IMPACT REPORT
2024
INTRODUCTION
As we reflect on the 2024 year at River City Advocacy and Counseling Center (RCA), we are reminded of the profound impact of our mission of healing and hope and to provide compassionate, accessible, and effective mental health services to individuals and families in our community. Our commitment to empowering those affected by mental health challenges, reducing stigma, and fostering an environment of healing has guided every aspect of our work. This year, we continued our dedication to enhancing well-being, promoting mental health education, and ensuring equitable access to resources and support for all. O ur vision remains clear: to build a community where mental health is treated with the same care, understanding, and respect as physical health, and to be a leading provider of comprehensive mental health services. Through advocacy, education, and unwavering support, we are helping individuals at every stage of their mental health journey, ensuring they have the tools and resources they need to thrive. As we look ahead, we remain committed to breaking down barriers and creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to achieve emotional and psychological well-being.
On a personal note, I joined the Board of Directors at RCA in 2016 to help increase awareness of the programs offered to our community for those seeking mental health support. I also wanted to be an advocate for mental health support needs for our county and surrounding areas. Five years later, I began working for RCA to help us transition into our new building, our new way of work, post-pandemic, and of course to help increase our capacity to serve to match the growth in our area. Our growth over the last 3+ years in our new building has been amazing and we are so grateful for the support of our community, donors, foundations, partnering agencies and clients. We would not be able to serve as many as we have without your support.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart....
Amanda Hunt CEO / Executive Director
WHO WE ARE
River City Advocacy is dedicated to reducing the barriers to high quality mental health and peer support. Our services weren’t created for only those who can afford support, but for anyone who needs it, regardless of their ability to pay. The goal of River City Advocacy and Counseling Center is to bring healing and hope to all members of our community through affordable and accessible counseling and peer support. Learn more about our services to get started on your own healing journey.
Our Mission To bring healing and hope through counseling and peer support.
Our Vision To create a compassionate and caring community that embraces mental health and well-being.
2024 STRATEGIC GOALS ACCOMPLISHED
In 2024, several key strategic goals were successfully accomplished to strengthen the mission of the River City Advocacy and Counseling Center (RCA). One of the highlights was the design and launch of the first annual "Rhythm and Hope Concert," a signature fundraising event aimed at benefiting RCA's programs. This event was supported by the establishment of a dedicated board planning committee. Additionally, RCA expanded its network of partnerships with various organizations, including non-profits, Independent School Districts (ISDs), and specialty courts. This was formalized through the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and contracts. Notably, RCA partnered with the Comal Veterans Court and continues to partner with Mental Health Court, further enhancing its outreach and support for individuals in need. RCA also focused on maintaining and growing relationships with existing community partners through active outreach and engagement with regional businesses. These efforts helped increase awareness of RCA's services, leading to a rise in community support and furthering its mission to provide vital advocacy and counseling services.
PROJECTS
DETAILS
OUTCOME
Net $24,000 in proceeds that
!st annual Rhyhm and Hope Benefit Concert for RCA
Design a Signature Fundraising Event
benefitted 72 people receiving 4 hours of counseling Increased service reach that provided services to 10% more than previous year. Increased awareness of RCA services available, and increase in 10% more people served.
Increase Partnerships with non-profits, ISD’s, Specialty Courts Maintain and grow relationships with community partners
Formalized partnerships through MOU’s and Contracts
Active outreach & engagement with regional businesses
In 2024, we focused on broadening our outreach throughout Comal and surrounding counties, making sure that all communities have access to our mental health support services.
Ages we serve
We were able to serve a younger population this year by partnering with SJRC.
Not shown on graph:
10 youth served ages 0-10 44 seniors served ages 71+
66% Female 32% Male
20% 20%
20% 20%
478 Individual Counseling Clients / 7516 Appointments 168 Peer Support Participants / 1512 Hours of Group Support
$16.00
The average cost for clients who pay for services.
“It helps with my social anxiety and feeling accepted for who I am instead of what society says. There is no stigma here” Gerri
“I get a lot of support from others, its a good place to focus on self-care with arts and crafts” Michelle
$67 Gap
$83.00
Our cost for providing services to clients.
