For Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, Hill Country Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Centers are working to reduce stigmas and start conversations about the mental health challenges that minority communities face.
Read the full story here.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) assists over 42 million people in the United States annually. In Texas, approximately one in nine individuals benefited from SNAP in 2022, as reported by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP). Data from the United States Census Bureau indicates that in Comal County, 4.4%, or about 8,000 households, received SNAP benefits that same year. However, data from 2023 suggests that SNAP benefits do not cover the cost of a modestly priced meal, resulting in widespread food insecurity among many families both nationally and locally.
While SNAP benefits assist thousands in Comal County, the cost of a modestly priced meal often exceeds what these households can afford, leading to persistent food hardship and increasingly tight budgets.
Nationally, in 2023, the maximum benefit only covered the cost of meals in 36 of the 3,144 counties, as reported by the Urban Institute. In Comal County, the difference between SNAP benefits and the cost of meals is approximately $0.24, rendering a modestly priced meal 8% more expensive than the maximum SNAP benefit.
Additionally, data from Feeding America and Texas Health and Human Services in 2022 indicate that 62% of the food-insecure population in Comal County have incomes above the SNAP threshold, with earnings over $4,125 monthly for a family of four. In other words, 62% of our neighbors who struggle with grocery costs earn too much to qualify for assistance. This often forces them to choose between food and medication, rent, or clothing. Reports also suggest that an annual investment of $15.8 million is required to eradicate hunger in Comal County.
Previously known as the Food Stamp Program, SNAP is the nation’s most valuable anti-hunger initiative, aiding low-income individuals in obtaining a nutritionally sufficient diet. It supports low-income working families, individuals with disabilities on fixed incomes, older adults (60 years and older) with low income, and other low-income households. The CBPP states that about two-thirds of SNAP recipients are families with children, and one-third are individuals with disabilities or older adults.
In Texas, the maximum monthly income an individual can earn is $2,005 and still qualify for the program, as per the Texas Health and Human Services. The threshold for a family of two is $2,712, and for a family of four, that threshold is $4,125.
A single eligible Texan can receive a maximum of $291 monthly from SNAP. For each additional household member, up to $219 per month is added. For example, a family of two may get $535, while a family of four may receive a maximum of $973.
The demand for food security programs continues to increase in our community. Several local organizations, however, continue to step in to fill the gap caused by insufficient benefits. The following organizations are dedicated to providing assistance and support to those in need:
For more information on hunger in our community, please click here.
For more local resources dedicated to ending hunger, please visit our Non-profit Resource Directory.
EdenHill Communities and Project MEND organized a successful donation event for gently used medical equipment and collected various items such as walkers, wheelchairs, and crutches. The equipment will be refurbished and distributed to individuals in need.
Medical equipment for Comal County residents can be requested here or call 210- 223-6363.
Read the full article here.
The McKenna Foundation’s Board of Trustees has approved $130,000 of grant funding for rural community support to four partner organizations.
In the first grantmaking session of the year, trustees voted to distribute a total of $575,000 in funding to 12 nonprofit organizations. A portion of this funding, amounting to $130,000, will be allocated specifically to assist rural partners.
The Community Resource and Recreation Center (CCRC) of Canyon Lake is set to receive $65,000. CCRC offers a range of life-enhancing opportunities, support, and social services to the broader Canyon Lake community. With a 48% increase in visitation and over $700,000 worth of food supplies distributed in 2023 alone, the funding is expected to provide rural community support and address the pressing challenges faced by local residents.
The Foundation also approved a $10,000 grant for Bulverde-area food pantry, Provisions Outreach. Provisions reports that since the start of the year, their pantry has served up to 80 clients a day. The client-choice pantry will utilize the funds to purchase essential food and supplies needed in their community and plan to distribute 32,000 pounds of food each month.
Helping Hands Food Pantry was approved for a $40,000 grant by the McKenna Board. Serving the greater Spring Branch area, Helping Hands assists over 4,000 family members in Northwest Comal County annually and anticipates providing an average of 10,000 pounds of food each month. Half of the grant is allocated for pantry operations, while the remaining $20,000 will finance a box truck crucial for weekly food collections.
Also serving the Spring Branch area, the Hope Center was approved for a $15,000 grant towards their Feed My Sheep initiative. The Hope Center has seen a 93% increase in service demand in the first three months of 2024 compared to the previous year. They provide for an underserved population in far Western Comal County seeing on average over 9,000 clients each year and plan to distribute over 100,000 pounds of food this year. The awarded $15,000 will be used to enhance the variety and nutritional value of food provided and will support spiritual nourishment in collaboration with local faith communities.
These McKenna Foundation partners are dedicated to providing beneficial services to our rural neighbors and continue to grow and collaborate as the needs of our community increase.
The approved grants fall under the McKenna Foundation’s Basic Needs Portfolio, which is designed to fund nonprofit organizations that provide accessible resources for food assistance, housing, financial assistance, workforce and employability, and transportation.
The application window for portfolios Health and Education is now open, with applications due by July 8. The Family Relationships application window will open on Aug. 12.
