Originally published in Liberty Hill Independent Aug 20, 2025 by Rachel Madison Owner/Publisher. View the story on their website here.
When disaster hits, it’s often the brave – military veterans, first responders and volunteers – who jump into action. But what happens when those heroes themselves need help? That’s where Sheep Dog Impact Assistance steps in.
Founded by retired Marine Sgt. Major Lance Nutt, the Arkansas-based nonprofit helps veterans, first responders and their families dealing with PTSD, physical injuries and the challenge of reintegrating into civilian life. Their solution? Get them active and engaged through adventurous activities and meaningful service.
One of their key missions is disaster response. When floods swept through Central Texas, including Liberty Hill, over 80 volunteers from 17 states answered the call to help clear debris, clean homes and provide hope.
Dallas resident Giovanni Palavicini, a disaster response ambassador with Sheep Dog Impact Assistance, said his group based themselves at River Ranch Inn in Liberty Hill on County Road 279. For five days, “sheep dogs” cut through fallen trees and debris to help families regain access to their homes.
One family they helped was CR and Gayle Williamson, who live on County Road 215.
“The Williamson family’s front door ended up 500 yards away in the creek bed from the floodwaters,” Palavicini said.
Other teams mucked out flooded homes, helped with mold remediation and meticulously cleaned and stored belongings, preserving memories and dignity for those affected.
Local support was vital. Kendra Cofer, founder of nonprofit organization L4 Cares, connected the team with a donor who provided furniture and household items for families like the Williamsons. Custom home builders Dustin and Cassie Currant helped spread the word online, sharing needs and addresses to coordinate aid.
Community leaders helped facilitate needed supplies, while the Highland Oaks neighborhood organized meal trains, providing breakfast and dinner to volunteers each day. Even local businesses like Texas Taco Kitchen, which donated meals, and RJ Industries, which donated portable restrooms, pitched in.
Palavicini and the team followed waterways like Bear Creek in Liberty Hill, visiting homes along the most damaged county roads.
“We weren’t’ just there to clean up,” Palavicini said. “We were there to give people hope and show them they’re not alone.”
Sheep Dog Impact Assistance often deploys in the second week after a disaster, allowing the local community time to handle immediate needs before providing sustained support.
“For the volunteers, this work is healing too,” Palavicini added. “It helps them process their own experiences through serving others.”
As disasters like floods continue to affect communities across the U.S., the Sheep Dog Impact Assistance group remains ready to help.
“We keep every disaster on our radar,” Palavicini said. “Our goal is to be a dependable resource – ready to serve wherever and whenever we’re needed.”
In Liberty Hill, their efforts have been a beacon of resilience and unity – a reminder that even in the darkest times, hope and healing come from coming together.
“We want everyone to know they’re not alone,” Palavicini said. “Together, we can rebuild and recover.”