Forging Connections: Nonprofit Week on The Lead Live

Their annual Blues Fest has grown significantly, attracting over 700 attendees. Doyle maintains a positive relationship with the local police department, which helps build trust within the community.

Another key program is YAD (Youth Averted from Delinquency), which partners with juvenile courts to case manage and divert youth aged 10-17 from trouble, offering community service opportunities. This program is expanding to Gillespie County, including its mentoring component.

The group aims to tackle underlying causes of suicide, such as financial difficulties, relationship breakdowns, catastrophic medical conditions and isolation, rather than just immediate crises.

The market, now located at Five Points for shade, canceled its July 5 market due to the flood. They were able to donate 50 pounds of tomatoes to a local restaurant instead of them going to waste.

This year’s event will feature a special tribute to flood victims with green ribbons on flags, alongside yellow ribbons for gold star families. The event includes an opening ceremony, guest speakers and the playing of Taps every night.

Following recent events, KACC has experienced a decline in visitation and funding, leading to a low bank account cushion. They actively seek volunteers, sponsors and property owners with scenic vistas to host artists.

The recent flood caused severe damage, estimated at $2 million for structural repair alone

The organization always seeks volunteers for clerical work, organizing donations, assisting with group support sessions and other projects, offering flexibility. Their administrative office has moved to 717 Sydney Baker Street, increasing their visibility in the community.

The KCPA alumni association, with about 85 members, supports every police department program and saves the city significant money. They operate programs like Citizens on Patrol for river trail and handicap parking enforcement and manage Blue Santa and semi-annual drug take-back events.

Prodigal Road is the only accredited recovery home in the community that combines the social model of recovery with Christian discipleship. They offer a non-residential program where men can participate in a one-year, four-phase discipleship program.

The Francisco Lemos Bridge acted as a dam, causing water to spread laterally and exacerbate flooding. The community’s immediate outpouring of volunteer support was “amazing” and “humbling,” with 50-60 people showing up the Saturday after the flood.

A significant challenge was managing the overwhelming amount of donated goods, which was “almost a disaster within itself.”

Sisters in Service started a flood relief fund, with 100 percent of donations going directly to those in need. Their board covers operating costs, ensuring all donations stay local.

They will play their first concert Oct. 9 in Kerrville, followed by a free tribute concert in San Antonio on Oct. 16 at Trinity University auditorium.

Bird City Kerrville focuses on watershed rebuilding and restoring habitat along the river and creeks.

The center had just renewed their flood insurance, which has been crucial for recovery without over-relying on community donations.

The organization has provided over $250,000 in scholarships to women for education

They prioritize native and adapted plants that require less water and promote water conservation through techniques like rainwater collection and creating “rain gardens.”

They educate the public on preventing erosion and managing land for better water absorption, especially in areas with compacted soil. They believe the flood, while devastating, has prompted the river to “clean itself out” and has brought the community closer.

Vandeberg regularly engages in outreach, typically attending about 40 events annually to speak to diverse groups, with a current focus on high schools to reach students obtaining driver’s licenses.

The Chamber has become a central hub for flood recovery efforts, hosting various groups and task forces. The foundation’s aid extends beyond Chamber members or Kerr County residents, assisting businesses in nearby areas like Comfort.

Immediately following the July 4 flood, KerrKonnect mobilized volunteers, extending service to all of Hunt and Center Point while offering free rides for individuals who lost their vehicles. About 85 volunteer drivers currently serve the organization, though more are always needed.

While currently supporting other foundations with immediate relief, the center envisions a long-term role in resilience and rebuilding over the next six months to 10 years. This involves educating residents, particularly children, on river safety, watershed stewardship and environmental conservation.

In response to the recent flood, the foundation established a “flood relief and spiritual first aid” section on its website, offering information and resources on trauma and grief, including webinars. The foundation maintains acute focus on community mental health and wellness, coordinating with experts on long-term recovery efforts.

The organization works to offset the high cost of spaying and neutering, offering discounted services or adding individuals to waiting lists for free procedures. Jones emphasizes that if someone feeds a stray animal, it becomes their responsibility to ensure it is fixed.

The program proves particularly crucial in communities like Kerrville and Ingram, providing role models for children, especially after events like the flood. The organization’s biggest needs are volunteers, new board members and funding.

The choir emphasizes the healing role of arts in the community, particularly after the flood, bringing “peace” and speaking “to the spirit.”

Elevate offers GED preparation courses, ESL (English as a Second Language) and digital literacy classes covering basic computer use, Word, Excel and telehealth, with many available in Spanish. Classes start in mid-September.

The Cailloux Theater reopened after six months of renovations including a new roof, AC system and hearing assistance system.

The Atelier offers a three- to four-year core program, weekly life drawing and workshops, with plans to expand its new space to accommodate a waiting list of students. The school makes programs accessible through scholarships covering up to 50 percent of tuition.