Rural Reckoning: Weaving Connection, Healing, and Action Across Central Texas

By Krystal Grimes

On April 24th, in the heart of downtown Austin, something special unfolded.

Our Rural Reckoning: The Unseen Threads of Change and Action gathering brought together over 65 community catalysts, health champions, and organizational leaders from across Central Texas. What began as a modest, intentional convening bloomed into a powerful testament to what’s possible when rural voices are centered, heard, and honored.

We hosted two dynamic panel discussions. In the first, we explored the disproportionate challenges that persist in rural communities, directly from those who live and lead in them. These weren’t abstract conversations; they were rooted in the lived experience of pastors, youth leaders, advocates, and organizers who are actively creating space for justice, healing, and transformation in our counties. Panel two lifted the lens of advocacy, how each of us, no matter our role or background, can co-create systems that are just, resilient, and rooted in collective well-being.

As groups gathered around key rural needs from housing and mental health to transportation and self-care, they named the gaps they see in their communities and the gifts they personally bring to address them. What emerged was a vibrant exchange of stories, strategy, and solidarity.

We didn’t just talk- we connected. Tangible partnerships were sparked. Ripples were made. Relationships formed across organizational lines, across sectors, across county borders; building bridges that will carry our work forward.

We’re proud to say that leaders from United Way, St. David’s Foundation, Greater Fayette Community Foundation, Georgetown Health Foundation, the Austin Area Agency on Aging, local churches, nonprofit organizations, family resource centers, and many others showed up with intention and heart.

The event exceeded our expectations, not because of size, but because of depth. We kept it small on purpose, because we believe that authentic connection is the soil where lasting change grows.

This is just the beginning. As part of the CTX Health and Wellbeing Network, HEAL Alliance is committed to deepening these new relationships, supporting the vision of community catalysts in Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, and Williamson counties, and creating the infrastructure for rural collaboration that heals, uplifts, and sustains.

The answer is in the network. And that network is growing!!!