April Newsletter
April is a month centered on awareness, connection, and growth. At Family Counseling Service, that shows up in the work we do every day, but it also shows up in the way we come together as a community.
This month, we’re highlighting Counseling Awareness Month, sharing moments from the community, and looking ahead to opportunities to connect, learn, and support one another. Whether you’ve attended an event, partnered with us, or are just getting to know who we are, we’re glad you’re here.
April is Counseling Awareness Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the impact of counseling and the professionals who provide it. It’s also an opportunity to continue breaking down stigma and creating space for honest conversations around mental health.
Counseling plays a vital role in helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges. From improving overall well-being to supporting people through difficult transitions, counseling creates pathways toward healthier, more fulfilling lives.
This month, we’re not only celebrating the profession, but also encouraging our community to better understand the role counseling can play in everyday life. Seeking help is not a weakness, it is a step toward growth, healing, and resilience.
Connection is at the heart of everything we do, and this month has been full of meaningful opportunities to show up alongside our community.
From Mae-lei Esparza presenting at the Hispanic Women’s Network scholarship meeting, to participating in the International Women’s Day run, these moments reflect the importance of visibility and representation in the spaces we serve.
We also had the opportunity to attend the grand opening of the Children’s Advocacy Center in Portland and connect with attendees at our Crime Victim Services seminar focused on working with survivors of human trafficking.
Each of these moments represents more than just an event. They are opportunities to build relationships, share knowledge, and continue strengthening the network of support across the Coastal Bend.
Outreach continues to be a key part of how we connect with both future professionals and our broader community.
We had the opportunity to speak with students at the TAMU-CC Internship Site Fair, sharing insight into the work we do and helping shape the next generation of mental health professionals.
We also hosted our first Coffee & Kolaches event, where Maria Graciano led a discussion on work-life balance. It created space for meaningful conversation in a setting that felt approachable and welcoming, something we believe is essential when talking about mental health.
Moments like these remind us that connection doesn’t always have to be formal to be impactful.
Everything we do is made possible through the support of our community.
While insurance and grants help sustain our work, they don’t cover everything needed to continue growing and reaching more individuals and families. That’s where community support becomes essential.
Our Roots of Resilience monthly giving program allows us to continue showing up—expanding care, investing in our team, strengthening outreach, and building partnerships that make long-term impact possible.
Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us continue this work and build something stronger for the future.
We are excited to continue preparing for Conscious Collaborations, happening May 1, 2026.
This one-day, trauma-informed conference is designed for professionals and community leaders who are looking to deepen their understanding, expand their networks, and collaborate across disciplines.
With 5.5 hours of continuing education available, this event is an opportunity to learn, connect, and bring new insights back into your work and your community.
If you haven’t registered yet, there is still time to join us.
Join us on May 6th at 7:45 AM for our next Coffee & Kolaches event.
This month’s guided discussion will focus on healthy habits for good mental health, led by Mary Alvarez, LPC.
These gatherings are designed to be accessible, welcoming spaces where conversations around mental health can happen naturally. Whether you’re a professional or simply someone interested in learning more, we invite you to join us.
The event is free, and reservations are encouraged.
We are incredibly grateful for the individuals, organizations, and partners who continue to support our mission.
Through grants, sponsorships, and in-kind donations, our community plays a direct role in making our work possible. From healthcare partners to local businesses, each contribution helps us expand our reach and deepen our impact.
Support doesn’t always look the same, but every form of generosity helps us continue providing care and resources to those who need it most.
As we continue to grow, we are always looking for ways to expand our impact and stay connected with the community.
We’re excited about upcoming events like Conscious Collaborations and Coffee & Kolaches, as well as opportunities to grow our team, including our current opening for a Clinical Team Lead.
Staying connected is also easier than ever. You can follow along with us on social media or explore more through our Between Sessions blog.
This work is ongoing, and it’s made stronger through connection with our team, our partners, and our community.
Thank you for being part of our community. Whether you attend, share, support, or simply follow along, you are part of the work we do every day.