Community Assistance and Resources for Everyone (CARE)
Mission
Our mission, as the Community Assistance and Resources for Everyone (CARE) Network, is to serve residents of Canyon Lake, Texas by providing vital integrated resources such as emergency food, housing, resources and educational opportunities to those in need.
About Us
After discovering how many partnerships and relationships the social service agencies and organizations in Canyon Lake had with each other, we decided to network more extensively to maximize and utilize each one’s opportunities to the best of our abilities. With over twenty organizations as a part of our network, we strive to learn the most about each other’s involvements, programs, and resources to make accurate referrals and make sure none of the Canyon Lake assistance needs remain unmet.
If you are a member of the Canyon Lake community, we encourage you to learn more about our opportunities. We help provide children’s resources, church support, financial assistance, food assistance, housing resources, medical assistance, recreation opportunities, and transportation assistance so you and your family can have the highest quality of life in our caring community.
We are here to serve you, so don’t hesitate to contact any of the agencies on this website with any questions or needs. We look forward to meeting and working with you!
And, of course, if you have a service to offer that would complement anything we offer, we welcome your inclusion into our coalition!
Child abuse and neglect resources
Child Protective Services
Otherwise known as the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), the CARE network works closely with CPS to support their children the best we can. Specifically working with a faith-based specialist, CPS’s goal is to currently engage community members and churches with encouraging, mentoring, and even fostering children. If you have a skill you’d like to donate, CPS would love to utilize the talents of our community outside of adopting and fostering in order to maximize the success of its children.
Contact:
Hope Shelton 3635 S.E. Military Dr.
Hope.Shelton@dfps.state.tx.us San Antonio, TX
(210) 337-3027
Connections Individual and Family Services
Connections is a non-profit organization established to provide a safe and secure alternative to the “streets” for homeless, abused, or at-risk youth through providing housing assistance, life skills workshops, workforce education, and counseling services.
Contact:
Courtney Laverty 1414 W. San Antonio St.
claverty@connectionsnonprofit.org New Braunfels, TX
(830) 629-6571
New Life Children’s Center
New Life caters to young women ages 11-17 who have experienced severe abuse or neglect, helping them grow and heal through in-depth clinical therapy, personal development activities, and spiritual care in a safe setting. Girls stay an average of 6-8 months and begin to feel a restored sense of hope in their futures.
Contact:
Jacob Huereca 650 Scarbourough Rd.
jacob.huereca@Upbring.org Canyon Lake, TX
(830) 964-4390
SJRC – Texas
St. Jude’s Ranch for Children (SJRC) – Texas cares for children and families who have been affected by trauma, abuse, and neglect. We are their safe haven and offer help and hope to begin the journey of healing. The programs of SJRC Texas cover a continuum of care to ensure that children placed in our care receive therapeutic treatment along their journey of healing towards a brighter future. Our programs provide the following services: emergency placement, therapeutic residential foster care, pregnant and parenting teen services, community-based foster care services, and adoption services.
Contact:
Christina Melendrez 652 Old Bear Creek Rd.
cmelendrez@sjrctexas.org New Braunfels, TX
(830) 629-0659
Schools and Daycares
Kid’s Cove Preschool and Daycare
Hosted by North Shore United Methodist Church, Kid’s Cove Preschool and Day Care is a total blast, and we have room for new friends! Call or email to schedule a time to come by and check out the cove to see if this is the place for you. Our desire is to help and serve families of our community by providing quality childcare with strong academic, emotional, relational, and spiritual formation! Our loving and well-trained staff is ready to welcome your sweet ones with low ratios, great location, and flexibility for days of care!
We offer care for:
1 month – 5 year olds, from 6:45am – 6pm
Contact:
Myra Zumwalt 23880 N. Cranes Mill Rd.
nsumc@northshore-umc.org Canyon Lake, TX
(830) 935-2171
Schools Resources and Services
Communities in Schools – Startzville
The mission of Communities in Schools (CIS) – Startzville is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. CIS helps students address many issues or challenges that can prevent them from being successful in school. CIS helps ensure that children’s needs are met through mentoring, one-on-one supportive guidance, small group support, and school-wide events. CIS also services as a link between families and community resources, connecting students with the services they need.
