Men of Service is a group for male veterans, active duty military, and first responders. We meet monthly to connect and quarterly to serve in our community. 

Click here to contact group leader, Timothy, for more information.

Click here to join.

Our Lifestyle Program professionals make it easy to explore and implement the latest principles of healthy aging. These principles embrace the concepts of a body that is understood and well cared for, a mind that is nourished and exercised, and a sprint that is joyfully connected to positive living. Blue Skies’ talented wellness professionals stay current on the newest wellness practices and research to incorporate into our programming.

Our experienced wellness professionals assist you in forming a customized plan designed to keep you healthy and active by offering the following:

• Health fairs, screenings, informational interactive presentations
• Registered dietician and nutritionist on staff
• On-site rehab, assisted living, skilled care, and memory care

The Vision of the Military Family Ministry is of a church parish where all military families of both Veterans and Active Duty Service members experience the love of God through focused, intentional efforts to support their culture and their needs.

The Mission of the Military Family Ministry is to ensure that all families with a deployed family member receive the support they need before, during, and after deployment. And, that Veterans of the parish and their families are supported through relevant cultural activities to help sustain the spirit of connectedness, aka. “esprit de corps,” that warriors experience during their service.

Goals of the Military Family Ministry:

• Establish and maintain a ministry leadership team
• Plan, develop, and implement activities such as Burger Burns, Dining Outs, and other social events
• Enlist volunteers to support families during deployment cycles
• Incorporate military service-oriented activities for worship (e.g., prayers for deployed service members, sermons, acknowledgement of successes while serving).

If you are interested in joining or learning more about the Military Family Ministry, please contact Yvonne Rheinschmidt, Ph.D., LPC at [email protected].

Military Women Life Group will focus on military women with or without families.

Women in this life group will discuss how to best deal with daily life issues. We will also seek ways to best support our spouses and children with their life issues.

This group meets virtually on Zoom.

Click here to join.

All are welcome but I specialize in helping

• Low-income individuals and families
• Veterans
• Seniors
• Unemployed due to COVID-19

Fees are on a sliding scale.

Our MAX (Make-A-Connection) Program is an interactive experience focused on the horse-human bond and its impact on relationships through an introduction to equine experiential learning and the principles of basic horsemanship. This unique program offers individuals the opportunity to gain or re-gain essential life and coping skills that allow productive interactions and collaboration with those with whom they live and work.

Many individuals and groups can experience the wonderful benefits of the MAX Program including, but not limited to:

• Military families
• Veterans
• Grief support groups/grieving individuals
• Children with special needs and their families
• Those suffering from a serious illness such as cancer
• Therapists and other support personnel for those listed above

We offer both a 5-week and one-day MAX Program workshops. (Our one-day workshop covers the same information as the 5-week program, just in a more condensed format).

MAX Program Requirements:

• For the safety of our riders and volunteers, all riders must meet the following criteria:
• Weigh less than 200 pounds in order to be safely dismounted in an emergency
• Have sitting balance (side walkers can’t be asked to support the weight of the rider). If riders have minimum sitting balance, they must weigh 40lbs or less.
• Be at least 4 years old
• Have a disability that is compatible with therapeutic horsemanship and have a therapist or physician to complete a medical form

Click here for registration, program costs, and information.

Our Therapeutic Riding Instructors use equine-based therapy for both active-duty service members and veterans who have returned with physical and mental challenges as a result of their service. The goal of this program is to improve the lives of servicemen and women who have suffered injury in the line of duty, helping them adjust physically and emotionally to their post-war lives.

Horses help veterans learn to develop the relationships they need to reconnect with their communities, each other, and their families. Time spent grooming and riding their horse enhances relationship-building skills, improves ability to trust others, and develops emotional awareness and empathy.

Veteran Program Requirements:

For the safety of our riders and volunteers, all riders must meet the following criteria:

• Weigh less than 200 pounds in order to be safely dismounted in an emergency
• Have sitting balance (side walkers can’t be asked to support the weight of the rider).
• Have a disability that is compatible with therapeutic horsemanship and have a therapist or physician to complete a medical form
• Present proof of service (DD214 form) as part of the application process

How to Apply for the Veteran Program:

• Download and fill out the Rider Registration form.
• Email us scanned copy.
• Applicant will be contacted by our Program Director to discuss any outstanding requirements, obtain proof of service and/or the therapist/physician medical form, and any other information.

