Hill Country Schools: Nearly $780,000 in Mental Health Funds

Nearly $780,000 in donated funds was distributed to three Hill Country school districts to cover grief counseling and mental health services. The money goes to the Kerrville, Hunt, and Ingram independent school districts. This distribution is part of a larger $1 million commitment to help the region recover.

The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country pledged the initial $1 million after a study by Meadows Mental Health Policy indicated that access to care was critical for community recovery. The nonprofit has committed a total of $6.2 million to mental health needs in the area.

During a press conference on Monday, school officials and agency leaders explained how the funds are being applied. They noted that emotional trauma does not follow a predictable timeline. Some children and adults are only now recognizing their need for support. The funding supports both students and staff, particularly teachers who are helping children process grief while managing their own emotions.

Sonerka Mouton, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, reported positive feedback from counselors regarding the program's impact on teachers. She stated that outside counseling is currently assisting students, while on-campus counselors have received specific training. The plan is to hire more staff based on the needs of both students and teachers. Mouton emphasized the connection between staff well-being and student outcomes. She said, “If our teachers aren’t healthy, then our students are not healthy.” She added that the program has helped heal the community daily.

The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country is collaborating with at least 13 nonprofits dedicated to mental health. One participating agency reported seeing approximately 20 new clients each month. The foundation said this effort is also serving as a model for how communities can respond to mental health needs following a disaster.