Contact:
Kate Kelly 4111 FM 3159
gwen.cunningham@comalisd.org Canyon Lake, TX
(830) 885-8010
North Shore Kid’s Hope Mentoring
KIDS HOPE USA is part of the partnership between North Shore United Methodist Church and Rebecca Creek Elementary School. The partnership began in August 2011. KIDS HOPE is a program that trains volunteer members of NSUMC how to befriend children to help each on with their particular needs. The matched mentor and child meet for 1 hour each week for at least 1 school year. The mentor builds a relationship with the child by listening and talking, by playing games and laughing, and by practicing reading and other academic skills as needed. The mentor serves as a role model to give the child a positive experience.
Contact:
Myra Zumwalt 23880 N. Cranes Mill Rd.
nsumc@northshore-umc.org Canyon Lake, TX
(830) 935-2171
Canyon Lake Church Resources
Canyon Lake Presbyterian Church
Canyon Lake Presbyterian Church is a warm and welcoming community of Christian disciples. We welcome people of all ages and all walks of life to join in a friendly atmosphere of worship, service and fellowship. We are honored to serve our Canyon Lake community through relationships with neighbors like CRRC, Canyon Lake Mental Health, HAPPY Health Care, Communities in Schools, Kids Hope USA, Startzville Elementary School, John Knox Ranch, St. Jude’s Children’s Home, area senior care centers, border missions, and more. As the body of Christ, we commit to honor and care for you and your family as we all strive together to love and serve the world through the grace and mercy of God.
Contact:
Laura Schafer 230 Shepherd Hills Dr.
office@canyonlakepres.org Canyon Lake, TX
(830) 964-2427
Canyon Lake United Methodist Church
CLUMC provides a place to belong, grow in your understanding and relationship with God, and a place to live out your faith. It also provides community outreach through its Hearts and Hammers programs doing household projects, Food with Friends providing a free weekly meal, VBS, and other services.
Contact:
Betty Smith 206 Flintstone Dr.
Gsnbetty@gvtc.com Canyon Lake, TX
(830) 894-3916
Crane Mills Baptist Church
Cranes Mill Baptist Church (CMBC) is a 15 minute drive from New Braunfels and a 25 minute drive from San Antonio, and it strives to be a lighthouse for God in Canyon Lake.
Contact:
Jerry Becknal 10215 FM 2673
cmbcpastor@gmail.com Canyon Lake, TX
(830) 899-7936
Hill Country Bible Church
Hill Country Bible Church is an easily accessed church with a food pantry the 2nd Saturday of every month and a free community dinner every Wednesday.
Contact:
Franklin Watts 20885 FM 306
atalie_watts@yahoo.com Canyon Lake, TX
210-935-2945
North Shore United Methodist Church
North Shore United Methodist is an offshoot of the “mother” church of Canyon Lake United Methodist Church. It is actively involved in the community with its outreach programs, providing services such as its meal ministry, Kid’s Hope mentor program, and its preschool and daycare.
Contact:
Myra Zumwalt 23880 N. Cranes Mill Rd.
nsumc@northshore-umc.org Canyon Lake, TX
(830) 935-2171
Shepherd of the Hills Christian Fellowship
Shepherd of the Hills provides weekly services full of teachings that empower us to build lives that honor the Lord. We also offer a children’s church service, a youth group, and a SWAT (Students with a Testimony) Team, giving children of all ages an opportunity to grow in their faith.
Contact:
Linda Engelke 8427 FM 2673
sothcf@gvtc.com Canyon Lake, TX
(830) 899-4033
St. Andrew Lutheran Church
St. Andrew Lutheran Church of Canyon Lake provides opportunities for spiritual nourishment, personal growth, and outreach to our diverse community. They are the host of Family Promise, aimed to help homeless families with transitional housing, as well as hosting events such as Fill the Pantry and Fill the Backpack to end hunger through donations.
