My name is Melanie, and I am a nurse practitioner here in the Austin area. I used to attend Hill Country with my parents. I am currently attending another church here in Austin. I wanted to let you know about the generosity and kindness that I have recently received on behalf of some of your members. I currently work in two nursing homes here in the Austin area for which I am the primary care provider for about 80 mostly elderly people. I have not been treating any COVID- positive people, and we are all doing our best to keep the virus away from these patients. But because of the virus, we have been having significant problems stocking supplies that we use on a regular basis like masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer. I put out a call on my personal Facebook to anyone who might have any of these items and would be willing to part with them.

The first call I received was from Joe Enriquez, the Hill Country Facility Manager. He offered me three large bottles of hand santizier, a box of gloves and about a dozen N95 masks that the church had stored. My dad was kind enough to pick up these supplies and bring them to me at the nursing home. My mom asked some Hill Country members and friends of hers for help, and they were kind enough to sew 97 homemade face masks. One for each of the employees at my nursing home. While that might not seem like a lot of supplies to some, we are eternally grateful for these gifts. I wanted to pass on the thanks from myself and the staff. Hill Country is showing the love of Christ to the least of these by donating, making masks, staying home, and distancing as much as possible. 

My facility is currently doing okay on supplies at this time thanks to your members and other organizations who have been so kind to us. The Church has the power to enact a lot much good in this world, and I'm grateful I got to witness a small part of that good myself. Thanks for all that you are doing!

Our COVID-19 Volunteers are helping to meet needs within our community daily! Amy runs Faith Home Restoration, a safe place for recovering homeless women in Austin. She's also in the high-risk category during the COVID-19 pandemic. When her lawnmower broke down, she reached out, and Jim stepped up to help.

He and his Nephew Kevin mowed Amy's large front and back lawns, moved mulch and plants, and swept her driveway. A simple act, but something small like that is a huge help in these difficult times. Amy prayed for Jim and Kevin when they were done – from a safe distance of course. If you're in need during this time, or you're in a position to help others, reach out to us to get connected! 

Glenna was working a high-pressure job that she enjoyed; however, over time she realized that her job was becoming her identity and she was missing on her daughter’s lives. And while she was making a good income, she wasn’t stewarding her money well. Then, through Hill Country, she participated in Financial Peace University, which was a life-changing experience. Watch her powerful story. 

Being a single mother for the past 10 years, I’ve lived paycheck-to-paycheck, struggling to make ends meet. Every year, I’d face an obstacle such as needing a new air conditioner or having to cover an unexpected medical expense. It made it so frustrating to effectively manage my finances. I often wondered if I’d ever make enough money to live comfortably and securely. Thanks to Financial Peace University, I now have a healthier and happier relationship with money. In fact, instead of feeling trapped by my budget, I feel like it’s actually set me free!

Not only do I account for every dollar I spend, I’m also embracing the philosophy of the debt snowball. It's the polar opposite of how I was approaching my debt before. So far, I’ve cut up 13 credit cards and paid off four of my eight debts. I’ve never felt more empowered and excited about my future, as I celebrate every step in my journey. My Financial Peace University experience has absolutely changed my life!

I now have money earmarked for entertainment and treats for my daughter, and I can enjoy spending this money completely guilt-free.

My plan is to be debt-free by September 2021. I’m finally on the right path, and I know I’ll make it.

A woman found herself alone after her husband left her and her girls, needing to find a place to live. Struggling not only financially, but also spiritually, she needed — and reached out for — help. That’s when the support of Hill Country helped change the trajectory of her life.  Watch this powerful story.