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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.

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Apple Seeds Apartments: Transformational housing coming to New Braunfels

As housing costs soar across Central Texas, the New Braunfels Food Bank and community organizations are making strides in an unprecedented initiative to address the region’s affordable housing crisis: The Apple Seeds Apartments.

Despite facing unforeseen challenges and delays, the $12 million project, which broke ground in June 2021, is back on track and under construction. This groundbreaking 52-unit transformational housing complex, among the first food bank-led initiatives of its kind in the nation, is spearheaded by the San Antonio and New Braunfels Food Banks, the McKenna Foundation, and NB Housing Partners.

Solidifying their commitment and support, the McKenna Foundation presented a $750,000 check to the New Braunfels Food Bank in early March 2025.

“We are honored to be a part of this project,” said McKenna CEO Alice Jewell. “Many of our neighbors are struggling daily, particularly with being able to afford a place to call home. It has been a long road to get to this point in the project, but we are committed to seeing this life-changing initiative through.”

Eric Cooper, President and CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank, added that the project will set the standard for the nation.

“The families who reside in the Apple Seeds Apartments will benefit from below-market rent, alleviating financial hardships in an area where housing prices have skyrocketed. This program will help families build financial stability and thrive in this community,” Cooper said. “If we’re part of a resident’s journey to take them to a permanent housing situation or better living conditions, that’s success to me.”

Monica Borrego Jones, Executive Director of the New Braunfels Food Bank, also emphasized the urgent need.

“Fast growth and rising costs in Comal County have made it extremely difficult for community members to live and work locally. This development, alongside the comprehensive programs it offers, marks a critical step in addressing those challenges,” she said.

The Apple Seeds Apartments will cater to families with children under the age of 15 and households earning 80% or less of the area’s median income (AMI). It will not only offer affordable housing, but will incorporate food access, nutrition education, children’s programs, financial literacy, and community engagement opportunities.

Through the innovative project, the coalition of partners aims to address both immediate needs and foster long-term stability for our neighbors.

With construction underway, the San Antonio and New Braunfels Food Banks, the McKenna Foundation, and all other partners are excited to be welcoming residents soon.

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Comal Cares: Connecting residents with local resources

The McKenna Foundation is excited to introduce a significant addition to the New Braunfels and Comal County community: Comal Cares (comalcares.org).

The innovative online directory is designed to enhance the lives of our neighbors by connecting them with local resources and organizations that can assist them quickly and seamlessly.

Whether you are seeking assistance or helping someone who is, the free and user-friendly site provides a growing list of over 600 local programs to help you find the support you need.

The invaluable tool is a collaborative effort between the McKenna Foundation, TIPHER, and the San Antonio Community Resource Directory (SACRD), along with various community groups, nonprofits, and businesses dedicated to making supportive services easier to find and access.

“Comal Cares is the result of several months of development and the collaborative efforts of the McKenna Foundation, TIPHER, SACRD, and our dedicated community partners,” said McKenna CEO Alice Jewell. “It is not just a directory; it is a resource designed to foster a community of support and compassion. With this tool, we can build a stronger and more connected community, ensuring that everyone in New Braunfels and Comal County has access to the assistance they need.”

The comprehensive platform is essential not only for the general public but it also revolutionizes the numerous resource directories used by local organizations.

“Comal Cares is an invaluable resource for my work. I use this site weekly as I work with many individuals and families in the community. I have told so many people about the site and encourage them to check it regularly since it is constantly being updated. No more multiple resource lists on my desk that I was constantly having to update. This site is all I need!” said Holley Digby, Director of Mental Health and Wellness for Communities in Schools of South Central Texas.

Ashley Cammack, Mobile Integrated Health Specialist for New Braunfels Fire Department, also emphasized the significance of Comal Cares for the community.

“The user-friendly access to local resources with up-to-date information is incredible,” she said. “We run into patients who just aren’t familiar with the resources available to them. Once the need is identified, firefighters can also utilize the ‘share” button to text resource information to their patients, so that it is even more readily available to them. As a department, we are looking into ways to integrate Comal Cares into a QR code available on each of our ambulances.”

With over 600 programs available in the greater Comal County area, Comal Cares also features three specialized portals to help you find exactly what you need.

“The Housing Services, Mental Healthcare, and Love Should Not Hurt portals are designed to guide you to the right service or program, making your search more efficient and straightforward,” said Albert Ruiz of TIPHER.

Check out Comal Cares by visiting comalcares.org. 

Need help navigating the site? Please click here.

You can also contact cares@mckenna.org for additional help.

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NB Housing Partners presents Americans With No Address

Addressing one of the most critical crises in Comal County and the nation, NB Housing Partners is excited to invite the public to an exclusive screening of excerpts from the documentary Americans With No Address at the Brauntex Theatre on Tuesday, March 11 at 6:00 pm.

To reserve your free seat, please click here.

Americans With No Address is a powerful documentary that delves into the reality of homelessness in the United States. Produced by Robert Craig Films, the same team behind the feature film No Address, this documentary aims to offer a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those without stable housing. It takes viewers on a journey across the country, highlighting untold stories of those living without a permanent address while exploring potential solutions to the pressing issue.

Over the three-week journey spanning 20 cities, the documentary team interviewed over 175 individuals, including those experiencing homelessness, community members, government officials, and law enforcement. Through these diverse perspectives, the film seeks to answer critical questions: Why is homelessness happening? What are different cities doing about it? What is working and what is not?

“This film offers the public a unique opportunity to gain insight into the lives of individuals facing homelessness. It showcases effective strategies for addressing this issue, highlights local collaborative efforts, and raises awareness about this growing problem,” said Kellie Stallings, Executive Director of NB Housing Partners. “We have worked diligently to develop and maintain strong partnerships with community resources to combat housing insecurity and homelessness in our area. So, we are excited to offer this event to the public to shed light on not only the crisis and our efforts but also what steps we can take to address it further.”

Locally, NB Housing Partners’ First Footing program is at the forefront of combating the effects of chronic homelessness in our community. The root factors of homelessness are both community-related and individually-focused. Our community has addressed homelessness for over 20 years as collaborative partners, yet more work is needed.

Recent data from the annual Point in Time count, which surveys those experiencing homelessness, revealed an alarming trend that underscores the need for comprehensive and sustained efforts. Between 2023 and 2024, Comal County witnessed a 64% increase in homelessness and a tripling of unsheltered individuals.

With their 42-bed shelter continuously at capacity and with a waitlist as many as 99 people in 2024, NB Housing Partners hopes this free screening and discussion of Americans With No Address will raise awareness, foster empathy, and inspire action throughout the greater New Braunfels area.

During the event, there will be a community discussion between film excerpts to delve deeper into the challenges of life without a physical address, discuss local impacts, and explore potential solutions.

Guest speakers will include representatives from Hill Country MHDD, Acacia Medical Mission, Crisis Center of Comal County, law enforcement, Connections Individual and Family Services, the church community, and Salvation Army of New Braunfels

Please join us at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, March 11 at the Brauntex Theatre. Together, we will explore the reality of homelessness through hope, resilience, and humanity. To reserve your free seat, visit the Brauntex Theatre website.

Click here if you would like to donate in-kind items to support NB Housing Partners’ First Footing Shelter.

To learn more about Americans With No Address, visit www.americanswithnoaddress.com.