March 19, 2003

KERRVILLE— The Cailloux Foundation announced that $603,000 in grants have been awarded during the first quarter of 2003. The awards range in size from $15,000 to $200,000.

 Kerr Interfaith Disaster Response (KIDR) in Kerrville, TX, was awarded $200,000 to assist disadvantaged families affected by last year’s flooding in Kerr County. KIDR was borne out of a task force formed when city leaders and members of area faith organizations met to discuss long-term recovery efforts for those affected by the flood of 2002. The group was organized as a permanent entity in order to be better prepared for future disasters. KIDR recently commissioned a door-to-door survey by the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee of Grand Rapids, MI, that identified 43 low-income families in need. In order to be returned to pre-flood conditions, some homes need major repairs. These homes may need foundation work, exterior siding, mold remediation, drywall replacement, or new flooring. Some families lost their furniture.

 “We understand that other resources for assistance have been exhausted and that there are still people in need. Traditional crisis intervention organizations and housing groups are not equipped to provide the kind of relief that these families now require. KIDR Executive Director Tom Jones will help these homeowners work with contractors to get their homes repaired,” said Cailloux Foundation Program Director Betty Vernon.

 The Foundation provided an $186,000 grant to the Bandera County Helping Hands Center in Bandera, TX, to help construct and maintain a 6,000 square foot facility on a new site. The organization was chartered in 1984 by area churches to provide a safety net for families in crisis. They provide emergency food, clothing, school supplies, diapers, glasses, fans, heaters, wheelchairs, counseling, and vouchers to help pay for utilities or transportation needs. The organization needs a new structure to house program activities, offices, and its thrift store. Their building was destroyed by floodwaters from the Medina River last summer.

 A $135,000 grant was awarded to the Bandera Sports Complex (BSC) in Bandera to help build and maintain a T-ball field, a softball field, two baseball fields, and a concession stand. The organization was chartered in 2001 to serve the Bandera, Lakehills, Pipe Creek, and Medina areas. Flooding in 2002 destroyed most of the sports fields in Bandera. The new fields will be built on a 30-acre tract of land near Mansfield Park that was donated to the organization. The new fields are out of the 500-year flood plain.

 The Library Club of Menard in Menard, TX was awarded $50,000 to help construct and maintain a new library that will serve more than 2,000 residents in the area. The organization was established in 1934 as an information center for the area. The old house that has served as home to the Library since 1963 is now inadequate for current programs. The new facility will have a larger general collection area, a reading room for children, a computer center, a history and genealogy area, a spacious public meeting room, and a comprehensive research and reference room.  

Kerrville Little League of Kerrville was awarded $17,000 to repair flood damage and purchase a lawnmower and batting tunnels for the upcoming season. Volunteers established the organization in 1953. They operate seven fields for baseball and softball programs that are utilized by approximately 575 young people each year. Flooding destroyed or damaged fences on five fields. A substantial amount of dirt and turf was lost on the fields. The concession stand, electrical system, irrigation system, and septic system, as well as roads and parking areas were damaged.

 The Foundation awarded a $15,000 grant for operating funds to Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) in Kerrville. The organization was established as a satellite division of BBBS-San Antonio in 1997. BBBS matches adult volunteers to children from single parent homes to improve their school performance, relationships, and self-confidence. They currently have 18 children matched and several waiting for a mentor.  

 Floyd A. and Kathleen C. Cailloux created The Cailloux Foundation in 1994. The Foundation’s mission is to perpetuate their vision through the betterment of individual lives, with emphasis on the needs of disadvantaged children. Mr. Cailloux was co-founder of Keystone International and was instrumental in the company becoming a leader in the manufacturing and marketing of industrial valves for general industry. In 1981, Mr. and Mrs. Cailloux moved from Houston to Kerrville, Texas where they became very involved in charitable endeavors in the Texas Hill Country and around the state. The Foundation continues these endeavors by quietly awarding grants to eligible nonprofit organizations mainly in the Hill Country.

 The application process for the Foundation consists of an initial letter of inquiry from a nonprofit organization to help Foundation staff determine if a project fits within its guidelines. If a project does fit the guidelines, a full grant application is provided for the agency to complete. Please read the application process section on this site for more information regarding inquiries to the Foundation. n