About Us
Greater Randolph Area Services Program Inc. (GRASP)
250 Donalan Drive, Converse, Texas
Driven by passion
Since 1983, GRASP has been offering services to Northeast Bexar County cities adjacent to the city limits of San Antonio helping individuals who are experiencing poverty and income instability. Providing emergency food, financial help with utility payments, rent, clothing and disaster aid, people are avoiding disconnection, eviction and are on a pathway to self-sufficiency and security. Older populations participate in congregate meals, transportation, activities and services promoting independent living and quality of life.
GRASP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation in accordance with IRS regulations and is incorporated in the State of Texas.
Usually GRASP serves individuals living in these Zip Code areas for cities outside of San Antonio boundaries: 78101, 78108,78109, 78244,78154, 78148, 78239, 78233, 78124,78263.
Our History
Greater Randolph Area Services Program Inc. was organized by local businessmen in Universal City who envisioned a need to serve families with help for food, rent, and utility assistance. As the agency grew, a partnership with United Way of San Antonio & Bexar County was formed and later the relationship expanded to include Guadalupe United Way, Bexar County CDBG, City of San Antonio other many others.
With grants from Texas Department of Transportation in 1987, GRASP acquired new buses to initiate the Senior transportation program to provide rides to medical and shopping appointments. Today the fleet has grown to six handicap accessible vehicles with routes throughout Bexar County each day.
GRASP moved into space donated in 1984 at 417 East Aviation which housed the administrative, social services offices, and a food pantry. A small office for the YMCA was in shared space for a few years. In 1985, the GRASP THRIFT Store was established at 225 E Aviation to provide a funding resource as well as provide free shopping vouchers to needy families for clothing. The store expanded and relocated to 417 E Aviation for a larger store. Revenues support the many programs offered by the agency. All inventory is donated by friends and neighbors.
In 1990, Bobby Huskey and family donated 2 acres at the edge of Converse at 250 Donalan to build the GRASP Senior Center with funding from Bexar County Community Development Block Grants and community support. Today it houses the Administrative Offices, Senior Activities programs, Congregate Meal Dining Hall, , Food Pantry Distribution Center and Transportation Services. The facility has been available for hall rental and public events since 2001. An additional 10 acres of adjacent land was acquired in 2024.
In 2000, the agency hired Jay Higginson as its youngest President & CEO in its history who has grown the agency budget from $200,000 to over $1,500,000 serving about 9,000 individuals each year with a staff of 12 employees and over 100 volunteers who help make a difference in the lives of many residents.
Currently, GRASP serves over 2,500 families each year in our local Randolph area neighborhoods. Each month over 10,000 pounds of food are provided monthly feeding hunger. Last year we served 13,567 congregate meals to seniors. We have provided over $100,000 in rental assistance saving families from eviction.
Our goal is to help individuals experiencing poverty, food and shelter insecurity and isolated seniors become independent, self-sufficient and living healthier.
All programs and services are funded by individuals, businesses, grants, and government contracts. Every donated dollar makes a difference! We appreciate the support from the United Way San Antonio, Alamo Area Council of Governments, Bexar County, VIA Public Transportation, GVEC Foundation, San Antonio Area Foundation, Kronkosky Foundaton, ROTARY Partners in Education Fund, United Way Worldwide- EFSP. Community First Foundation, SCAN Foundation, Military Civilian Community Fund and many other partners who believe in changing lives in our communities.