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Support local teens at NBYC’s celebrity fundraising events

The New Braunfels Youth Collaborative (NBYC) is gearing up to host two exciting fundraising events in support of the Mill Street Youth Center, a safe and inspiring space designed to help local teens grow, connect, and thrive.

On Wednesday, September 10, NBYC will present the TeeUp for Teens Celebrity Dinner. This tailgate-themed celebration promises an unforgettable evening where guests will enjoy delicious food, an open bar, games, and both live and silent auctions.

Dinner guests can also look forward to a special live panel discussion featuring five celebrity athletes, moderated by award-winning sportswriter John McClain.

Among the 19 celebrities attending are Pro Football Hall of Famer Robert Brazile, legendary football coach Wade Phillips, six-season NFL quarterback and Texas legend Vince Young, former defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys Ed “Too Tall” Jones, Olympic gold medalist and six-time softball All-Star Cat Osterman, and the “barefoot kicker” Tony Franklin.

The event will take place at 6:00 PM on September 10 at the McKenna Events Center. Tickets are available at www.thenbyc.com/golf. Ticket options include celebrity-hosted tables, reserved seating for eight, and individual open seating.

The following morning, NBYC will host their Celebrity Golf Tournament, featuring a roster of celebrity athletes. This event is already fully booked; however, sponsorship opportunities are still open.

The Golf Tournament will take place at the Kissing Tree Golf Course on Thursday, September 11, with an 8:00 AM shotgun start.

Sponsoring or participating in these events will directly benefit the renovation of the historic New Braunfels High School, located at Mill Street and Academy Avenue, into the Mill Street Youth Center.

Projected to open to students in early 2026, this space will provide a safe environment for youth during out-of-school hours. In addition to the youth center, the NBYC has also revitalized the Mill Street Gym, offering a mix of drop-in hours and structured programming at no cost.

The gym is currently open Monday through Friday from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

For further information on the NBYC or the TeeUp for Teens Celebrity Dinner and Golf Tournament, please visit www.thenbyc.com. Stay connected on Instagram at @the_nbyc or find them on Facebook for the latest updates.

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Lifespan vs. Healthspan: A free five-part series for healthier living

The McKenna Foundation, in partnership with New Braunfels Christian Ministries’ (NBCM) Volunteers in Medicine, invites the public to a free five-part education series: Lifespan vs. Healthspan.

Led by physicians Dr. Kelly Ratheal and Dr. Madhu Challapalli, this free series is designed to empower individuals with proactive and practical strategies for improving long-term health. Each session will explore topics such as blood sugar management, nutrition, cardiovascular health, sleep, and more.

While lifespan refers to the number of years we live, healthspan focuses on the quality of those years. This series will offer insights on how investing in your healthspan can enhance your overall lifespan.

“Heart disease is a leading cause of death in our society. Preventive measures, lifestyle changes, and interventions can empower individuals to take responsibility for and improve their overall health,” said NBCM Jim Wesson. “At NBCM Volunteers in Medicine, we remain committed to seeing a community where everyone has the opportunity to improve their health.”

Dr. Kelly Ratheal added, “It’s important not to delay having your risk assessed because you think you’re too young or believe your risk is low. The earlier your risk is evaluated, the sooner it can be addressed.”

The series kicks off on August 12, 2025, with a focus on metabolic health. Additional sessions will be held on September 9, October 7, November 11, and December 9. All classes will take place from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at NBCM Volunteers in Medicine Clinic, located at 1239 W. San Antonio St., in New Braunfels

RSVP by emailing your name and selected classes to rsvp@mckenna.org or by calling (830) 606-9500. 

The McKenna Foundation is also offering a chance to win a fitness watch of your choosing (Apple Watch, Garmin, or Fitbit). Each session you attend earns you one entry, and attending all five gets you five chances to win. The winner will be drawn following the final class in December.

You can learn more about the physicians at nbpreventiondocs.com or explore the NBCM Volunteers in Medicine program at nbcm.org.

