Good Samaritan

www.goodsamaritancommuityservices.org/programs/youth-development/

In 1951, the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas established the Good Samaritan Center on San Antonio’s West Side to address the rising infant mortality rates and declining health of the community. As a medical clinic, the Good Samaritan Center brought lifesaving vaccinations, medical care, and food assistance to children and families in need. Today, as a private 501 (c) (3) not for profit, Good Samaritan Community Services (Good Sam), offers extensive social service programs that address the overall needs of low-income children, youth, families, and senior citizens living throughout South Texas. Good Sam's programs are intentionally designed to stabilize families, establish nurturing relationships, and foster self-sufficiency through four (4) major departments: Child Development Services (CDS), Family Development Services (FDS), Youth Development Services (YDS), and Field Education Services (FES). CDS serves the children of low-income families, ages 6 weeks - 5 years, with quality child care that encourages, supports, and fosters their growth and development. Good Sam’s CDS department, in partnership with AVANCE San Antonio, provides Early Head Start child care to families with children birth to three years of age who meet Federal Income Poverty Guidelines. FDS connects individuals over the age of 18 and families with emergency food, case management, counseling, referrals for adult education classes (ESL, GED, citizenship, etc.), and the only Senior Center in South Texas nationally accredited by the NISC. YDS serves economically disadvantaged youth in acquiring the life and academic skills necessary for personal success. The YDS model assists youth by providing structured, age-appropriate services through five (5) core pillars: 1) Support Educational Achievement, 2) Encourage Healthy Decisions, 3) Explore College and Career Pathways, 4) Develop Leaders and 5) Engage Families. FES offers hands on experience for social work college students. Through the employment of a Licensed Master Social Worker/Field Instructor, the agency extends staffing with 10-15 Bachelors and Masters level counseling and social work interns each semester. This allows cost-effective staffing and supports the development of the academic community.