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The Bastrop County Long Term Recovery Team was recently awarded Non-Profit of the Year by the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce.
BCLTRT was acknowledged for their various acts of community service, such as providing relief after last year’s Rolling Pines forest fire, aiding with COVID-19 related issues and addressing local food insecurity.
BCLTRT was established in 2011 in direct response to the wildfire set ablaze at Bastrop State Park, which was one of the most destructive wildfires in Texas history.
BCLTRT executive director Sheila Lowe said she wanted to offer disaster relief on a local level. Although national organizations like American Red Cross supplied some assistance in times of crisis, immediate and thorough assistance within the community was a void she felt obligated to fill.
Lowe and her team help uninsured and underinsured families who have been affected by natural or man-made disasters through case management and connecting victims with the right resources. They help repair or rebuild damaged homes, address health and safety concerns and provide emotional support.
Since 2011, BCLTRT has provided relief after countless events like the 2015 Memorial weekend flood, Hidden Pines fire, Hurricane Harvey and the 2022 Elgin tornado. Lowe said she and her colleagues were honored to receive the award after putting the community first for over 10 years.
Lowe believes BCLTRT earned this award by going above and beyond what a normal disaster relief organization does. In addition to responding to disasters, BCLTRT has partnered with Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry, delivering food to senior citizens and fighting to end local hunger.
They also set up a COVID-19 emergency hotline in March 2022, answering various questions regarding testing, mandates and other inquiries.
Lowe believes preparation and constant communication with the proper organizations are the key to being a successful nonprofit of their kind.