Contact:
Paul Miller 7420 FM 2673
sastaff@gvtc.com Canyon Lake, TX
(830) 899-2273
St. Francis by the Lake Episcopal Church
St. Francis by the Lake is the local Episcopal Church that can provide resources and services in addition to worship and prayer, striving to improve the quality of life for those around us who are in need.
Contact:
Fr. David Chalk 13250 FM 306
francis@gvtc.com Canyon Lake, TX
830-964-3820
St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church
St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Churchhas much to offer our community through liturgy, our justice and service ministries, as well as our faith formation and prayer ministries. We provide many opportunities for outreach and fellowship. As more families are enjoying the peaceful life in the Hill Country, we invite all to come and join our parish family!
Contact:
Harvey Ferguson 180 St. Thomas Dr.
stthomas@gvtc.com Canyon Lake, TX
830-964-3497
Financial Assistance
CRRC of Canyon Lake
CRRC of Canyon Lake helps with emergency financial assistance for clients and residents of Canyon Lake. We can help each client once per year and up to 3 times in a 5-year period. Make sure to bring a copy of identification, income, and the bill you need paid and we will try to help you or refer you as much as we can.
Contact:
Maureen Schein 1917 FM 2673
resource.program@crrcofcanyonlake.org Canyon Lake, TX
(830) 964-2324
North Shore United Methodist Church
North Shore United Methodist Church can also help with financial assistance on a case-by-case basis. Whether it be fuel, housing, or other bills that you need help with, we are happy to see if we can assist you to the best of our abilities.
Contact:
Myra Zumwalt 23880 N. Cranes Mill Rd.
nsumc@northshore-umc.org Canyon Lake, TX
(830) 935-2171
Depending on the type of financial assistance you may need, other agencies may be able to help! Try to narrow your specific need to children’s services, housing, food, medical, or transportation; then, select the category from menu. We’ll try to help you as best as we can!
Food Pantries
CRRC of Canyon Lake
We help local residents and families who are going through crisis with food from our emergency food pantry. We serve individuals and families who are low-income, disabled, and/or senior citizens. Clients may be eligible for monthly food assistance or food assistance three times per year. Feel free to stop by the food pantry or call to see if you’re eligible for this grocery assistance!
Contact:
Maureen Schein 1917 FM 2673
resource.program@crrcofcanyonlake.org Canyon Lake, TX
(830) 964-2324
Hill Country Bible Church
Hill Country Bible Church offers a food pantry once a month to clients who are low-income, disabled, and/or senior citizens. This food pantry is provided the 2nd Saturday of every month, 10am-2pm, at the church’s location. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Contact:
Atalie Watts 20885 FM 306
atalie_watts@yahoo.com Canyon Lake, TX
(210) 935-2945
Westside Community Center
Westside Community Center also offers a mobile food pantry the 1st and 3rd Fridays of every month to clients who are low-income, disabled, and/or senior citizens. This pantry feeds 200-300 families and is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Contact:
Jennifer Hernandez 2932 S. IH 35
jhernandez@nbtexas.org New Braunfels, TX
(830) 221-4630
Free Meals
Canyon Lake United Methodist Church
CLUMC offers a weekly Food with Friends program, providing a safe place to sit and enjoy food and fellowship. No ID, no cost, no strings, no sermons, no questions!
Each Monday, 5-7pm
206 Flintstone Drive
Canyon Lake, TX 78133
(830) 899-7104
Hill Country Bible Church
Hill Country Bible Church hosts a community dinner, free of charge, each week.
Each Wednesday, 6pm
20885 FM 306
Canyon Lake, TX 78133
(210) 935-2945
Meals on Wheels Programs
AACOG
The Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) Agency on Aging provides a home-delivered meals program. This service offers a nutritionally balanced noon-time meal delivered to an individual. A home visit to determine eligibility must be conducted by the area nutrition provider contracted by Alamo Area Agency on Aging. Home Delivered meals provide an opportunity for a home-bound individual to have face-to-face contact with a caring individual, such as the delivery driver,who can also provide a valuable assessment of the individuals health and well being.
