Family Service Association works year ‘round to help these families find solutions to the difficulties they face. In the five-county area of Zavala, Uvalde, Maverick, Dimmit and Frio, over 2900 children, parents, grandparents and other area individuals look to Family Service for solutions every year when the stresses of poverty and family disruptions upset the balance of their lives. Family Service is also here to protect children from abuse and neglect, promote early childhood education and strengthen families through services that empower individuals and promote independence. Counseling services, case management, parenting classes and collaborations with area schools change lives every year and pave the way for success. Further, the spectrum of services is available at no cost or on a sliding fee scale, based on need.   These rural communities have seen rapid growth in population and the need for additional support and resources is constant and growing. Family Service appeals to the community to help. Alejandra Castro, Manager-Rural Services, says, “We are so grateful for the generosity of supporters who help through monetary donations and who ‘adopt’ families during the holidays. The majority of families we serve are low-income. Many cannot find affordable housing or adequate employment. We work with struggling single-parent families. Our schools have an unusually high percentage of at-risk children. We find multi-generational families living together in crowded spaces – grandparents, aunts, uncles, children.” During the holidays, the stresses increase, Castro says. Hundreds of families cannot afford to meet their children’s basic needs, let alone provide the simplest gifts for them. Many cannot purchase the groceries for a holiday meal. Fortunately, local churches and other organizations provide food baskets and the agency receives offers of help from those who wish to “adopt” a family for the holidays and provide toys, warm clothing, food and other gifts. More support is needed with so many families facing a grim holiday season in addition to the daily challenges that encumber them. Castro says she and her staff of seven social workers are working around the clock to assist clients and garner support. “Our staff is very dedicated and passionate … we go out every day and give 150% to every client. We love what we do and we want to tell our stories of success and encourage our friends in the community to share with others during the holidays. It is so gratifying to see the joy on the faces of the families we serve when we are able to bring them hope and change their lives. Castro tells one client’s story, noting that it is reflective of many of the families they serve. “Child Protective Services removed seven children from their parents’ home because of drug abuse. We were brought in to help with counseling, parenting classes and case management. Today, after extensive intervention, the parents are drug-free, the mom is in college, the parents have jobs, they’ve expanded the size of their home to accommodate their large family and the kids are back home safely. Everyone is doing amazingly well and we are so grateful.” For information on how you can help those in need in our community with a tax-deductible end-of-year gift or “adopt” a family for the holidays, contact Alejandra Castro at 830-374-0460 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .