ABOUT US
MISSION & VISION
Mission
To give clients hope by offering a community of empowerment through providing meals, basic needs, outreach, and support services, while creating a legacy of positive change for Brownsville.
​
​
Core Values
Good Neighbor Settlement House is committed to offering help, hope, and opportunity to individuals and families in need, with a focus on supporting those who are at-risk of becoming homeless or experiencing homelessness. We strive to create a welcoming environment where all individuals are seen, heard, and treated with dignity.
​
-
Respect and Compassion
We believe in providing all services with kindness, respect, and understanding. We strive to engage with individuals in a manner that affirms their identity, values their unique experiences, and honors their dignity. We are committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcome, regardless of their background, beliefs, or challenges. -
Non-Judgmental Support
We are committed to creating a space where all people are treated without judgment. Our goal is to foster an environment where individuals feel safe and empowered to seek help and resources, knowing they will not be stigmatized for their circumstances or choices. -
Holistic Healing and Empowerment
We believe that overcoming addiction, homelessness, and hardship is a deeply personal journey that may involve a combination of medical treatment, therapeutic relationships, and community support. We are committed to offering compassionate care that addresses the whole person, supporting emotional, physical, and spiritual healing in ways that respect each individual’s unique path. -
Opportunities for Growth and Stability
We believe that homelessness and hardship can be temporary and that with the right support, individuals can achieve lasting stability. We strive to empower individuals by providing educational resources, vocational support, and pathways to safe housing and employment, all while honoring personal goals and aspirations. We recognize and celebrate the diverse experiences of the people we serve and seek to provide culturally responsive and equitable services.
​
Vision
Helping people help themselves, with dignity and compassion, one client at a time.
HOW IT ALL STARTED
Good Neighbor Settlement House was established in 1953 by the First United Methodist Church in Brownsville, Texas.
It was created to provide basic services to the Buena Vida neighborhood, the poorest neighborhood in Brownsville.
As Brownsville evolved, a growing homeless population meant that many men and women were on the streets. Good Neighbor Settlement House has expanded its role to include serving the hungry and the homeless population of Brownsville.
STAFF
Astrid Dominguez
Executive Director
Belinda Bradford
Assistant Director
Alberto M. Juarez
Finance Manager
Nancy Dimas
Volunteer and Program Coordinator
Nadia Garza
Grants Accountant
Soup Kitchen
Nancy Gutierrez
Nutrition Manager
Martha Manzano
Kitchen Assistant
Rosa Garcia
Kitchen Assistant
Tina Gonzalez
Kitchen Assistant
Client Services
Hector Berlanga
Client Services Caseworker
Zeuzette Cordero
Client Services Caseworker
Respite Program
Mercedes Perez
Respite Manager
Hygiene Program
Alvaro Sosa
Hygiene Program Manager
Facilities Manager
Jose C. Torres
Maintenance Assistant
Mesa Llena Food Bank
Jose Francisco Ibarra
Food Bank Manager
Raul Reyes
Food Bank Assistant
Support Staff
Rosario Garcia
Data Program Assistant
Oswaldo Prieto
Logistics Assistant
​
A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ASTRID DOMINGUEZ:
​
Since its inception in 1953, Good Neighbor Settlement House has helped and served those in need. We started by helping the community at Buena Vida Barrio, but as Brownsville grew, GNSH has correspondingly evolved and expanded its services to include serving the hungry, unsheltered, and migrants.
Nowadays we are a beacon of hope and love for many in our community. We strive to empower our clients with the support and tools they need to overcome homelessness once they are ready and prepared. Moreover, we aim to offer some respite to migrants who just arrived in our country.
I am humbled to be leading such an amazing organization that is deeply committed to serving those who need it the most. I celebrate and will always be committed to our ethos of compassion and dignity.
We are a community united to end homelessness, one person at a time.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS​
​
Omar Saenz
President
Colvin, Saenz, Rodriguez & Kennemer, LLP
​
Daniel Elkin
Vice President
Director of Policy Impact, CDCB​
​
​​
Jaime Lucio
Treasurer
Business Owner
Celeste Solis
Secretary
Teacher at St. Joseph Academy
​
DIRECTORS
Elizabeth Bernus
CPA
​
​
Pricilla Guajardo
Pre-Trial Services Director
​
​
​
Maria Diez
Fundraising
​