Mercy Gate Ministries will bring its inaugural Hope in the Hill Country fundraising event to Bandera on Monday, Oct. 12, giving area residents an opportunity to hear firsthand about the organization’s work with women and families affected by sex trafficking and exploitation and learn more about its plans for Bandera County.
The event is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Bandera Brewery, 3540 Texas 16.
Mercy Gate, a faithbased nonprofit founded in Kerr County, opened its Bandera office in 2025 and is building long-term programs and support services specifically for residents of Bandera County.
While the organization serves communities throughout the Hill Country, Mercy Gate said funds raised through its Bandera efforts stay in Bandera County and directly support programs and services for women and families in the community.
“When [people] give in Bandera, that support stays here,” Executive Director and co-founder Chae Spencer said. “We are investing in Bandera County and building something that will serve this community for the long term.”
Mercy Gate’s Bandera expansion has received support from the Albert & Margaret Alkek Foundation, the Kronkosky Charitable Foundation and a private donor whose support helped make the opening of the Bandera office possible.
Mercy Gate says the local office provides a point of access for women and families who need support and connects them with Mercy Gate’s services and community resources.
The organization’s work includes advocacy, mentorship, counseling, court advocacy, jail ministry and other support for women who have experienced trafficking, sexual exploitation or abuse.
Mercy Gate also works with local agencies, churches and other organizations to coordinate resources and identify gaps in services.
The organization participates in the Bandera County Interagency Coalition, which brings together community organizations and agencies working to address local needs.
The organization has said its goal in Bandera extends beyond maintaining a local office. Mercy Gate is working to develop programs and services tailored to the needs of Bandera County and hopes to eventually provide housing locally for women in need.
The Hope in the Hill Country event is intended to give the community a closer look at that work.
Attendees will hear about the impact of Mercy Gate’s programs, the women and families being served and the organization’s plans for its continued work in Bandera County.
The event also will provide an opportunity for residents to learn how they can support the organization’s local efforts.
The organization also operates a jail ministry, connecting mentors with women in local jails, including women who have experienced exploitation but later became involved in the criminal justice system.
Mercy Gate’s church partners in the area have included Ridin’ the River Cowboy Church, Bandera Christ Chapel Church, Medina Community Church, Gateway Fellowship Church and Walker Community Church.
The Hope in the Hill Country event is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, at Bandera Brewery.
More information about the event and registration is available through Mercy Gate Ministries at mercygateministries. com.
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When [people] give in Bandera, that support stays here. We are investing in Bandera County and building something that will serve this community for the long term.”
— Chae Spencer, Mercy Gate Executive Director and co-founder
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