The Hill CountryCARES is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in April 1984 to serve victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Hill CountryCARES originally operated as a fledgling volunteer organization with a 24-hour hotline staffed by willing people who also transported clients to the nearest shelter in Marble Falls, Texas.

One by One, our dedicated staff and Board of Directors have assisted in helping over 1,700 victims each year find hope. We offer a safe place to sleep, guide them through the criminal justice system and offer them free recovery services. Our goal, once again, is to promote healthy kids, healthy adults and healthy families.

Pictured, back row from left, Paul Gonzales, Brian Cowen, Scott Rain, Ken Bruner and Richard Sechrist; middle row from left, Dorothy Schmidt and Kent Bond; front row from left, Sue Tiemann, treasurer, Sgt. Mary Krebs; Keri Kropp, President; Meg Scott-Johnson, President-Elect; not pictured: Mike Walker, Secretary and J. Stuart Lohmeyer

In 1984 a director was hired to develop the program. It was during this initial stage that several accomplishments were realized including enlistment of a Board of Directors, securing government contracts for operating funds, and purchasing facilities, which serve as the current shelter and counseling office.

Over the next several years it became necessary to expand the Hill CountryCARES staff to add a volunteer coordinator, an outreach counselor, a counselor for adults and a counselor for children. Services were expanded to add a group for incest survivors, a program for batterers, and a school-based anti-victimization program. The service area was expanded from Kerr County to include Gillespie, Kendall and Bandera counties. In 1990, the existing facilities were renovated and in 1994, an additional building was purchased which serves as the current administrative office.

In 1994, a complete analysis of all the programs resulted in streamlining their costs. By restructuring staff, a more cost-effective delivery of services was obtained without a reduction in quality or quantity of those services. A School/Family Advocate was added to the staff. The public education effort was increased with emphasis on presentations in the local schools. Expanded services were delivered to the outlying counties rather than having clients travel to Kerrville to receive those services.

In 2007, we opened the doors to ReRuns Resale Shop. The proceeds from the store directly support the services offered by Hill Country CARES. ReRuns is located at 515 Hays Street in Kerrville. ReRuns is open Monday trough Saturday and uses many volunteers from our community.

2008 brought the addition of a new program provided by Hill Country CARES. EquineTherapy. Children wounded by neglect, abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault and drug addiction work with the counselors and the horses as they learn to trust again. Horses have a way of breaking through barriers. This program works on their self-esteem and overcoming their fears. We also added a Healthy Marriage Program. The Healthy Marriage Program is held on most Saturday’s in the four counties we serve. Couples that take this class will pay a reduced fee for their marriage license.