In the first half of 2025, the McKenna Foundation has committed over $1 million to advancing key initiatives that address crucial gaps in Comal County’s social infrastructure.
With a strategic focus on housing, behavioral health, and early childhood development, the Foundation is prioritizing areas of need to turn the community’s answer from “no, we can’t,” into “yes, we can.”
One significant investment this year was a $500,000 grant to NB Housing Partners for the expansion of its First Footing facility. This funding will help increase bed capacity by over 48%, ensuring more of our neighbors experiencing homelessness have access to safe shelter.
The expansion also increases housing-focused services and dedicates space for both physical and mental health care.
“This project is a turning point for our community,” said NB Housing Partners Executive Director Kellie Stallings. “In the last year, the waiting list for shelter has doubled, and this expansion will help improve our community’s responsiveness to address housing crises. Construction is already underway, and more beds will be ready to address community needs close to the end of 2025. Case management and indoor dining space will be added later in 2026.”
The Foundation has also approved more than $480,000 in grants to local organizations working to improve access to affordable and high-quality behavioral and mental health services.
The New Braunfels Youth Collaborative received $225,000 to launch a youth wellness program that will provide low-barrier mental health resources to youth aged 11-18. New Braunfels Christian Ministries’ Volunteers in Medicine was awarded $50,000 to introduce on-site counseling services, equipping patients with the tools to improve their behavioral health.
Receiving over $208,000 in funding, Connections Individual and Family Services also plans to expand its Community Counseling program, offering low-cost services to young adults, parents, and other underserved populations.
Also recognizing the foundational role of early childhood development in the health and economic growth of our community, the Foundation’s Board of Trustees has committed $100,000 annually for three years to support the Early Matters New Braunfels initiative. This funding will help fund the leadership of the program, expand its resources, and raise awareness about the importance of high-quality and accessible childcare.
With over $1 million committed to local nonprofits so far in 2025 alone, the McKenna Foundation has invested more than $31 million in projects and programs that enhance the health and well-being of New Braunfels and Comal County over the last 16 years. As the year progresses, the Foundation looks forward to continuing its legacy and strategically investing in our community.
To learn more about the Foundation’s community investment framework and work plans, please visit the McKenna Foundation website at www.mckenna.org. Follow McKenna on Instagram @mckennafoundation.