Requirements:
Must be 60 years old or older
Must be assessed to be home-bound
Must complete a home visit to determine eligibility
Contact:
Trina Salazar 8700 Tesoro Dr., Suite 160
tsalazar@aacog.com San Antonio, TX
(210) 362-5244
CRRC of Canyon Lake
Our office houses the volunteer drivers for Meals on Wheels, distributing meals to our community’s shut-ins. If you think you or someone you know may be eligible, call the New Braunfels Senior Center to sign up for this program. Your meals will then be delivered to your door.
Contact:
New Braunfels Senior Center Meals on Wheels
(830) 629-4547
North Shore United Methodist Church
Our Meal Ministry began in April 2012 as an outreach to those in our church and community who could benefit from receiving assistance with nutritious meals. We wanted to prepare and deliver home-cooked meals that recipients would look forward to and enjoy. We serve over 1000 meals a year, and this ministry not only blessed those who received the meals, but all of us who participate in preparing and delivering them. If you or someone you know might benefit from this program, please call the church office.
Contact:
Northshore United Methodist Church
(830) 935-2171
Children’s Shelters
Connections Individual and Family Services
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Connections operates 2 emergency shelters for youth ages 10-17 who are in the midst of a crisis and need a safe place to stay. The shelters provide a safe place to stay for youth in crisis. In addition to meals and short-term housing, shelters offer: individual, group, and family counseling; recreational activities; and linkages to educational and medical services. The agency’s 2 shelters are located at: Contact: |
New Life Children’s Center
New Life caters to young women ages 11-17 who have experienced severe abuse or neglect, helping them grow and heal through in-depth clinical therapy, personal development activities, and spiritual care in a safe setting. Girls stay an average of 6-8 months and begin to feel a restored sense of hope in their futures.
Contact:
Jacob Huereca 650 Scarbourough Rd.
jacob.huereca@Upbring.org Canyon Lake, TX
(830) 964-4390
SJRC – Texas
St. Jude’s Ranch for Children (SJRC) – Texas cares for children and families who have been affected by trauma, abuse, and neglect. The programs of SJRC – Texas cover a continuum of care to ensure that children placed in our care receive therapeutic treatment along their journey of healing towards a brighter future. Our programs provide the following services: emergency placement, therapeutic residential foster care, pregnant and parenting teen services, community-based foster care services, and adoption services.
Contact:
Christina Melendrez 652 Old Bear Creek Rd.
cmelendrez@sjrctexas.org New Braunfels, TX
(830) 629-0659
Home Repairs
AACOG
Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) can also help with specific home repairs and installations that community members may need at a reduced or free cost. These include: grab bars, A/C units, heaters, and some ramps, in addition to other special circumstances appliances. AACOG also provides a Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), designed to help low-income people, particularly the elderly and handicapped, overcome the high cost of energy through the installation of energy conservation measures at no cost to the applicant. This program can lower the amount of energy used in a home, thus helping the applicants save more money. To qualify, the total household income must meet federal income eligibility requirements. Contact us if you’d like to receive an application or have any questions.
Contact:
Trina Salazar 8700 Tesoro Dr., Suite 160
tsalazar@aacog.com San Antonio, TX
(210) 362-5244
Hearts and Hammers
Sponsored by Canyon Lake United Methodist Church, the Hearts and Hammers teams are made up of friendly volunteer church members who help with various household projects at minimal cost. Work jobs include light plumbing, electrical work, ramp construction and repair, yard work and clean up, as well as other small miscellaneous projects. Most jobs do not take longer than a day or two. If you would like your household repair needs looked at, please contact us and fill out a request form to be contacted soon.
Contact:
Betty Smith 206 Flintstone Dr.