We never want cost to be a barrier preventing our riders or participants from experiencing the incredible benefits equine therapy has to offer.

Please call us to discuss lesson costs and details.

We offer well-bred labrador retriever puppies to veterans suffering from seen and unseen military related injuries.

People often confuse a service dog with a therapy dog or emotional support animal. To determine which is the best option, you must consider their purpose.

• Service Dog

According to Federal Law, a service animal is not a pet but a tool used to mitigate their owner’s disabilities by offering assistance in some way.

• Therapy Dog

A therapy dog is trained to provide comfort and affection to people in places like hospitals, libraries, schools, etc. They do not have rights under the law. Therapy dogs are often summoned to assist with those that have gone through a tragedy to allow them to deal with their emotions and relieve their stress.

• Emotional Support Animal

Emotional support dogs (animal) provide their owners therapeutic benefits through companionship. There are other species that can be considered emotional support animals. There are 2 legal protections for emotional support dogs (1) they can fly with a person who has an emotional or psychological disability and (2) they qualify for no-pet housing.

Veterans only.

There is no charge for puppies or for service dog training.

The, “Veterans’ Financial Assistance Program” will provide assistance to eligible Veterans, Veterans Dependents and Surviving Spouses.

Through the program, CCSCT will assist beneficiaries with short-term and temporary financial Emergency Services to include: one-time utility payments (may include electric, gas, propane, water, sewer, trash, late fees), one-time rental/mortgage payment (may include rent, mortgage, late fees, application fees, security deposits), and transportation services including bus passes, city and county transit passes, council of government transit service passes, taxis, and ride shares (Uber).

CCSCT will not require beneficiaries to meet a poverty or other income level as a requirement for eligibility. Financial need will be determined by the veteran being behind on rent or mortgage (s) and/or utilities.

Service Area: Atascosa, Bandera, Comal, Dimmit, Edwards, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Kinney, La Salle, Live Oak, McMullen, Medina, Real, Uvalde, Val Verde, Wilson, and Zavala.

How to Apply:

• Download the application
• Drop off, e-mail, or fax your application to your corresponding county

We have "Peer to Peer" Support where Vet help Vets.

Our Veteran Peer Support Specialists have gone through at least two levels of training preparing them for effective Peer Support and Outreach work.

In addition to individual support contacts, our Veteran Program staff hold regular Peer Support Groups. Our program of individual support, advice and networking has proven to be extremely valuable and a Vet friendly source of mentorship and guidance.

Click here or call for more information.

TBI Warrior® Foundation and The Ecumenical Center invite you to the monthly groups for Veterans with TBI.

Family Caregivers are welcome to attend; a separate group will be hosted for them at the same time and location.

Click here for upcoming group dates and registration.

Free

Are You A...?

Veteran, Veteran Dependent, or Surviving Spouse of a Veteran in Texas. We are here to help you achieve your Vocational goals. Let’s work together to achieve your dreams. We are standing by for you!

Impacted by...

Traumatic Brain Injury and its associated disabilities. We understand the challenges. We are here to assist and work with you. The client and counselor will work towards the client’s vocational goals as a team.

Moving to Independence...

Our Rehabilitation and Vocational Counselors are here to assist you in achieving your career and employment goals. We are not pressed for time. We will work with you as long as it takes to be a stepping stone to your future.

Services include: 

• Reasonable Accommodations
• Job Search & Skills Identification
• Job Retention
• Resume Writing
• Job Interviewing Skills
• Skills Training Opportunities

Serving TX counties from: El Paso to Dallas & Dallas to San Antonio.

Click here to apply today.

For questions, contact us at [email protected].

Free.

We are counting on you.

TBI Warrior® Foundation depends on community support to keep the programs that have impacted many lives ongoing.  We need your support to provide the tools to help people progress after the onset of a disability and give them hope.  We need YOU to be a cog to keep the wheels spinning.

