El Buen Samaritano

Equitable access to food transforms lives! El Buen invites you to be a part of our Hands for Hope Campaign – raising awareness about hunger and providing critical year-round access to food, hope and nourishment to over 30,000 Central Texans facing food insecurity. With your support, we can continue to build pathways to health, opportunity, and a stronger, more vibrant community. Donate today at elbuen.org/donate

Shoutout to our spotlighted volunteer for the month of September - Natalie! Natalie's journey with El Buen began a few years ago in an unexpected way. Initially hearing about us through an internship opportunity with the city, Natalie assumed she would be stuck in a "boring" office job. To her delight, she discovered a fun and rewarding summer camp program filled with laughter, passionate staff, and, most importantly, wonderful youth eager to learn and play! Natalie was so inspired by her experience that she returned to us as a volunteer at this most recent summer camp. Her enthusiasm for engaging with our youth is remarkable; she takes genuine joy in learning about their diverse backgrounds and unique stories. Her commitment and passion for El Buen's mission have made a lasting impact, and we are grateful to have her as part of our community. Thank you, Natalie, for your unwavering dedication and for showing us the true meaning of connection! If you're interested in volunteering at El Buen, visit www.elbuen.org/volunteer or email us at volunteer@elbuen.org

We’re proud to announce that El Buen Samaritano received the Silver-Level Workplace Certification at the Mayor's Health and Wellbeing Awards today! This recognition highlights our commitment to creating a healthy, supportive work environment for our team as we continue serving our community.

We have extended our En el Juego: Back to School Campaign and your support is critical now more than ever! Can we count on your support before the clock runs out? Share about our “En el Juego” campaign and tag us or donate now at elbuen.org/donate!

At El Buen, we believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to be “En El Juego” thriving and to experience a deep sense of belonging. Together with students, parents, and our dedicated partners, we are building pathways to success that equip youth with the tools they need to navigate and excel in the 21st century. By joining us, you're not just investing in today’s students; you're shaping the leaders, innovators, and leaders of tomorrow. Donate today at elbuen.org/donate

Billy first became involved with El Buen in the summer of 2008, volunteering in our ESL program. Inspired by his friends in Mexico who wanted to learn English, Billy’s commitment to helping others has grown over the years. In addition to teaching ESL, he has also volunteered in Digital Literacy, Plazas Comunitarias, and English Conversation classes. Billy believes his volunteer work has positively impacted individuals by boosting their confidence, helping them navigate their daily lives, and improving their English language skills. As Billy says, “Life works better when you’re bilingual—it gives you a better chance at success.” Thank you, Billy, for your unwavering dedication and the countless hours you’ve spent empowering our community. We are deeply grateful for your continued support and commitment to making a difference.

On August 3rd, the generosity of our community enabled the distribution of more than 1,000 backpacks with school supplies to youth at our Back-to-School event. Now, we ask you join us in ensuring that youth have the academic, technology, and social-emotional support they need for the academic year. El Buen’s Youth Academic Center of Excellence programs are more than just classrooms – they are transformative experiences that prepare young minds to excel in a 21st Century society. Support our youth programs at https://ow.ly/Gfsb50SYELl https://ow.ly/8vKU50SYELp

At the heart of El Buen’s Youth Academic Center of Excellence, we recognize that education is more than just a pathway; it's a gateway to endless possibilities. Join us En el Juego (in the game) and donate today, becoming a valuable co-creator of a pathway where every youth can be equipped to be future-ready! www.elbuen.org/donate

LAST CALL TO RSVP! Join us for our Open House on Tuesday, August 6th from 9 AM - 11 AM and learn all about our Food Access Program! Come meet our team, see our food pantry in action, and discover how we're working to combat food insecurity in our community. Don't miss out! RSVP today by completing the form at bit.ly/EBSOpenHouse2024 or by emailing us at development@elbuen.org. We can't wait to see you there!

Volunteer Opportunities: ESL & Digital Literacy Programs We're looking for passionate individuals to join our ESL (English as Second Language) and Digital Literacy Programs as Lead Teachers and Teaching Assistants! Fall Schedule: September 3, 2024 - December 19, 2024 ESL: All volunteers must commit to volunteering at least one class day per week for the duration of the semester. Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday from 9:30am - 11:30am or 6:30pm - 8:30pm Requirements: Must be 18 years of age or older; Access to a computer and the internet; Spanish is preferred, but not required; Experience with Google Drive and Zoom is preferred, but not required. Digital Literacy Program: All volunteers must commit to at least one class day per week for the duration of the semester. Computer Basics (in-person): Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30am - 12pm Intermediate (virtual): Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12pm to 1:30pm Requirements: Must be 18 years of age or older; Access to a computer and the internet; Spanish is required; Experience with computers and/or technology is required For more information and to apply, visit elbuen.org/volunteer or email our Volunteer Coordinator directly at esaenz@elbuen.org