by providing excellent community services to overcome economic poverty. Good Sam collaborates with a variety of organizations and individuals like you to provide targeting community services based upon need. Together, we have been working for decades to change lives and empower communities to thrive.
Our Services & What We Do
Good Sam serves in seven capacities: child development, youth and teen services, adult services, counseling, immediate assistance, family services, and summer youth enrichment.
1. Early Childhood Development
- Advance Early Head Start (program serves children 6 weeks to 3 year olds)
- La Escuelita Early Learning Pre-school Program (program serves children 18 months to 5 year olds)
2. Youth & Teen Services: Serving Brownsville & San Antonio
- Out-of-School Time (OST)
- Asset Building for Clients (ABC)
- Youth Case Management
3. Adult Services
- Senior Center (serving older adult ages 60+)
- Senior Nutrition Program
- Project Hope and Commodity Supplemental Food Program
- Meals on Wheels - hot meals served daily
4. Wellness and Counseling
- Youth Case Management
- Adult Case Management
5. Immediate Assistance (Food Pantry):
- Appointments Monday & Wednesday 1:00-4:00 pm; Walk-ins welcome
- Frequency: Once a month up to four times a year, or as needed
6. Family Services:
- Parents as Teachers (PAT) Home Visiting Program
- Serving families with children from prenatal up to five years old
- Group Connections, virtual and/or In-Person home visits
7. Summer Youth Enrichment:
- Camp Good Sam - kindergarten through 12th grade, June through August
- Camp Good Sam Jr. - four to five year olds getting ready to enter kindergarten
- Camp Campers Program - "Good Sam Camp," one week sleep-away camp for approximately 100 youth from Brownsville and San Antonio
Good Sam Highlights
- Only Nationally Accredited Senior Center in South Texas, since 2008 and achieving reaccreditation in 2014 and 2021
- 4-Start Rated, Texas Rising Star early childhood program since 2022
- Award winning summer camp (Camp Good Sam) recognized as the Best Summer Learning Program in the country, 2017 National Summer Learning Association
- Administration of Children and Families, Children's Bureau. 2019 Champion's Award for Building Community Capacity
- Distinguished Service Award by the San Antonio Bar Association 2023
Learn more by following Good Samaritan Community Services on social media or subscribing to their monthly newsletter.
- Facebook (San Antonio)
- Facebook (Brownsville)
- Youtube
- Newsletter
- Become a Volunteer
Good Sam's Annual Back-to-School Supply Drive is in full swing. Give back to more than 400 students by donating supplies through their Amazon wish list or dropping them off at their main campus. Together, let’s make sure all students have the tools they need to succeed this school year!
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