The Grace Center
  • HOME
  • ESCAPE
  • ABOUT
  • STRATEGIC PLAN
  • SCHATZE HAUS
  • Grace Ambassadors
  • Give Back
    • GIVE ONLINE
    • Amazon Wish List
  • Grace Center Events
    • LEGACY
    • BOOTS, BBQ & BIER
    • B.I.N.G.O
    • School Supplies Drive
  • VOLUNTEER
  • CONTACT US
  • NEWS
  • More
    • HOME
    • ESCAPE
    • ABOUT
    • STRATEGIC PLAN
    • SCHATZE HAUS
    • Grace Ambassadors
    • Give Back
      • GIVE ONLINE
      • Amazon Wish List
    • Grace Center Events
      • LEGACY
      • BOOTS, BBQ & BIER
      • B.I.N.G.O
      • School Supplies Drive
    • VOLUNTEER
    • CONTACT US
    • NEWS
The Grace Center
  • HOME
  • ESCAPE
  • ABOUT
  • STRATEGIC PLAN
  • SCHATZE HAUS
  • Grace Ambassadors
  • Give Back
    • GIVE ONLINE
    • Amazon Wish List
  • Grace Center Events
    • LEGACY
    • BOOTS, BBQ & BIER
    • B.I.N.G.O
    • School Supplies Drive
  • VOLUNTEER
  • CONTACT US
  • NEWS

History

Identifying a Need

 The vision for The Grace Center began with a shared belief: every person impacted by domestic violence deserves a safe place to heal.

Several years ago, the Gillespie County Ministerial Alliance (GCMA) identified a critical need for a domestic violence shelter in Fredericksburg. Around the same time, the City of Fredericksburg/Gillespie County Visioning Committee also prioritized the establishment of such a facility.

In May 2016, GCMA received a generous $25,000 gift from First Christian Church and committed to using the funds to help make this vision a reality. A major turning point came in January 2020, when a private donor enabled The Grace Center to purchase 2.25 acres of land in Fredericksburg, dedicated to building a shelter for survivors.

The Grace Center was officially chartered by the State of Texas on September 11, 2018, and recognized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit in April 2019.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of donors and supporters, our capital campaign successfully raised the funds needed to build a brand-new, 36-bed shelter—a beacon of hope for those in need. We officially opened our doors in August 2023. Just one month later, 27 residents, two dogs, and a guinea pig had already found refuge within our walls.

Today, ongoing donations and community-driven fundraising events support the day-to-day operations of the shelter and ensure that our services remain free and accessible to all.

At The Grace Center, we exist to provide not just safety, but also healing, dignity, and the opportunity to start again. Whether you give, volunteer, or simply share our mission, thank you for helping us break the cycle of domestic violence.

The Stats That Demand Change

    • 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the U.S. experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime.
      Texas ranks among the highest states for domestic violence-related homicides.
       
    • Over 75% of victims are harmed after they leave their abuser.


    • 1 in 5 women and 1 in 14 men in the U.S. have experienced rape or attempted rape.
       
    • Over 80% of sexual assaults are committed by someone the survivor knows.
       
    • Only 25% of sexual assaults are reported to police.


    • Nearly 5 children die each day from abuse or neglect in the U.S.
       
    • Over 60% of children exposed to domestic violence also experience abuse themselves.
       
    • Childhood exposure to violence significantly increases long-term mental health risks.


    •  Survivors of domestic violence are 3–5 times more likely to experience PTSD, anxiety, or depression.
       
    • Trauma without treatment often leads to substance abuse, self-harm, or homelessness.
       
    • Access to trauma-informed care is life-changing—and life-saving.


    • Nearly 1 in 3 teens report experiencing abuse in a dating relationship.
       
    • Abuse can include control, stalking, digital harassment, and physical violence.
       
    • Most teens never report it—many don’t realize it is abuse.


    •  Domestic violence impacts job performance, attendance, and safety.
       
    • Up to 21% of full-time employees have experienced IPV-related workplace issues.
       
    • Employers lose billions each year in productivity due to domestic violence.


    •  A woman is 5x more likely to be killed if her abuser has access to a firearm.
       
    • Firearms are the most common weapon used in intimate partner homicides.
       
    • Over 60% of mass shootings involve domestic violence.


    Learn More
    Hattie Heiner / Executive Director
    The Grace Center of Fredericksburg

    Hattie Heiner / Executive Director

     Hattie has served as the Grace Center’s Executive Director since July 2021. She has over 21 years of experience working in victim services at the local and statewide levels. She is a graduate from Texas Tech University where she earned her Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations. 

    THE GRACE CENTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    Whitney Koch / President

    Brianna Pradia / Vice President

    Brianna Pradia / Vice President

    Brianna Pradia / Vice President

    Brianna Pradia / Vice President

    Brianna Pradia / Vice President

    Mark Moellering / Treasurer

    Brianna Pradia / Vice President

    Mark Moellering / Treasurer

    Estela Avery

    Lt Trey Schnelle / Officer Liason

    Deborah Urbanski

    Deborah Urbanski

    Lt Trey Schnelle / Officer Liason

    Deborah Urbanski

    Lt Trey Schnelle / Officer Liason

    Lt Trey Schnelle / Officer Liason

    Lt Trey Schnelle / Officer Liason

    Tammy Vollmar

    Dr. Joe Rodriguez

    Tammy Vollmar

    John Wells

    Dr. Joe Rodriguez

    Tammy Vollmar

    Dr. Joe Rodriguez

    Dr. Joe Rodriguez

    Dr. Joe Rodriguez

    MH Deputy James Kruse / Officer Liason

    MH Deputy James Kruse / Officer Liason

    MH Deputy James Kruse / Officer Liason

    MH Deputy James Kruse / Officer Liason

    MH Deputy James Kruse / Officer Liason

    MH Deputy James Kruse / Officer Liason

    • HOME
    • ESCAPE
    • ABOUT
    • SCHATZE HAUS
    • LEGACY
    • VOLUNTEER
    • CONTACT US
    • NEWS

    The Grace Center

    Fredericksburg, TX 78624

    Copyright © 2025 The Grace Center - All Rights Reserved.  

    Security Alert!

    If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call or text 911 right away.

    Your safety is our priority.

    Escape