Thanks to a generous contribution from the community, River City Advocacy is able to offer a limited number of counseling sessions free of charge to those who are military veterans or who are dependents of military veterans.

Proof of military service in the form of DD 214 is required at the time of service.

Click here or call us for more information.

Free.

The Military Family Support Program provides:

• Enhanced Job search assistance
• Skills assessment
• Labor market information
• Resume and interview skills
• Training for high-demand occupations

Must be:

• the spouse of a member of the armed forces on active duty who has experienced job loss due to relocation and permanent change in duty station, or
• the spouse of a member of the armed forces on active duty and who is unemployed or underemployed and is experiencing difficulty in obtaining or upgrading employment

If you are interested in the Military Family Support Program and live in one of our 13 Counties* please email, or call one of our Military Family Support Program Career Counselors during our normal business hours.

(WSA provides services to residents of these counties: Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, McMullen, Medina, Wilson.)

With support from Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), Texas Veteran Commission (TVC), and other partners, Workforce Solutions Alamo (WSA) helps service members, veterans, and their families enter or return to the nation’s workforce.

Services include:

• Priority service in all workforce centers locations
• Two-day hold on new job postings in Work In Texas to ensure that veterans view first
• Hard-to-serve veteran initiatives
• Comprehensive veteran Initiatives
• Integration points between Work In Texas and United States Government Jobs
• Veteran specific job search using the Work In Texas and Texas Veterans portals
• Match military experience to civilian occupation
• Transfer military service into college credits
• Increase employability with Work Opportunity Tax Credit (for employers)

The Military Family Support Program provides:

• Enhanced Job search assistance
• Skills assessment
• Labor market information
• Resume and interview skills
• Training for high-demand occupations

Must be:

• the spouse of a member of the armed forces on active duty who has experienced job loss due to relocation and permanent change in duty station, or
• the spouse of a member of the armed forces on active duty and who is unemployed or underemployed and is experiencing difficulty in obtaining or upgrading employment

If you are interested in the Military Family Support Program and live in one of our 13 Counties* please email, or call one of our Military Family Support Program Career Counselors during our normal business hours.

(WSA provides services to residents of these counties: Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, McMullen, Medina, Wilson.)

With support from Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), Texas Veteran Commission (TVC), and other partners, Workforce Solutions Alamo (WSA) helps service members, veterans, and their families enter or return to the nation’s workforce.

Services include:

• Priority service in all workforce centers locations
• Two-day hold on new job postings in Work In Texas to ensure that veterans view first
• Hard-to-serve veteran initiatives
• Comprehensive veteran Initiatives
• Integration points between Work In Texas and United States Government Jobs
• Veteran specific job search using the Work In Texas and Texas Veterans portals
• Match military experience to civilian occupation
• Transfer military service into college credits
• Increase employability with Work Opportunity Tax Credit (for employers)

During his time in the 103rd Congress, Congressman Tejeda fought for veterans' rights by successfully passing legislation to expand educational benefits and healthcare access for Veterans.

The Frank M. Tejeda Texas State Veterans Home opened in 2000 and has 160 beds, of which 32 are designated to memory care. 

Click here to fill out the application and see all Texas State Veterans Homes. 

The, “Veterans’ Financial Assistance Program” will provide assistance to eligible Veterans, Veterans Dependents and Surviving Spouses.

Through the program, CCSCT will assist beneficiaries with short-term and temporary financial Emergency Services to include: one-time utility payments (may include electric, gas, propane, water, sewer, trash, late fees), one-time rental/mortgage payment (may include rent, mortgage, late fees, application fees, security deposits), and transportation services including bus passes, city and county transit passes, council of government transit service passes, taxis, and ride shares (Uber).

CCSCT will not require beneficiaries to meet a poverty or other income level as a requirement for eligibility. Financial need will be determined by the veteran being behind on rent or mortgage (s) and/or utilities.

Service Area: Atascosa, Bandera, Comal, Dimmit, Edwards, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Kinney, La Salle, Live Oak, McMullen, Medina, Real, Uvalde, Val Verde, Wilson, and Zavala.