RCA’s Expanding Partnerships and Collaborations in 2024
In 2024, River City Advocacy and Counseling Center (RCA) significantly expanded its network of community partnerships to better serve those in need. These collaborations have allowed us to broaden the scope of our services and reach more individuals in our region. One of our most impactful partnerships this year has been with SJRC-Family Resource Center in New Braunfels . This critical alliance enables us to extend our services to families and children as young as six months old , a population we previously could not serve due to limited space at our main office. Recognizing the scarcity of mental health counseling options for young children in the area, we are now able to bridge this gap through this partnership. At this location, our team of two counselors provides vital services including family counseling, play therapy, and peer support to families and children in shelter care, those involved with CPS, and other families in need of mental health support. Additionally, we have strengthened our relationships with Laurel Plaza and Eden Heights, two affordable housing communities for seniors. Through these partnerships, we offer individual counseling, therapeutic art, and peer support services to seniors who face mobility challenges and are unable to visit our main office. These services are designed to address the mental health needs of seniors who may otherwise have limited access to care. RCA also partnered with Connections Individual and Family Services to host teen peer support groups, offering a safe space for teens receiving services from their organization. Furthermore, we established a strong partnership with RecoveryWerks!, focusing on resource referral for individuals with co-occurring mental health and addiction disorders.
We also began providing therapeutic art at First Footing, a local shelter for the un- housed. Our commitment to veterans has been bolstered through a partnership with the Comal County Veterans Court. Together, we provide individual counseling and Seeking Safety support groups for justice-involved veterans, helping them overcome mental health challenges and reduce the likelihood of recidivism. Finally, through our partnership with the City of New Braunfels, RCA was allocated CDBG-Covid funding to provide counseling services to those struggling with the long- term mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding has enabled us to offer critical mental health support to individuals impacted by the ongoing repercussions of the pandemic. These partnerships represent just a few of the ways RCA has worked in 2024 to increase access to mental health services and support a diverse range of individuals and families in our community. We are excited to continue expanding these collaborations to ensure that more people have the support they need to thrive.
River City Advocacy and Counseling Center Partners with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Gamma Alpha Chi Zeta Chapter for Volunteer Opportunities
River City Advocacy and Counseling Center has always been committed to providing compassionate care and support for individuals and families facing mental health challenges, and the partnership with Gamma Alpha Chi Zeta is an extension of this mission. Together, we are able to create opportunities for meaningful volunteerism and engagement in the community. In the past year, the Gamma Alpha Chi Zeta Chapter has generously supported RCA by volunteering at our Rhythm and Hope Benefit Concert, an annual event that raises funds to support mental health programs and services. Their support helped make the event a resounding success, demonstrating their dedication to community service and mental health advocacy. In addition to their volunteer efforts, RCA and the Gamma Alpha Chi Zeta Chapter have also collaborated to bring attention to the importance of mental well-being. As part of our ongoing commitment to mental health advocacy, RCA's Director of Counseling participated in a panel discussion hosted by the Gamma Alpha Chi Zeta Chapter. This panel focused on the critical issue of mental health and wellness, addressing common challenges, strategies for support, and resources available for individuals in need. This partnership in hosting a mental health- focused discussion is part of a broader effort to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health care and provide accessible information to individuals in the community. Both organizations share a belief in the importance of mental wellness, and by working together, we can ensure that those who need support feel empowered to seek help.
"When two organizations collaborate—one focused on mental health and counseling, and the other dedicated to uplifting and strengthening the community—they create a transformative force that nurtures both individual well-being and collective growth, empowering people to heal, thrive, and contribute to a more resilient and connected community. This is why the women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Gamma Alpha Chi Zeta Chapter, decided to partner with River City Advocacy because our desire to elevate awareness about mental health and dismantle the stigmas surrounding mental health and River City Advocacy's work bringing affordable assistance and hope to our community is a win-win for everyone we serve."
