Giving Back Archives - SouthStar Bank, S.S.B.

by SouthStar BankJuly 7, 2025

Resources for Texas Communities Following the July 2025 Floods

Our hearts go out to the families and communities impacted by the devastating flooding in Central Texas this past weekend. SouthStar Bank stands ready to support those in need during this difficult time. We are committed to being a resource for our neighbors. Please note that law enforcement officials are asking the public not to self-deploy for relief efforts. However, there are many safe and meaningful ways to get involved. Below is a list of resources for everyone impacted or wanting to help during this difficult time. Residents Impacted by the Floods FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Association): Disaster assistance customer service at 800-621-3362, or by registering online at www.disasterassistance.gov. DR-4879-TX Texas Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding Information Disaster Distress Helpline – Call or text 1-800-985-5990 Texas Disaster Portal at disaster.texas.gov. Check Road Conditions: DriveTexas.org Flooding Resources: TexasFlood.org‍ Flood Safety Tips: Ready.gov/floods‍ Call 2-1-1 for information on evacuation shelters, or visit tdem.texas.gov/shelter‍ Homeowners Impacted by the Floods 3 steps homeowners should take after a natural disaster: Talk to a housing counselor at no cost to you by calling 1-855-HERE2HELP or schedule an appointment. Contact your insurance company Contact your mortgage loan servicer How To Help The Red Cross The Salvation Army Austin Pets Alive! World Central Kitchen SouthStar Bank Relief Fund Assistance for Small Business Owners SBA Disaster assistance: SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. SouthStar Bank Relief Fund SouthStar Bank has opened two accounts dedicated to relief efforts for communities in Kerr and Williamson County impacted by the recent floods. Donations can be made in person or, if you prefer, by check, payable to SouthStar Bank. All 16 SouthStar Bank branches will accept donations through July 31. Locations within Williamson County include Georgetown and Leander, and within Kerr County, the Kerrville branch. SouthStar Bank has initiated fundraising efforts by making a $2,500 donation to both the Kerr County and Williamson County Relief Funds. For more information, contact your local SouthStar Bank branch. Be Aware of Fraud & Scams How To Avoid Scams After Weather Emergencies and Natural Disasters Frequently Asked Questions About Disasters How to/Where to report a scam Charity and Disaster Fraud Change of Address: If you need to update your address, please use the United States Postal Service website or visit a post office to make any necessary changes.

Bank News, Giving Back

by SouthStar BankApril 22, 2019

SouthStar Bank Pledges up to $25k in Franklin Relief Funds

SouthStar Bank has opened an account dedicated to relief efforts for the Franklin tornado and pledges to match contributions up to $25,000. Many of the Bank’s team members reside in Franklin and have seen firsthand the tragedy of the situation. “It’s sad to see the destruction, but I’m more proud every day to live in Franklin. Everyone is coming out to help where they can,” says Franklin Branch Executive Justen Salcido. The SouthStar Bank Board of Directors, led by Chairman Paris Schindler of Houston, came together and agreed that the bank would make a contribution for the benefit of the community, and hope that the match incentive will help to raise $50,000 in relief efforts. Funds will remain within the local community to best serve those affected. If you wish to make a donation by check, it should be made out to Franklin Tornado Victims Relief. Debit or credit card donations can also be processed over the phone, please call SouthStar Bank Franklin at 979.828.4168. The following information will be required for debit or credit transactions: Name on card, amount, card number, expiration date, billing zip code, security code, street or box #, and the donor’s email or cell phone number for purposes of sending a receipt. All 15 SouthStar Bank branches will accept donations through May 10. Locations within Robertson County include Bremond, Calvert, Franklin and Hearne. For more information, contact the SouthStar Bank Franklin Branch at 979.828.4168.