How to Apply:

• Download the application
• Drop off, e-mail, or fax your application to your corresponding county

The Military Family Support Program provides:

• Enhanced Job search assistance
• Skills assessment
• Labor market information
• Resume and interview skills
• Training for high-demand occupations

Must be:

• the spouse of a member of the armed forces on active duty who has experienced job loss due to relocation and permanent change in duty station, or
• the spouse of a member of the armed forces on active duty and who is unemployed or underemployed and is experiencing difficulty in obtaining or upgrading employment

If you are interested in the Military Family Support Program and live in one of our 13 Counties* please email, or call one of our Military Family Support Program Career Counselors during our normal business hours.

(WSA provides services to residents of these counties: Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, McMullen, Medina, Wilson.)

With support from Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), Texas Veteran Commission (TVC), and other partners, Workforce Solutions Alamo (WSA) helps service members, veterans, and their families enter or return to the nation’s workforce.

Services include:

• Priority service in all workforce centers locations
• Two-day hold on new job postings in Work In Texas to ensure that veterans view first
• Hard-to-serve veteran initiatives
• Comprehensive veteran Initiatives
• Integration points between Work In Texas and United States Government Jobs
• Veteran specific job search using the Work In Texas and Texas Veterans portals
• Match military experience to civilian occupation
• Transfer military service into college credits
• Increase employability with Work Opportunity Tax Credit (for employers)

To offer a holistic approach to the treatment, we offer several experiential therapy options in addition to the more traditional therapeutic interventions.

Examples of these therapies include the following:

• Yoga therapy
• Art therapy
• Customized Crossfit Therapy Specifically for The Pink Berets
• Hiking/Kayaking/Outdoor Adventuring

Women - Active Duty or Veterans.

Click here for the application.

Free.

The Catalyst is a holistic therapeutic program dedicated to providing all Military Women with the Tools; Techniques; Personal and Professional Strategies needed for building fulfilling and successful Military/post-military/civilian lives.

The Catalyst program examines the traumatic event and subsequent development of post-traumatic stress disorder. We learn to recognize the underlying emotional pain that fuels specific behaviors. We begin the process of healing these emotions through a combination of clinical therapy, holistic approaches, and experiential modalities. We understand that trauma and PTSD treatment is visceral, sensory, and cellular. Our team focuses on building trust, creating a safe environment, and steps towards recovery with the involvement of the family or caregiver. Our team is specifically trained in handling participants who suffer from trauma and PTSD.

The complexity of PTSD and existence of additional symptoms calls for special resources, a variety of treatment options, frequent monitoring, and support offered by The Catalyst program. We provide these services to ensure you receive the best treatment possible in a warm, nurturing environment. A therapeutic retreat program such as The Catalyst is one of the most effective forms of intervention available, as it allows you the opportunity to work through your problems while leaving the stress of your environment to focus on what truly matters : RECOVERY.

Women - Active Duty or Veterans.

Services Include:

• Individual Counseling Therapy
• Group Counseling Therapy
• Family Therapy
• Culinary Art Therapy
• Equine Therapy
• Women Warriors on Water
• Troops to Suits
• Heart 2 Heart Retreat
• Therapy Dogs
• Situational Awarenss

Click here for application.

Free

At Bullies 4 The Brave, we are here for our Heroes, 24/7/365, by phone, text, or Facebook messenger. We will listen anytime for any reason. When you are ready to sign up for a Battle Buddy, we continue to be here every step of the process. 

We choose one of every three puppies to give to a hero every litter. If you have ever been an active duty military member, a veteran, or a first responder needing a special friend, we’d like to help. These puppies are for Emotional Support and Service Dogs.

At Bullies 4 The Brave, this is our way of saying thank you for your service and sacrifices. You have given so much to our country and communities; now, we want to give something back to you.

Click here to sign up.

We believe in fate; your name is sealed and placed into our buddy raffle wheel when you submit your information. You will remain in the raffle wheel until your name is pulled or you ask to be removed.