The Foundation accepts applications from verified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving Comal County residents. New and returning applicants are welcome to apply. For more information please contact us at 830-606-9500, email grants@mckenna.org, or visit our apply for a grant page.
The Mckenna Children’s Museum outdoor area just got an upgrade, and it’s a sight to behold.
Featuring the McKenna Foundation’s hands logo and incorporating several key attractions, the museum now boasts a mural that captures the essence of fun at the museum.
Local artist, Johnny Duncan, known for his citywide murals including one at Scoop Street Craft Ice Cream downtown, completed the vibrant piece in early June. It was unveiled just in time to coincide with the introduction of our second latest feature, a brand-new water table.
The museum recently introduced the interactive water table, complete with a Gruene water tower, a tube shoot, and a spot to go fishing. Needless to say, the addition has quickly become a favorite among visitors.
Whether it’s a field trip, family outing, or just an escape from the sun, join us for fun and come explore our new attractions!
The Children’s Museum welcomes visitors Monday to Saturday, 9 am – 4 pm.
Tickets are available for walk-ins or online.
For more information, visit the McKenna Children’s Museum website.
NB Housing Partners advocates for and provides supportive housing in the New Braunfels area for people experiencing housing instability. The organization acts as a catalyst to create sustainable solutions across the affordable housing spectrum. NB Housing Partners requests the submission of qualifications statements, which will lead to the possible award of a contract to provide professional design services for a project involving the 1465 Churchill Project as a multifamily or dense single family development.
The services to be obtained for the design professional require: Planning, coordination, design and construction administration for the project at 1465 Churchill Drive.
Detailed instructions on preparation of the qualification statement must be obtained from the agency. For more information on preparing and submitting the qualification statement, contact Kellie Stallings, Executive Director, at kellie@nbhousingpartners.org. This information should be requested as soon as possible in order to allow time to prepare the document and comply with the procedures.
Three copies and one PDF copy on flashdrive of the qualifications statement must be filed with the agency by: July 5, 2024 at 2:00 PM. Late submittals and electronic submittals will not be accepted.
The Agency will evaluate the proposals to determine which firm has the best qualifications and offers the best value to complete our project.
The consultant is expected to negotiate an agreement for services that is acceptable to the Agency. If an acceptable contract cannot be negotiated, the District may formally end negotiations and begin negotiating with the next highest qualified person or firm. RFQ’s are issued in accordance with Section 2254 of the Texas Government Code (Professional Services Act).
NB Housing Partners is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap or national origin. Small, minority, and women-owned business enterprises are encouraged to submit proposals.
With Mental Health Awareness Month underway, now is a great time to get involved and spread the word that mental illness is something everyone should care and talk about.
Throughout New Braunfels and surrounding areas, there are several ways to get involved. Whether it’s attending an event, spreading the word, volunteering, or seeking help, we can all play a part in bringing mental illness awareness to the forefront.
Hill Country MHDDC will host virtual LIVE Youth Mental Health First Aid (for adults assisting youth) meetings on the following days:
Your Best Life Festival hosted by the National Alliance of Mental Illness Guadalupe County:
CACCC provides a child-friendly environment to the community that assists in the detection, investigation, prevention, and treatment of child abuse. You can fill out a form to volunteer here.
Communities in Schools South Central Texas empowers K-12 students through the support of basic life needs, mental health, tutoring, and college preparation. You can find volunteering information through their website here.
Aiming to provide exceptional compassionate care, Hope Hospice offers personalized end-of-life care and help through the grief and loss process. For more information and how to volunteer click here.
Dedicated to creating a caring community that embraces well-being and mental health, you can find out more information or fill out a form to volunteer for River City Advocacy, Inc. here.
First observed in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month kicked off on May 1 and is a national effort to not only provide hope but to reduce stigma and promote public education surrounding mental illnesses.
Much more common than one might think, mental health issues continue to rise year after year throughout the nation and the numbers of those affected may be much higher than you thought.
A 2023 survey conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that nearly 37% of Texas adults reported depressive disorder and or anxiety. In Comal County alone, 29,000 adults and children have a mental health need.
When looking at mental health illness, however, anxiety and depressive disorder are not the sole issues. For example, eating disorders, addictive behavior, and schizophrenia all fall under the umbrella of mental illness.
Investment and initiatives
To identify needs in the community, understand mental health, and fill gaps in services, the McKenna Foundation established a Mental Health Task Force in 2014.
With twenty-nine provider agencies along with city and county officials, the shared vision has resulted in shared resource materials, coordinated services, and community-wide events. Additionally, two major achievements stemming from the Task Force include the Mental Advocacy Partners (MAP) and the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT).
Some of the benefits of these collaborations include expanding existing and developing new safety services throughout the community. With this, data creation and collection across disciplines have provided the resources necessary to address critical quality-of-life needs.
Where to find help
The commonality and prevalence of mental illness is exactly what Mental Health Awareness Month aims to bring light to. Here at the McKenna Foundation, it is our mission to promote education and prevention, be a resource for available services, and improve access to those services throughout New Braunfels.
A few of these services in New Braunfels and surrounding areas include:
More resources and information can be found on our non-profit resource directory page.