Gamma Alpha Chi Zeta Dr. Shakyra Simpson-Thomas Chapter President
In Memory of Donald Guenther, Founder of River City Advocacy and Counseling Center
Thus, River City Advocacy, Inc. was born. In 2001, RCA was granted 501(c)(3) status, and Don officially became the Executive Director. His vision for the organization was clear: to provide support, education, and advocacy for individuals living with mental health challenges in the community. Don’s leadership, alongside his wife and their shared commitment to RCA’s mission, helped secure early funding and set RCA on the path toward growth. In 2003, RCA received its first grant of $1,500 from Texas Mental Health Consumers, which allowed the organization to purchase office supplies and establish a more professional presence. The success continued, with RCA receiving a $24,000 grant in 2004, which enabled the nonprofit to rent office space and pay for a small salary. With continued support from organizations like United Way and the McKenna Foundation, RCA blossomed under Don’s leadership. Though Don retired in 2005, he remained a steadfast advocate for RCA, transitioning to a role on the Board of Directors. He served as Board Emeritus until his passing, offering his guidance and support to the organization he helped build. His unwavering dedication to mental health advocacy, his kindness, and his ability to inspire others will never be forgotten. In honor of Don’s incredible legacy, we encourage those who wish to pay tribute to him to consider making a donation to River City Advocacy and Counseling Center or volunteering to help further the mission he worked so tirelessly to establish. Thank you, Don, for your vision, your leadership, and your dedication to our community. You will be missed, but never forgotten. The growing demand for mental health support in the area became undeniable, and in 2000, Donald secured a grant from Texas Mental Health Consumers to establish a nonprofit.
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Donald Guenther, the beloved founder and former Executive Director of River City Advocacy and Counseling Center (RCA). Donald passed away in early 2024 after a long-term illness, leaving behind a legacy of service, compassion, and a profound commitment to mental health advocacy. Donald’s journey with RCA began in the late 1990s, when his passion for supporting individuals affected by mental illness and removing the stigma around mental health
led him to create something truly transformative. As a volunteer with
AmeriCorps from 1995 to 1998, Donald dedicated his time to various community projects, including a nonprofit community awareness fair and a mental health support group that, planted the seeds for the work that would follow. In 1999, Donald met the Executive Director of Texas Mental Health Consumers and collaborated with the director of local MHMR (Mental Health and Mental Retardation) to start a free support group in New Braunfels. This initiative quickly gained traction, with up to 30 individuals attending the support groups at local venues such as the library.
Join Us in Making a IMPACT in our community...
Volunteer for our Board of Directors
At River City Advocacy and Counseling Center (RCA), we provide vital mental health services and support to individuals and families. We are seeking dedicated Board Members and Volunteers to help us further our mission. Board Members: Lead & Impact Change We’re looking for passionate individuals to guide RCA’s future. As a Board Member, you’ll: Provide leadership and strategic direction. Support fundraising and community outreach. Advocate for mental health awareness. Ideal candidates should have experience in nonprofit governance or expertise in areas like mental health, law, finance, or fundraising. Volunteers: Empower Change Volunteers are key to our success. You can: Assist with community outreach and events. Facilitate support groups and workshops. Offer administrative or logistical support. Whether you can give a few hours a week or a month, your contribution will directly impact lives in our community.
Jerry Sauceda Board President
Why Get Involved? Make a Difference: Support mental health initiatives. Personal Growth: Gain valuable experience and skills. Community Impact: Help build a healthier, more inclusive community.
Build Connections: Join a network of passionate, like-minded individuals.
If you're ready to get involved, contact us at Development@rivercityadvocacy.org or visit our website, rivercityadvocacy.org . We look forward to hearing from you!
On a warm evening in New Braunfels, the community came together for River City Advocacy and Counseling Center's (RCA) first annual Rhythm and Hope Benefit Concert at the Guadalupe Brewing Company. The event, featuring the high-energy sounds of The Spazmatics, was a resounding success, raising nearly $24,000 to support RCA's mission of providing mental health counseling, advocacy, and peer support to individuals and families in need.