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Ways to help: Hill Country Recovery Efforts

The Kerr County Flood Relief Fund 

The Community Foundation will direct funds to vetted organizations providing rescue, relief, and recovery efforts as well as flood assistance. The Fund will support the communities of Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point, and Comfort.

Southern Oaks Church

Southern Oaks Church is accepting donations at the church. For those who aren’t local, you can donate online.

Salvation Army Kerrville

The Salvation Army in Kerrville is accepting online donations.

Project MEND

Anyone impacted by the flooding who needs medical equipment like wheelchairs, scooters, hospital beds, walkers, or rollators, please call 210 429-4057 or email dexter.moon@projectmend.org

Bulverde Spring Branch Activity Center

The Bulverde Spring Branch Activity Center is accepting donations of supplies and online donations.

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is accepting online donations.

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Project MEND to host Gear Up For Mobility event at NB City Hall

Project MEND is excited to host its first Gear Up For Mobility event of the year, calling on the community to help make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with mobility challenges.

The Gear Up For Mobility event will take place on Saturday, June 28th, from 9 AM to 2 PM at New Braunfels City Hall, located at 550 Landa Street. 

For over 30 years, Project MEND—or Medical Equipment Network for those with Disabilities—has transformed lives by refurbishing and redistributing medical equipment to those in need. Based in San Antonio, the organization provides thousands of people of all ages with access to medical equipment & assistive technology that improves mobility and independence.

Through collection events like Gear Up For Mobility, Project MEND gathers used medical equipment, evaluates its condition, then refurbishes and sanitizes it to meet state safety standards before passing it on to those who need it.  

“Medical equipment you no longer use or need can make a profound difference in someone’s life,” said Project MEND Chief Development Officer Kristy Walston. “Donating equipment, regardless of its condition, can help restore mobility, independence, and dignity for individuals facing mobility challenges.”

With an increasing demand for assistive devices, Project MEND encourages the community to take part in this important initiative by donating unused medical equipment on June 28th.

Some of the most-needed items include rollator walkers, home hospital beds, wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, tub transfer benches, and raised toilet seating with handles.

If you are in need of medical equipment, you can request items online at projectmend.org or by phone at (210) 223-6363. Those requesting items must have a letter of medical necessity from their physician or a prescription.

Join Project MEND on June 28th and help Gear Up For Mobility—a single donation can change a life!

For more information, visit projectmend.org or follow @projectmendsa on social media.

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A lifeline for mental health: Understanding 988 and community efforts

Since 2014, the McKenna Foundation has heard from the community and local nonprofit partners, recognizing the need to expand mental health services in Comal County. In response, the Foundation launched the Behavioral Health Leadership Team (BHLT), bringing together mental health experts, law enforcement, school districts, and civic leaders to address these challenges.

Since its first meeting, the BHLT has driven the creation of Mental Advocacy Partners (mapcomal.org), an online and in-person resource that connects individuals to professionals who offer help and hope. In 2015, the coalition introduced the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT), a dedicated team of professionals available 24/7 to assist those experiencing a mental health crisis. Most recently, the BHLT sparked the development of an online resource directory, Comal Cares (comalcares.org), which launched in November 2024.

In April 2025, the BHLT reconvened to focus on substance misuse, sparking a discussion about 988, a vital but often overlooked resource.

Introduced in 2022, 988 serves as the nationwide dialing code for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Functioning as the 911 of mental health emergencies, this resource connects callers to the help they need.

Since its launch, 988 has routed 14,568,848 contacts, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In February 2025 alone, the Suicide Abuse and Crisis Lifeline answered nearly 334,000 calls, with an average pickup time of 34 seconds and nearly 14 minutes of conversation per call.

Despite its critical role in providing mental health support, 988 faces funding challenges that would impact its ability to serve those in crisis. Budget proposals have suggested several cuts to 988 services, and without sustained investment, response times may increase, and specialized services, such as those for LGBTQ+ youth, could be eliminated entirely. These funding challenges also extend to the Veterans Crisis Line, where a shortage of mental health professionals and longer wait times could also have serious consequences.

