The McKenna Foundation and the AARP Foundation have proudly partnered for the past 15 years to host and offer the AARP Tax-Aide program, creating a community-centered resource for free tax assistance in New Braunfels.

Each tax season, the McKenna Events Center transforms one or more of its event spaces into a tax support hub, where trained AARP volunteers provide one-on-one assistance. In addition to offering the space, McKenna plays a key role in helping ensure the program runs smoothly for volunteers and clients.

During the most recent Tax-Aide season, services were available for 32 days. Over that time, volunteers served 1,521 clients and completed 1,209 tax returns. These numbers highlight not only the scale of the program but also the demand for accessible, no-cost tax preparation services in New Braunfels.

“Our group of 31 volunteers completed an average of 37 returns a day over the entire season,” said New Braunfels Tax-Aide Local Coordinator Mike Stemig.

For many clients, the program is more than just convenience; it provides financial confidence and peace of mind. “We are always moved by the words and signs of appreciation we see from the people we are serving,” Stemig said. “We even hear from folks who want to get involved and volunteer with us.”

The collaboration between the McKenna Foundation and AARP Tax-Aide services has become a cornerstone of community support. By combining volunteers, an accessible location, and a mission of serving our neighbors, the program continues to make a meaningful impact.

“This partnership is important for our community,” said McKenna CEO Alice Jewell. “Together we are able to ensure that everyone has access to trustworthy guidance during tax season and in a central, easy-to-access location.”

AARP Tax-Aide will be available at the McKenna Events Center again next year, starting in February 2027 and going through Mid-April.

The Community Resource & Recreation Center (CRRC) of Canyon Lake is pushing forward with a major expansion of its Resource Center to meet the growing and increasingly complex needs of seniors in Canyon Lake and across Comal County.

Guided by data and direct community feedback, the expansion comes at a pivotal moment as Canyon Lake is experiencing a rise in residents aged 55 and older. At the same time, CRRC is seeing more seniors seeking support, not just for basic needs, but for help navigating health challenges, financial strain, and social isolation.

A recent community survey underscores the need, with 80 percent of respondents aged 55 and older. Respondents identified consistent barriers to maintaining independence, including limited transportation, difficulty accessing services, caregiver strain, and a lack of opportunities for social connection. These findings confirm that the need for coordinated senior services in rural Comal County is growing.

In response, CRRC is completing the final phase of an $815,000 expansion that will significantly strengthen its capacity to serve seniors through a centralized and accessible resource center.

To help bring this phase to completion and officially launch its new services, the McKenna Foundation’s Board of Directors has approved a challenge grant of up to $150,000. Every donation made to the CRRC’s senior services initiative will be matched dollar-for-dollar.  

Following the CRRC’s Day at the Derby event on May 2, more than $50,000 has already been raised for the project. With McKenna’s matching commitment, the total now stands at nearly $101,000.

“We believe in the CRRC and know that this project will bring vital support to seniors in rural Comal County,” said McKenna Foundation CEO Alice Jewell.

Once completed, the expanded space will serve as a dedicated hub for senior services, offering benefits navigation, caregiver support programs, mental health and memory care resources, and expanded opportunities to combat social isolation. The goal is not only to provide services, but to create a coordinated system of support that helps older adults maintain independence, improve quality of life, and remain connected to their neighbors.

“This expansion is about responding to what our seniors are telling us,” said CRRC of Canyon Lake Executive Director Tiffany Quiring. “We have the opportunity to build a support system that helps older adults navigate the challenges of aging with dignity, in a way that is accessible and community-driven.”

The CRRC is uniquely positioned to lead this effort through an established network of partnerships that includes healthcare providers, public health organizations, and other local agencies. These collaborations allow the CRRC to serve as a central point, helping seniors and caregivers access the resources they need without navigating a fragmented system.

With construction nearing completion, the CRRC and McKenna Foundation invite partners, funders, and community members to be a part of this critical next phase. With a one-to-one match of up to $150,000, every dollar donated goes further, helping launch a program that will support our neighbors for years to come.

For more information or to support the CRRC of Canyon Lake, please visit www.crrcofcanyonlake.org or call (830) 964-2324.