25 Years and Growing!

     Prior to 1985, Kendall County individuals and families in crisis often went from church to church, seeking assistance, with food and other forms of family support.  Local church and civic leaders recognized that the helping system was fragmented and needed a more coordinated approach.  Moreover, Joanne Hill, LPC, and Marilyn Vogt, LPC, two local counselors, saw a tremendous need to assist these families with counseling and help building a support network. As a result, in July 1985, the agency was incorporated at a nonprofit in the State of Texas under the leadership of John Hill, Joanne Hill and Donna Hood and opened for services at the Old Towne Boerne Shopping Center.

      Hill Country Family Services (HCFS) started small but over the years has grown into a place where individuals and families in need can seek a variety of emergency services and support including help with clothing, utilities, rent, food or prescriptions. . HCFS is funded by the United Way, City of Boerne, Kendall County and receives generous support from local churches, civic organizations, businesses, and individuals. More than 50% of funding comes from Thrift Shop & Warehouse sales and an annual Luncheon Style Show & Silent Auction that features clothing and goods donated to the Thrift Shop. 

     In 2003, the agency partnered with the City of Boerne to create the Good Neighbor Fund to provide  city residents with help paying utility bills . Through the fund, local residents may check a box on their monthly bills designating funds to help families in crisis pay their utilities. By 2010, the sale of gently-used, donated goods along with other donations and grants generates a monthly average of $7,000 to provide needy families in crisis with temporary financial assistance and other forms of family support. Furthermore, a partnership with the San Antonio Food Bank and local food  donations now helps HCFS distribute 8-10 tons of food to low income families each month.