As of now, however, mental health professionals are still available and ready to take your call, text, or chat.

For Veterans, active service members, and their loved ones: Dial 988, then press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL). You can also text 838255 or chat online through VCL Chat.

For Spanish speakers: Dial 988, then press 2. You can also text AYUDA to 988, or start a chat in Spanish at chat.988lifeline.org.

For LGBTQI+ Youth and Young Adults: Dial 988, then press 3. You can also text PRIDE to 988, or chat at chat.988lifeline.org and select “LGBTQI+ trained crisis counselor.”

For Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Individuals: Access 988 via videophone by visiting 988lifeline.org/deaf-hard-of-hearing-hearing-loss/ and clicking “Web Portal.”

No matter who you are or what you are facing, 988 is available 24/7, 365 days a year. You are not alone—help is just a call, text, or chat away.

Locally, the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) is also available 24/7, 365 days a year. If you or someone you know is in need of immediate in-person support, call MCOT directly at 1-877-466-0660. MCOT may also be deployed by dialing 988, if the trained mental health professional determines that an in-person response is necessary.

Other local mental health resources include: Hill Country MHDD (830-620-6221), RecoveryWerks! (830-310-2456), River City Advocacy (830-643-0200), Communities in Schools (830-620-4247), Mental Advocacy Partners (mapcomal.org), and Comal Cares (comalcares.org).

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, dial 911.

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CHRISTUS Health, McKenna to unveil new Kids Clinic exhibit on June 20

Exciting new adventures await at the McKenna Children’s Museum, where young explorers will step into a brand-new hospital clinic exhibit, designed for immersive learning, hands-on discovery, and endless fun!

On Friday, June 20, the Museum and CHRISTUS Health will celebrate the grand opening of the exhibit during the Summer Kickoff Party, which will run from 11 AM to 2 PM.

The exhibit, presented in partnership with CHRISTUS Santa Rosa New Braunfels and CHRISTUS Children’s, will bring healthcare to life through engaging experiences. Children will have the chance to explore the medical world through playful and interactive experiences such as an X-ray station, a new and improved ambulance, and other exciting features.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with CHRISTUS on this exhibit,” said McKenna Foundation CEO Alice Jewell. “This space will allow children to learn about healthcare in an immersive way. We are grateful to CHRISTUS for bringing this vision to life and look forward to seeing our guests enjoy it.”

Alongside the health clinic exhibit’s grand opening, the Summer Kickoff Party will feature a variety of engaging health-related activities. Young visitors can participate in a teddy bear clinic, where they’ll perform diaper changes and take X-rays—teddy bears will be provided.

The event will also include a children’s hospital ambulance, photos in surgical gear, a surgical robot demonstration, and more. Beyond the hands-on learning experiences, visitors can also enjoy music and delicious food from Munchies Locos, Food Coma, and Comal Pops throughout the event.

Activities are included with Museum admission, and don’t forget to wear CHRISTUS purple for a special $6 admission.

For more details on the Summer Kickoff Party and the exhibit grand opening, visit www.mckennakids.org. Stay up to date with Museum events by following @mckennakids on Instagram and Facebook.

Keep up with CHRISTUS Health by following @christushealth on Instagram and @christussantarosa on Facebook, or visit www.christushealth.org.

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CCSCF and Choose Kindness Campaign seek community involvement and support

For over 40 years, the Comal County Senior Citizens Foundation (CCSCF) has been dedicated to serving the seniors of New Braunfels and Comal County. However, in the face of rising food costs, reduced funding, and increasing demand, the CCSCF and the Choose Kindness Campaign are asking the community to step forward and take action.

At the heart of the CCSCF’s mission is their home-delivered meals program, a lifeline for seniors who rely on it for nourishment and connection. Over 76,000 meals are delivered annually to more than 570 local seniors. These meals not only provide nutrition, but they also serve as a promise that our neighbors are not forgotten. Yet, financial challenges threaten the continuation of this critical program.

