Education, Computer Class
El Buen Samaritano recently hosted a graduation for the students of the computer classes. The graduation included lovely speeches by Onofre Dominguez (valedictorian of the class), Ryan Melendez (Computer Instructor), and Reverend Ed Gomez (Executive Director). Each graduate was called to receive their graduation certificates and some were also awarded with special recognition. There is no doubt that the success of these students will be a "hand up" for their futures. To see pictures from the graduation ceremony, click here.

Education
Like all of the participants in our programs, Carlos Parada has worked hard to gain the skills and information to be a full participant in Austin's community life. After graduating from our English As A Second Language(ESL) and computer literacy classes, he is giving back by volunteering in El Buen's computer lab. Recently, Carlos passed along a beautiful essay he wrote about the diversity of life in Austin and an immigrant's pursuit of the American Dream.
Read Essay

Promotores Program
The Stony Point neighborhood is home to some of the poorest Hispanic immigrants in the Central Texas Region. El Buen is helping residents in the area work with government officials to improve services in the area. After a course in leadership training that included learning how to work with government, transportation, health and education systems, these men and women are making progress getting their roads fixed and establishing new bus routes that will help them with employment and medical services.

Health Clinic
At a recent health fair, “Jorge” was screened and found to be diabetic. El Buen's staff talked to him about his health care options, and when they found he did not have a regular physician he was invited to the Wallace Mallory Clinic at El Buen. Through our health education and nutritional counseling, he learned to control his blood glucose. In fact, the lessons benefited the whole family, since his children were also at risk for developing diabetes.

Social Services
Despite a diagnosis of depression and a history of abuse by her parents, “Juana” was reluctant to seek formal counseling. However, she was comfortable at El Buen and visited our Social Worker, who helped her access the medications she needed and suggested one of El Buen's therapy groups, Hermandad Feliz. This is a program that helps participants deal with moderate depression and anxiety. Based on what she learned in the group, “Juana” began doing more relaxation activities, spending more time with her family, and even started English-as-a-Second-Language classes at El Buen.