From Crisis to Connection: How Bastrop’s Nonprofits Step Up in Hard Times

When disaster strikes or hardship hits, Bastrop County doesn’t just weather the storm—it rallies. Whether it’s a flood, wildfire, food insecurity, or a personal crisis, local nonprofits consistently rise to meet the moment. Their efforts don’t just provide relief—they restore hope, dignity, and human connection.

This is the story of how Bastrop’s nonprofit organizations have become the heart of community resilience—turning crisis into connection one act of service at a time.

🌪️ Responding to Disaster with Compassion

From the historic Bastrop Complex Fires in 2011 to more recent floods, Bastrop County has seen its share of natural disasters. In these moments, organizations like the Bastrop Long-Term Recovery Team (BLTRT) have provided everything from emergency shelter to home rebuilding and emotional support.

“Our mission begins when the cameras leave,” says Shelia Jackson Lowe, Executive Director of BLTRT. “We stay long after the first responders are gone—because recovery takes time, and so does healing.”

Through case management, volunteer coordination, and partnerships with churches and businesses, BLTRT embodies the strength of a networked community. Their work proves that recovery isn’t just about restoring buildings—it’s about rebuilding lives.

🥫 Fighting Hunger, One Family at a Time

Economic hardship doesn’t always make the headlines, but for many Bastrop families, it’s a daily battle. The Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry steps into that gap, ensuring that no one has to choose between groceries and gas money.

“We provide more than food,” says Executive Director Tresha Silva. “We offer dignity. We offer a listening ear. We offer hope.”

From fresh produce distributions to nutrition classes and financial literacy workshops, the Food Pantry goes beyond charity. It’s a place of empowerment, where people leave not only with a full bag, but a renewed sense of stability.

💜 Supporting Survivors & Mental Health

In times of personal trauma—like domestic violence, sexual assault, or housing insecurity—organizations such as the Family Crisis Center and CASA of Bastrop, Fayette & Lee Counties become lifelines.

Through shelter, advocacy, court-appointed guardianship for children, and 24/7 crisis lines, these nonprofits offer safety and support when it's needed most.

"Every child deserves a voice," says Kristi Bauer, CASA Program Director. "And every survivor deserves to know they’re not alone."

Mental health support is also growing thanks to initiatives like Keep Us Strong, LLC, which partners with community members and local clinics to promote awareness, access, and culturally competent care in underserved areas. Smithville Community Clinic is a free and charitable clinic in Smithville, TX offering medical, dental, and mental healthcare to Bastrop County residents.

🤝 Nonprofits as Community Connectors

What unites these organizations isn’t just the services they provide—it’s the way they connect people to community. They know that in the middle of chaos, human connection is often the most healing force.

Through volunteer events, support groups, mentoring, and grassroots leadership, Bastrop’s nonprofits don’t just serve—they build bridges. They create space for neighbors to become allies, and for those in crisis to become agents of their own recovery.

📣 How You Can Help

Want to turn compassion into action? Here are a few ways to get involved:

• Volunteer your time with a local nonprofit.

• Donate food, funds, or supplies during seasonal drives.

• Share community resources with neighbors in need.

• Attend events like benefit concerts, awareness walks, or service days.

• Advocate for policies and programs that strengthen the nonprofit sector.

❤️ A County That Cares

In Bastrop County, crisis doesn’t mean collapse—it’s often the catalyst for connection. From wildfire survivors to single parents, from veterans to vulnerable youth, no one walks alone thanks to the passionate people behind the scenes.

The nonprofits of Bastrop remind us that resilience isn’t just an individual trait—it’s a collective one. And in the toughest times, it’s our connection to one another that carries us through.