Gsnbetty@gvtc.com Canyon Lake, TX
(830) 894-3916
Housing Financial Assistance
AACOG
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, sponsored by AACOG, is the federal government’s major program for assisting very low-income families in affording decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. A family that is issued a housing voucher is responsible for finding a suitable housing unit. Assistance can be limited, but contact us if you’re interested. In addition, AACOG offers limited financial assistance to help with housing in certain circumstances, so call us if you have questions about qualifications.
Contact:
Trina Salazar 8700 Tesoro Dr., Suite 160
tsalazar@aacog.com San Antonio, TX
(210) 362-5244
Crane Mills Baptist Church
Cranes Mill Baptist Church can provide limited financial help with rent and mortgages as seen fit at the discretion of the church staff. Contact us for more questions.
Contact:
Jerry Becknal 10215 FM 2673
cmbcpastor@gmail.com Canyon Lake, TX
(830) 899-7936
North Shore United Methodist Church
North Shore United Methodist Church (NSUMC) can provide financial assistance to community members struggling with housing, including help with rent and mortgages as well as referrals to other resources.
Contact:
Myra Zumwalt 23880 N. Cranes Mill Rd.
nsumc@northshore-umc.org Canyon Lake, TX
(830) 935-2171
Transitional Housing
Connections Individual and Family Services
Connections also runs the Chrysalis Transitional Living Program, a residential program assisting youth ages 16-21 to transition to productive independent living as adults. After meeting specific qualifications, applicants between ages 15-21 must independently request, complete, and return an application. After reviewing the application, the Program Coordinator will set up an in-person or telephone interview. If this program is appropriate, the applicant will be admitted into the assessment phase of the program; if not, referral information will be provided. For more information, please call (830) 620-0214.
Contact:
Courtney Laverty 1414 W. San Antonio St.
claverty@connectionsnonprofit.org New Braunfels, TX
(830) 629-6571
Family Promise
Family Promise partners with 13 local churches across the county to help provide a home for homeless families, creating a way for communities to address the challenge of family homelessness by using existing resources. Congregations provide space in their buildings to serve as temporary homes, and day centers allow families to take showers, receive case managements, and look for housing and jobs. There are multiple transportation options, and with volunteers giving their time, family homelessness is address without the creation of expensive shelters. On average, 74% of the families we serve will gain long-term housing while in the program, in 9 weeks.
Contact:
Stacey Minor PO Box 311866
staceyminor@fpgnb.org New Braunfels, TX
(830) 214-0024
Home Visits
Mobile Integrated Healthcare
MIH conducts free home visits upon request or if the individual has made more than 5 911 calls in a one-month period. During this visit, a trained paramedic will do a fall risk assessment of the house, refer individuals to services, and work from an interconnected approach to service delivery. Don’t hesitate to contact Greg Eckert with any questions.
Contact:
1074 Scissortail
Canyon Lake, TX
(830) 310-9094
Medical Equipment and Supplies
CRRC of Canyon Lake
At CRRC, we have a medical equipment loan program that is available to members of the community free-of-charge. We have a diverse supply of medical equipment, including wheelchairs, crutches, canes, handicap toilet chairs, and other useful medical instruments that individuals can check out for a 90-day period.
Contact:
Maureen Schein 1917 FM 2673
resource.program@crrcofcanyonlake.org Canyon Lake, TX
(830) 964-2324
Methodist Healthcare Ministries
Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. is a private, faith-based, not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating access to healthcare for uninsured and low-income families through direct services, community partnerships, and strategic grant-making in 74 counties across South Texas. The organization focuses on serving the individual and area communities by promoting health, wellness, and disease prevention through education, support, and encouragement. This organization can help provide insulin to low-income individuals unable to receive this resource due to lack of insurance or availability. Questions? Contact Tricia Mathis.