Bank News, Event, Giving Back

by SouthStar BankAugust 27, 2018

SouthStar Bank Establishes Star Warriors Project

Members of SouthStar Bank bring smiles to patients with free Build-A-Bear parties through the Star Warrior’s Project at Texas Children’s Hospital in the renowned Houston Medical Center. Over 200 free bears were distributed to children and families in the first three months of the Star Warriors Project operations. The Build-A-Bear Workshop booth is sponsored by SouthStar Bank and located inside the lobby of Wallace Tower each month. Children currently undergoing treatments in the Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers are invited to build their own bear. The Star Warriors Project was created and funded by SouthStar Bank with hopes of bringing joy to the families, who without doubt, are going through tough times. The bank is excited to announce four additional party dates, once each month through the end of the year. Allyson Brown, project founder and SouthStar Bank Board Member, says, “I really want to bring joy to the children experiencing such adult pain and allow the Star in each child to shine bright.” Each teddy bear is customized by the children; everything from their outfits, the hearts that go inside and even the recording that plays when you press the bear’s paw. “Parents often times record a personal saying for their child to hear,” says Shelley Barineau, Star Warriors Volunteer and Texas Children’s Hospital Advisory Board Member. “It really makes the whole experience extra special.” The next date for the Star Warriors Project is scheduled on September 13th in the lobby of Wallace Tower. To view more photos from the Star Warriors Project, visit Facebook.com/SouthStarBank.

Bank News, Giving Back, Press Release

by SouthStar BankMay 1, 2016

SouthStar Bank Awards $10,000 Community Reinvestment Grant to Hill Country Conservancy

SouthStar Bank today announced it has awarded a $10,000 community reinvestment grant to the Hill Country Conservancy. The group was one of five nominated for the award. The funds will be used to enhance and expand The Violet Crown Trail, the first regional trail system in Central Texas. After years of land acquisition and planning, the first segment is now open and the trail is on its way to becoming the longest urban trail in Central Texas. “The Violet Crown Trail is many things to many people: recreation, transportation, nature study, family, walking, biking and more. It is also a place for community service and appreciation of the Texas landscape our early settlers called home. This generous grant from SouthStar Bank will help connect people and places through the longest urban trail in the region.” Heidi Cohn, Director of Development, Hill Country Conservancy. “As a true independent, Texas-based community bank we put the funds entrusted to us right back to work building our communities,” said David Kapavik, President, SouthStar Bank. “Opportunities to reconnect with nature through protected, freely accessible lands are an important part of Austin’s active outdoor lifestyle. We are honored to help expand this vital oasis for future generations to enjoy.” In addition to traditional financial services, SouthStar Bank offers the latest conveniences such as online banking, and mobile banking with check capture. The bank specializes in mortgages, including Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, VA and USDA loans. It also offers a unique bank-held mortgage program for qualified buyers with circumstances that prevent them from securing a loan through these traditional secondary markets. SouthStar Bank’s Austin area footprint includes facilities in Leander, Round Rock, Bee Caves and South Austin. A branch under construction at FM 620 and Steiner Ranch Blvd. will open this fall. The bank stresses community involvement and personal relationships along with flexible, common-sense lending on mortgages, commercial real estate and construction.

Bank News, Giving Back

by SouthStar BankMarch 29, 2016

Texas Humane Heroes Receives $10,000 Community Reinvestment Grant From SouthStar Bank

SouthStar Bank today announced it has awarded its $10,000 Leander Community Reinvestment Grant to Texas Humane Heroes, one of five Leander-area service groups nominated for the cash award. The group plans to add ten specially designed above-ground kennels that promote healthy, happy pets while they await adoption into their forever homes. The recipient was selected by online voting open to the public. The other nominees included Leander Parks & Recreation, Hill Country Community Ministries (HCCM), Leander Educational Excellence Foundation (LEEF), and the Open My World Therapeutic Riding Center. Each of the runners-up received a $1000 consolation prize. In addition to lending and traditional financial services, SouthStar brings the latest conveniences to its customers such as online banking, and mobile banking with check capture. SouthStar Bank specializes in mortgages, including a unique program for qualified buyers with special circumstances that prevent them from securing a loan through traditional secondary markets like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. SouthStar Bank’s Austin area footprint includes facilities in Leander, Round Rock, Bee Caves and South Austin. A branch under construction at FM 620 and Steiner Ranch Blvd. will open this fall. Planning is underway for a facility in Georgetown. The bank stresses community involvement and personal relationships along with flexible, common-sense lending on mortgages, commercial real estate and construction.