Goodness Weekly 7.28.25
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."
- Helen Keller
WHAT’S GOOD
In the wake of the July 4th Hill Country floods, many families are facing the daunting task of rebuilding their lives from the ground up. The Arcadia Recovery Collaboration - a grassroots effort supported by Community Partners, Good Acres - is helping neighbors restore not just their homes, but the dignity and comfort that comes with a furnished, livable space. From beds and kitchen essentials to personalized support, this initiative walks alongside families through every step of recovery. Your donations of household items or financial gifts directly support families in transition. This ensures no one has to start over alone.
If you’d like to get involved, volunteer here or send checks to
Impact Guild (Memo: Arcadia Recovery)
95 Brees Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78209
Any unused funds will support long-term relief through the Texas Hill Country Flood Relief Fund.
The Strength that Community Brings
Savannah Castro, Communications Intern, Sunset Ridge Collective
This summer I was gifted the opportunity to work with Sunset Ridge Collective as a Communications Intern, learning the art of meaningful and impactful storytelling.
Shortly before, my daughter and I transitioned into a new chapter of our lives that very much felt like starting over; me as a single mom and her as a child with parents living in separate households.
After enrolling her in Sprouts School and moving into the neighborhood, we found ourselves being effortlessly integrated into this community.
I was driving through the neighborhood on the night we moved in and I could see all the lights in the park and the illuminated stained glass windows of the church welcoming us home.
Part of the challenge of this transition has been the painful reminders of my childhood. The memories of growing up as a child with divorced parents and a single mom who struggled to get by trigger worries and fears of the future and potential struggles to come.
Along with that, I also have to acknowledge the memories from that time of all the people who were there with us along the way as shimmering rays of hope shining through the struggle, reminding us that we were not alone.
As a child, it was much easier for me to witness this light. I was able to access this feeling and knowingness that told me that through it all, I was never alone and something bigger than me was carrying me through this. As an adult, it’s much easier to forget and to get lost in all the thoughts and the pain.
Along my journey here, I’ve realized how much this community reflects the state of being I have been feeling and remembering from childhood. A feeling of warmth and reverence that comes with knowing I am not alone and I am held. Being here surrounded by this supportive community and environment has been the gift I needed to remind me of my strength.
As my time as an intern comes to a close, I look around at all the people who I’ve met and their stories of strength and resilience. All of them, beautiful examples of the light shining through the darkness. All reminders that the struggles of life will not take us down. And the message that continues to persist through it all is to keep going.
A Look at August
Starting August 7th, all are welcome to participate in a new Community Fitness Class in Charis Park at 6 PM, Thursdays. This circuit style class will be donation-based and a great way to break a sweat with your neighbors.
Daily, NYX Yoga & Fitness
Daily, One Another Coffee
Wednesdays, Open Studio, The Art Room
Wednesdays, Mission Compost Pick Up
Thursdays, Community Fitness in Charis Park
Thursdays-Sundays, Scott’s Pizza
Saturdays, Sunset Ridge Farmers Market
Sundays, Worship at Sunset Ridge Church
Every Wednesday, 11 AM - 1:30 PM, Open Studio Painting
Every Saturday, Sunset Ridge Farmers Market, Charis Park
Every Sunday, Worship at 9 AM and 11 AM
Event Rentals - Interested in hosting your event at Charis Park or in our facilities? We are currently booking for 2025–please email rentals@sunset-ridge.org
Community Partners: For updated schedules and events please follow One Another Coffee, Sunset Ridge Farmers Market, NYX Wellness, Scott’s Pizza, Mission Compost, Sprouts School, Good Acres, and Community First Food Pantry.
Inhale: I am carried through this
Exhale: I am never alone
