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Good Samaritan Community Services (Good Sam) was rooted in a ministry that began on September 8, 1939 when the Rt. Rev. Everett Jones, Fourth Bishop of the Diocese of West Texas, (at that time Rector of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, San Antonio) convened the board of St. Mark’s Community House for its first meeting at 239 Blum Street in downtown San Antonio. Committees formed and called for the “following activities to be untaken as soon as possible, Kindergarten, Library, Story Hour, Supervised Play Saturday morning, sewing for girls, workshops for boys.”
The ministry formed in early years was the Episcopal Community House. On January 30, 1951, the Annual Council of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas, convened by Bishop Jones, resolved that the “Episcopal Community House is now a diocesan institution and supported by the missionary budget of the Diocese.” Shortly after that, the board of directors held the first meeting of the Good Samaritan Center on March 1, 1951. The Rt. Rev. Harold Gosnell, Fifth Bishop of West Texas, and Rector of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church at that time, was elected a member of the Executive Committee. He led several initiatives regarding the further evolution of this ministry and reported on building plans for a permanent facility, the pledges made by churches of the diocese, and the pledged support by the Community Chest, today’s local United Way agency.
75 years later, the connection to the Diocese of West Texas remains strong, with partnership on programs and a Good Sam Camp held each year. This past summer, 76 Good Sam children attended Camp Capers. 51% of Good Sam Board Members attend Episcopal churches.
The Rt. Rev. Dr. David G. Read, Bishop of West Texas, and a member of the Good Sam Board, shared, “I extend my warm wishes and grateful appreciation to Good Samaritan Community Services for the work they are doing to serve children and families in our communities today, and over the past 75 years, as they follow in the path of Jesus, serving our neighbors. As I look back on the history of the organization, I thank God for Bishops Jones and Gosnell and our diocesan lay brethren who established this ministry, coming together to be the hands and feet of Christ. Through him all things are possible.”
Good Sam actively serves as a place of change, supporting thousands to improve their lives and overcome the challenges of poverty, offering comprehensive services to more than 4,500 individuals and 1,100 families in Central and South Texas via the services offered by three Departments:
- Child Development Services
- Youth and Teen Services, and
- Family Services.
To learn more about Good Samaritan Community Services and to hear Bianca's story of how Good Sam has been positive influence in her and her children's life, visit www.goodsamaritancommunityservices.org
