Cordillera Ranch Stands with Our Community

On the morning of July 4th, heavy rains brought catastrophic flooding to Kerrville and surrounding areas of the Hill Country. The Guadalupe River swelled beyond its banks, sweeping through Camp Mystic and nearby communities, causing widespread damage and forcing families to evacuate. First Responders, volunteers and neighbors rushed into action, working tirelessly to rescue those stranded and search for missing loved ones.

In the days that followed, Cordillera Ranch joined in the relief efforts. We opened our Lodges to provide complimentary accommodations for displaced families, offered kayaks and outfitter supplies to aid volunteers searching the Guadalupe River, and assisted directly in search and rescue operations. Our team also worked to ensure First Responders had the food and beverages they needed to sustain their efforts.

Wanting to give back in a meaningful way, the Club launched the Hill Country Strong initiative, with all proceeds from a limited-edition hat benefiting Hill Country Family Services. This organization continues to be a vital resource for flood victims and those on the front lines.

Thanks to the outpouring of generosity from our members, we raised $12,354 through the sale of 361 hats — funds that will directly support local families and relief work.

The tragedy of July 4th has reminded us of the strength, resilience and compassion of our community.

Hill country family services Unites Kendall County in Support and Recovery

For more than 40 years, Hill Country Family Services (HCFS), based in Boerne, has been a lifeline for more than 1,000 families annually across Kendall County. Through strong partnerships with city and county agencies, Boerne ISD and Comfort ISD, HCFS extends its impact even further with a range of indirect services.

When the July 4th floods struck, HCFS mobilized swiftly. While Kendall County was spared the worst compared to neighboring Kerr County, HCFS stepped in to help relocate three families affected in the Comfort area.

Then, the donations began pouring in.

“Working alongside the Comfort Area Foundation and local churches from Comfort and Center Point, we secured a large warehouse space in Comfort to manage the overflow of donated items,” said Bryce Boddie, LMSW, Executive Director of HCFS. “We’ve been distributing everything from chainsaws to Gatorade, shovels to beef jerky — whatever the recovery teams in Kerr County need.”

HCFS Board Member and Cordillera Ranch resident Ron Fielding, along with his wife Kathy, immediately stepped up to support the logistics of distribution.

“Cordillera has been an incredible partner in supporting Hill Country Family Services,” Bryce added. “The proceeds from their Hill Country Strong hats are making a direct impact on families and individuals in Kerr and Kendall Counties affected by the floods.”

Support also extended to children returning to school in the wake of the disaster. “We provided care baskets to Hunt Elementary, Ingram Elementary, and Starkey Elementary in Kerrville,” Bryce shared. “Each basket included treats for teachers and staff, plus books to help children navigate difficult emotions. With help from Kendall Elementary School, Boerne ISD and Frost Bank, we packed and distributed 120 care baskets just before the school year began.”

Bryce, who began his journey with HCFS as a graduate student intern, now leads the organization with a deep sense of purpose. “It feels like coming home,” he said. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to work closely with local law enforcement on mental health crisis response and to help establish our Behavioral Health Coalition.” This new initiative joins HCFS’s four core pillars that guide families from crisis to stability:

• Connections – Finding the right resources
• Finances – Finding your footing
• Nutrition – Finding nourishment
• Counseling – Finding your way

There are many ways to support HCFS and the families of Kendall County. Visit the HCFS website to learn more about donating funds, goods or services — or to participate in fundraising events like the annual golf tournament.

“This is our 10th year hosting the golf tournament at Cordillera Ranch,” Bryce said. “It’s scheduled for Monday, October 6, and we’re thrilled to welcome our first responders for the Battle of the Badges trophy competition, featuring teams from the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office, Boerne PD, Boerne Fire, and Kendall County EMS/Bergheim Fire. We’re still looking for sponsors for these teams — anyone interested can contact me directly at bryce.boddie@hcfstx.org.”

Hill Country Family Services
830.249.8643
HCFSTX.org
info@hcfstx.org

Together, we are Hill Country Strong.