Contact:
Tricia Mathis 206 Flintstone Dr.
tmathis@mhm.org Canyon Lake, TX
(830) 899-7145
Medical Screenings
Methodist Healthcare Ministries
Methodist Healthcare Ministries also provides a monthly health clinic to assess community members free-of-charge. A fully trained nurse provides blood pressure and blood sugar screening, diabetic counseling, and medical and nutritional education. If you have general questions regarding personal health issues or need assistance navigating your way around the healthcare system, do not hesitate to give us a call.
Contact:
Tricia Mathis 206 Flintstone Dr.
tmathis@mhm.org Canyon Lake, TX
(830) 899-7145
Mobile Integrated Healthcare
MIH hosts a monthly HAPPY Clinic to provide free medical screenings to anyone in the community. Trained paramedics can assess community members for basic health problems, and nurses can then refer members to different health professionals if needed. MIH also performs fall risk assessments in an attempt to limit the number of calls to 911 each month through providing coordinated preventative care. In addition, MIH hosts CPR and First Aid trainings through the Canyon Lake Fire/EMS Department. Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us.
Contact:
1074 Scissortail
Canyon Lake, TX
(830) 310-9094
Westside Community Center
Westside Community Center has partnered with the Texas Kidney Foundation to provide free kidney screenings to the public. This screening is free to the public and takes approximately 30 minutes; no fasting is required. Participants will then meet one-on-one with a medical professional to review the results. It’s fast, easy, and free! For more information, call (210) 739-9778 or go to http://txkidney.org.
Contact:
Jennifer Hernandez 2932 S. IH 35
jhernandez@nbtexas.org New Braunfels, TX
(830) 221-4630
Gas and Fuel Assistance
North Shore United Methodist Church
North Shore United Methodist Church (NSUMC) is able to generously provide financial assistance to needy clients, especially clients are in need of assistance relating to gas or fuel. For questions or to see if you qualify, contact our office or drop by our church and we’d be happy to help in any way we can.
Contact:
Myra Zumwalt 23880 N. Cranes Mill Rd.
nsumc@northshore-umc.org Canyon Lake, TX
(830) 935-2171
Transportation Services
Alamo Call-A-Ride 4 Vets
Also sponsored by AACOG, the Alamo Call-A-Ride 4 Vets program provides rides to any honorably discharged veteran, their immediate family (spouse, under 18 family member, or disabled adult in the home), surviving spouse, and/or caregiver of a veteran. We can provide rides to medical appointments, grocery and pharmacy trips, and trips to social and religious events to improve the quality of life for our veterans and their families. This is a limited rides program but also serves to connect veterans and their families with other transportation resources in their local area.
To schedule a ride, call 1-800-960-5201 or email vetrides@askasc.org today.
If you have questions, contact:
Trina Salazar 8700 Tesoro Drive, Suite 160
tsalazar@aacog.com San Antonio, TX
(210) 362-5244
Alamo Regional Transit (ART)
Sponsored by AACOG, the Alamo Regional Transit (ART) bus system has recently started running in the Canyon Lake area once again. Our service priority is senior citizens, low-income families, persons with disabilities, and veterans. Clients typically use our service for medical, work, school, daycare, or even personal needs reasons. You can request rides up to 30 days in advance, but not later than noon the day before.
Fare schedule:
One way in town is $2.00
One way out of town but in the same county is $6.00
One way to one county over is $8.00
One way to two or more counties over is $12.00
Call 1-866-889-7433 to schedule a ride today.
If you have questions, contact:
Trina Salazar 8700 Tesoro Drive, Suite 160
tsalazar@aacog.com San Antonio, TX
(210) 362-5244
Questions?
Have questions about what you see on this site? We’re here to help! Feel free to contact any of the agencies directly using their contact information listed.
If you have inquiries about what services you may qualify for, don’t hesitate to contact Maureen Schein at CRRC, and she will be happy to work with you to find the best services that will meet your needs.
Thank you for being a part of our community!
Contact:
CRRC of Canyon Lake
Maureen Schein
1917 FM 2673, Canyon Lake, TX
resource.program@crrcofcanyonlake.org
(830) 964-2324