Help & Hope after Central Texas Floods
In the wake of the devastating flash floods that struck the Texas Hill Country over the July 4th weekend, our hearts are with every family, student, and community affected. The loss of life, including beloved campers and counselors at Camp Mystic, is deeply felt across the state.
At Catch Up & Read, we believe in supporting children not only through literacy, but also through life’s most difficult moments. Grief can deeply affect a child’s ability to learn and thrive, which is why we’re sharing trusted resources to offer comfort, connection, and healing. If you or a child you care about is grieving, you are not alone—help is available.
Resources for Children, Families, and Educators
Grief looks different for every child. These North Texas organizations offer compassionate, no-cost support:
The WARM Place – Peer support groups and guidance for grieving children.
Revolve Wellness Collective (Preston Center, Dallas) – Free group counseling led by clinicians specializing in grief, loss, and trauma. Call/text (214) 620-0727.
Grief & Loss Center of North Texas – Free therapy groups for children, teens, and adults.
Children’s Health – Free virtual behavioral health visits for all ages through August 31. Download their Virtual Visit app and use code TXFLOOD.
Momentous Institute – Tools, videos, and resources to help families and educators support children experiencing trauma after a natural disaster.
Sissy Goff – Counselor & Author – Podcasts, articles, and printable guides that help children name and navigate their grief.
Room for Change (Multiple Dallas locations) – Trauma-informed therapy and support for children, teens, and families navigating grief and other life transitions.
Storybooks to Help Talk About Loss
Reading can help children process grief in gentle, age-appropriate ways. Here are a few books we recommend:
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst – Reassures children that love keeps us connected even when someone is gone (ages 4–10).
The Memory Tree by Britta Teckentrup – A gentle tale in which forest friends keep memories alive by growing a tree (ages 4–8).
En todas partes y en cualquier lugar by Pimm van Hest, Sassafras De Bruyn – A poetic story that helps children understand grief and reminds them that the people we love always stay with us in some way (ages 5–10).
EL PÁJARO MUERTO by Margaret Wise Brown – A tender, honest story that helps children process the death of a small bird and explore early feelings of grief (ages 4–8).
Feel free to share these titles with any caregiver or educator who might need a starting point for conversation.
Ways to Help Right Now
The Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, is providing direct aid to families and first responders. Even a modest gift can make a meaningful difference for those impacted. Learn more and give here.
Our Commitment
Catch Up & Read will continue to stand with our partner schools and educators as they help students process this tragedy. If your campus or household needs literacy materials that address trauma, or if you are looking for ways to help children process grief through reading, we are here to help.
Thank you for holding space for healing, for showing compassion, and for standing with communities who need us now more than ever.