Food insecurity is a growing crisis in Comal County, affecting nearly 14% of the population, including homebound seniors who depend on home-delivered meals. With a 57% decrease in federal funding, CCSCF must cover that shortfall. That is why, alongside the McKenna Foundation’s Choose Kindness Campaign, CCSCF is calling on the public to come together and ensure our seniors can continue to thrive.

One powerful way to make a difference is by joining CCSCF for its inaugural Sizzlin’ for Seniors BBQ Bash, an evening of good food, great music, and community support.

Sizzlin’ for Seniors BBQ Bash takes place on Friday, June 6, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the CCSCF (710 Landa Street). Tickets are available now at www.nbsenior.org.

At the event, guests will enjoy delicious BBQ from Smokey Moe’s, live music by Texas Tide Band, and exciting raffles and auctions featuring prizes from Ernesto’s, Granzin’s, Texas Tubes, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and more.

Supporting the CCSCF doesn’t stop there, the Choose Kindness Campaign will also be recognizing a special individual who goes above and beyond in their efforts to help our local seniors.

Between June 16 and June 30, the CCSCF and McKenna’s Choose Kindness Campaign will track volunteer hours and donations, selecting an individual to be spotlighted on the Brauntex Theatre marquee, awarded with a $50 Café 46 gift card, and further honored through social media.

Whether it’s volunteering at the 7Ten Activity Center, delivering meals through CCSCF, assisting with lunch service, or making a generous donation, every effort makes a difference.

Choose Kindness today and join CCSCF in making a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors in Comal County. Together, we can ensure no senior goes without a meal or the support they deserve.

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RecoveryWerks! staff co-author book for Peer Coaches

Leading the charge in helping those in our community struggling with substance use disorder, New Braunfels-based nonprofit RecoveryWerks! has taken its expertise beyond the counseling room and into print.

Healing Families: A Guide to Helping Families Deal with Substance Use Disorder serves as a vital resource for peer coaches and families navigating the difficult path of addiction and recovery.

Written by RecoveryWerks! staff members Eric G. Daxon and Joanne Daxon, and their colleagues Frank Janousek and Elizabeth Todd, the book delivers practical strategies and compassionate guidance for those impacted by substance use disorder.

With decades of experience—both personal and professional— they provide insight into turning frustration and despair into hope and healing. Though the book is designed primarily for peer coaches, it also serves as a valuable tool for clinicians, sponsors, and family members who seek a deeper understanding of recovery.

Addressing a gap in addiction support, Eric G. Daxon, Certified Recovery Support Specialist and founding Board President of RecoveryWerks! said that the need for this book became clear through years of working with families affected by addiction.

“There are so many self-help books and books for clinicians working in addiction, but there are very few for peer coaches working with families,” Daxon said. “We wanted to document the approach we use to help family members.”

Healing Families highlights an integral part of the RecoveryWerks! culture, offering insight into the recovery philosophy of the Palmer Drug Abuse Program while also conveying an intellectual and “heart-understanding” of recovery.

Exploring how substance use disorder impacts every member of the family and providing practical tools for healing, readers will discover effective strategies for rebuilding lives, supporting a loved one’s sobriety, and establishing peer groups to foster recovery.

“We recognize that substance use disorder affects parents, grandparents, and guardians in unique ways. This book serves as a guide to engage the whole family in the recovery process. This, in our experience, is the best way to support those we love with this disease and bring about healing,” said co-author and licensed chemical dependency counselor Joanne Daxon.

Healing Families: A Guide to Helping Families Deal with Substance Use Disorder is now available on Amazon and most major online book retailers.

In addition to the book, RecoveryWerks! will also launch a four-part training series focused on working with family members affected by substance use. Stay tuned for updates by following @recoverywerksnbtx on Instagram or @recoverywerks! on Facebook.

With a dedicated team of state-certified peer recovery support specialists, RecoveryWerks! provides counseling, peer coaching, support group meetings, sober social activities, role modeling, and accountability to help young individuals embrace a life free from the influence of mind-altering chemicals.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, visit www.recoverywerks.org or call (830) 310-2456 for support and resources.