On July 4, 2025, a devastating flood raged through the Texas Hill Country and surrounding areas. The Guadalupe River experienced severe flooding reaching a height of 36 feet at its peak. Major flooding is considered anything over 20 feet. The storm-related death toll reached over 130 people, including children. There is still one child missing. As families of the victims mourn and try to put their lives back together, KJZT Family Life wanted to help. Recovery emotionally and physically will take a lot of time, funds, and support.

The State Office encouraged each KJZT Society across the State of Texas to donate to flood relief expenses. All donations collected were matched by the State Office up to $1,000 per Society through the Fraternal’s People Helping People Disaster Relief Program.

Our generous KJZT Societies stepped up and a total of $56,419.00 was collected and matched to donate! Funds were distributed as follows: 75% of the total money collected went to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund and 25% went to the Austin Disaster Relief Network for those not in the Kerr County area but were still affected by the floods that day.

On September 30th, President/CEO Catherine Sylvester and Executive/Editorial Assistant Elizabeth (Liz) Hernandez visited the headquarters of Austin Disaster Relief Network located in North Austin. They met with Executive Director – Dr. Dwight Bailey, Jr., and Senior Director of Advancement – Alistair Perumal. They were so happy to receive the donation of $14,104.75.

Austin Disaster Relief Network is a trained network of churches offering support to disaster survivors to meet short and long-term needs. Their organization’s mission is to glorify Christ by equipping, empowering, and mobilizing volunteers, churches, and like-hearted organizations to shepherd people affected by disaster and meet their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. adrn.org

ADRN will put the donated money from KJZT Family Life in a separate fund set aside just for the victims of this tragedy. They will use the money wherever it is needed! To help the disaster victims get back on their feet, ADRN has done everything from offering immediate assistance on the ground, to buying supplies to help re-building their houses, to providing hugs. They are still cleaning up Travis County and Williamson County sites affected.

Dr. Bailey, Jr., and Mr. Perumal were so happy to receive the donation and thanked KJZT not only from them, but on behalf of the victims as well. They stated getting a donation at this stage helps to let everyone know that even though the news cameras have stopped rolling, they are not forgotten. They also said that while some donations may seem like a small amount, they are not for the people in need. KJZT was so happy to be able to present the check of $14,104.75 to them.

On October 1st, President/CEO Catherine Sylvester and Executive/Editorial Assistant Elizabeth (Liz) Hernandez visited the office of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country in Kerrville. They met with Marketing Manager Jayne Zirkel and presented her with a check from KJZT Family Life for $42,314.25. She was pleased to receive the donation on behalf of the organization.

The Kerr County Flood Relief Fund is hosted by Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country. This fund directs donations to vetted organizations providing rescue, relief, and recovery efforts as well as flood assistance. The Community Foundation is committed to helping local families rebuild and recover. Per their website, they are “ensuring that help reaches the families and communities who need it most.” communityfoundation.net

Jayne stated the donation would help so much with housing needs and mental health counseling that they are focusing on right now. So far, 25 homes have started being rebuilt in Hunt. The Foundation has been able to make big donations to Meals on Wheels and give money for other renovations in the area. One of their goals is to get the non-profits in the area back up and running. In October, they will begin replanting and will need help with seeding. This will help stop erosion and replant trees. All the agencies are trying to stretch the donations as far as they can.

KJZT Family Life and its Societies across Texas are so glad they were able to help these two great organizations with all their ongoing hard work. Please keep everyone affected by this disaster in your prayers.

Photo courtesy of Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country.

Pictured (L to R) are Marketing Manager Jayne Zirkel of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country in Kerrville, President/CEO Catherine Sylvester, and Executive/Editorial Assistant Elizabeth (Liz) Hernandez.

Photo courtesy of Austin Disaster Relief Network.

Pictured (L to R) are Executive/Editorial Assistant Elizabeth (Liz) Hernandez, President/CEO Catherine Sylvester, Executive Director of Austin Disaster Relief Network, Dr. Dwight Bailey, Jr., and Senior Director of Advancement at Austin Disaster Relief Network, Alistair Perumal.

Story by Elizabeth Hernandez.