If you are selected, you receive 1 Olde English Bulldogge puppy (chosen by B4TB specifically to fit your needs), free hand delivery anywhere in the lower 48 states, a puppy hero starter pack, a puppy playbook of information, and, as always 24/7/365 service for BOTH Battle Buddies.

Free.

This six-week job prep program includes completing your resume, job applications, confidence in talking about your gifts, interviewing for a specific job, money matters, and one-on-one computer training. Our curriculum prepares you for today’s workforce and life’s challenges, and builds character that employers are looking for. Computer training is self-paced and you and your mentor agree on a schedule. 

Check out the program Outcomes Map 

Any woman who is 18 and older and who is sober and drug-free may apply for enrollment in the women’s program.

Click here to apply now.

.

The course is free, however there is a $35 processing fee. Financial waivers available.

The, “Veterans’ Financial Assistance Program” will provide assistance to eligible Veterans, Veterans Dependents and Surviving Spouses.

Through the program, CCSCT will assist beneficiaries with short-term and temporary financial Emergency Services to include: one-time utility payments (may include electric, gas, propane, water, sewer, trash, late fees), one-time rental/mortgage payment (may include rent, mortgage, late fees, application fees, security deposits), and transportation services including bus passes, city and county transit passes, council of government transit service passes, taxis, and ride shares (Uber).

CCSCT will not require beneficiaries to meet a poverty or other income level as a requirement for eligibility. Financial need will be determined by the veteran being behind on rent or mortgage (s) and/or utilities.

Service Area: Atascosa, Bandera, Comal, Dimmit, Edwards, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Kinney, La Salle, Live Oak, McMullen, Medina, Real, Uvalde, Val Verde, Wilson, and Zavala.

How to Apply:

• Download the application
• Drop off, e-mail, or fax your application to your corresponding county

River City Advocacy's Peer Support groups are for anyone who needs emotional support. Whether you are experiencing a mental health concern, a chronic illness, a personal loss, or even a personal victory you want to share, RCA is a place for you.

Our support groups are facilitated by a Certified Peer Specialist or other staff member but are primarily driven by discussion among peers who share their stories of resilience and offer hope and support for one another.

Ages 18+.

Veterans only.

To attend our peer program activities, we need you to fill out a short application at our office or download the application from here.

Scan and send as an email attachment to [email protected]. If you have any questions, please call us.

Free.

Trinity Oaks dedicates our Heroes Celebrations to humbly serving and sharing our appreciation for the brave men and women who protect our American way of life.

Our outdoor program for Heroes focuses on combat veterans of all generations and first responders. We understand that healing internal and external injuries and promoting general well-being is a process made easier by spending time outdoors.

For our Heroes, Trinity Oaks hosts experiences of a lifetime! Through adaptive methods, such as Trinity Oaks’ Action Trackchair (a customized, all-terrain wheelchair on tracks), participants can move beyond physical limitations to enjoy hunting and fishing with increased mobility and independence. We understand that not all injuries are physical and often host live combat veterans who are dealing with PTSD and other mental traumas.

At the end of each trip, the harvested fish and game are processed and given to the participants or distributed to others who need a nutritious meal.

Click here to apply for Veteran Programs.

Free.

Trinity Oaks launched a special StarKids program for the sons and daughters of fallen first responders and combat veterans. Losing a parent changes a child’s life forever. When that parent falls as a hero, a first responder, or a veteran who was helping others or protecting our freedoms, the trauma is multiplied even further. 

The Trinity Oaks’ StarKids program aims to help these sons and daughters honor their families’ sacrifices with a unique outdoor experience.

StarKids focuses on children of fallen military veterans who died in combat and first responders, police officers, game wardens, disaster responders, and firefighters between the ages of 10 and 18 years.

Each child is paired with a fallen first responder’s agency or military branch member as a hunting buddy and mentor. Both become “hunter safety certified” together before the hunt. Groups of 4-6 StarKids and their buddies then participate in a unique hunt together for deer, hog, or an exotic hunt, depending on the group’s interest.

Ages: 10-18.

Children of fallen veterans, first responders, police officers, and game wardens.

Click here to apply for StarKids.

Free.