Rhythm and Hope 2025
For tickets and sponsorship opportunities click the QR Code
The funds raised through the Rhythm and Hope Benefit Concert are crucial in expanding the reach of RCA’s mental health services. Nearly $24,000 will directly support programs that provide counseling, advocacy, and peer support to those facing mental health challenges. These funds are especially vital in supporting programs that do not have dedicated funding sources, allowing RCA to continue offering essential services to underserved populations. In addition to sustaining current services, the concert proceeds will also help expand RCA’s reach by enabling the addition of more counselors at RCA's satellite locations. This expansion is a significant step forward in ensuring that mental health services are accessible to individuals and families across the region, particularly those who may not have easy access to our main office. RCA is deeply grateful to all those who contributed to the success of the Rhythm and Hope Benefit Concert, from attendees and donors to the sponsors and volunteers who made the event possible. Special thanks go to Guadalupe Brewing Company for hosting the event in their fantastic venue and to The Spazmatics for providing the entertainment that kept the crowd dancing all night long. This event would not have been successful without the incredible support of our community, and we are excited to continue this tradition in the years to come. As RCA continues to grow and expand, we remain committed to providing compassionate care, advocacy, and support for those facing mental health challenges—and this concert was just the beginning of what promises to be a long-standing partnership with the people of New Braunfels and beyond. Thank you again to everyone who helped make the first annual Rhythm and Hope Benefit Concert a night to remember, with special thanks to our sponsors, Huddleston Insurance, NB ER, San Antonio Behavioral Health, Shipley Donuts, Frost Bank, Forever 15, 9 Rounds, Frenchies, Top Flight Realty, and McKenna Foundation.
Art as Therapy While Building Community
At River City Advocacy and Counseling Center, we believe in the transformative power of art as a language for connection and healing. Our therapeutic art room, open to the public Monday through Thursday from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM, offers a welcoming space where individuals can explore creativity as a path to emotional well-being. Through various art modalities— including painting, sewing, jewelry making, drawing, pottery, poetry, music, and more—participants engage in meaningful self-expression while receiving peer support and mentorship. In this nurturing environment, we foster a sense of community and resilience, providing opportunities for individuals to connect, share experiences, and celebrate milestones such as birthdays and holidays. By embracing the healing potential of art, we help those struggling with mental health challenges find hope, strength, and a deeper sense of belonging. The art room is not only a place for creative exploration, but a space where individuals can heal, grow, and build the resilience needed to navigate life’s challenges.
On behalf of everyone at River City Advocacy and Counseling Center (RCA), we want to express our deepest gratitude for your generous support. We thank our sponsors, individual donors, local businesses, foundations, government and corporate supporters. Whether through donations, volunteer efforts, or advocacy, you have played an integral role in helping us fulfill our mission to provide compassionate care and resources for individuals and families facing mental health challenges. This past year, with your continued investment in our programs, we’ve been able to make a profound impact in our community. Together, we’ve expanded access to mental health services, launched new initiatives, and supported those in need of counseling, advocacy, and support. Your contributions—whether financial, time, or resources—have helped us create safe spaces for healing, raise awareness about mental wellness, and break down the stigma surrounding mental health care. As we reflect on all that we’ve achieved, we recognize that none of this would be possible without you. Your belief in our mission and your commitment to improving the lives of those we serve is truly inspiring. We are especially grateful for the many partnerships we’ve forged with other community organizations, businesses, and individuals who have worked alongside us. Your trust and collaboration have allowed us to amplify our reach and ensure that mental health care is accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. As we move into another year of service, we remain committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of those who rely on us. Your continued support will be essential as we expand our programs, enhance our services, and advocate for those who need it most. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being a part of the River City Advocacy and Counseling Center family. Your generosity fuels our work, and together, we are building a healthier, more compassionate community.
With gratitude and appreciation,
The Board of Directors, Staff, and Volunteers River City Advocacy and Counseling Center
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Visit us at: 1614 West San Antonio St. New Braunfels, TX 78130 Call us at: 830-643-0200 To access services: https://rivercityadvocacy.org
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