The title of each nonprofit links to its Donation Page when possible. The website at the end of the description links to the nonprofit’s Home Page.
To learn more about the issues affecting Child & Youth Services in Central Texas, click here.
Partner Organizations
Any Baby Can believes that all children can reach their potential through education, therapy and family support services. We serve our community's youngest, sickest and poorest children and their families. ABC provides home visitation, parenting education, family literacy, Early Childhood Intervention, medical case management, counseling and Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Program. www.abcaus.org
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Austin Child Guidance Center offers mental health treatment for children through early intervention, diagnosis and treatment. Our team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists provides: individual, group and family therapy; psychiatric and psychological examinations. Issues treated include: AD&HD; Conduct Disorder; school phobia/truancy; depression; Pervasive Developmental Disorder; suicidal ideation; juvenile crime; and, risk-taking behaviors. www.austinchildguidance.org.
The Arc promotes independence and choice by providing individualized services to adults and children with developmental disabilities. We offer respite care, family support, guardianship, juvenile justice services, case management, art classes, academic coaching, social opportunities, training, parent support coops and information and referral. www.arcofthecapitalarea.org
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Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area
Our Mission is to enable and inspire all kids, especially those that need us most, to become productive, caring, and responsible citizens. We are the largest human services agency in Travis County devoted entirely to youth development, especially for kids that come from families with limited resources. www.bgcaustin.org
.Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Travis County, Inc. recruits, screen, trains and supervises volunteers to provide Guardian ad Litem representation for abused and neglected children to help them reach a safe and permanent home. www.casatravis.org
The Center is the first stop for Travis County children who are alleged victims of abuse or witnesses to violence. We provide services such as forensic interviews, therapy, and parenting education at no cost to families. Our mission is to reduce the trauma to children during the investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases. www.centerforchildprotection.org.
Central Texas Children’s Home is a non-profit organization providing family services with a Christian influence to those in need. Founded in 1969 to provide residential child care for dependent children, the services have been expanded in an attempt to assist children and families disrupted by problems. All children are given equal consideration regardless of race, religion, sex or national origin. http://www.ctch.org/.
The Children's Project International (TCPI) is a U.S.-based international non-governmental organization focused on the world’s poor and vulnerable people. At TCPI, we address global child development and protection and are dedicated to helping deprived, excluded, and vulnerable children improve their lives and extending the opportunity to become young adults, parents, and leaders who bring lasting and positive change in their communities around the world. The project seeks to inspire hope and provide children with life's basic necessities and goods that foster their education and personal growth. http://www.helpthemtoday.org/.
The mission of Communities In Schools is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. By bringing caring adults into the schools to address children’s unmet needs, Communities In Schools provides the link between educators and the community. The result: teachers are free to teach, and students – many in jeopardy of dropping out – have the opportunity to focus on learning. http://communitiesinschools.org/
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Explore Austin
Explore Austin creates opportunities for inner-city boys to develop the skills, tools, and habits needed so they can become successful leaders in their own communities. Mentors work with a select group of boys for six years throughout the school year and during the summer. www.exploreaustin.orgFoster Angels of Central Texas helps improve the lives of foster children of all ages and was designed to give direct help to foster children in need. Our mission is to ensure that each child has his or her basic needs met, and to provide life-enriching and life-enhancing experiences whenever possible. http://fosterangelsctx.org/Default.htm. Hand to Hold's mission is to provide comprehensive resources and support programs to parents of preemies, babies born with special health care needs and those who have experienced a loss due to these or other complications. http://www.handtohold.org
Since 1893, Helping Hand Home for Children has provided a place to heal for abused & neglected children between the ages of 4 and 12. We provide residential treatment services and therapeutic foster care for emotionally disturbed children. Our mission is to maintain a safe home and restore each child to a healthy family setting. www.helpinghandhome.org
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LifeWorks
LifeWorks transitions youth and families from crisis to safety and success. Providing a comprehensive safety net of services in Austin, Lifeworks serves 10,000+ individuals annually through thirteen programs. Services include outreach & housing for homeless youth, Youth/Adult Counseling, Youth Development, GED, Youth Resource Center, and programs addressing the needs of foster care youth. www.lifeworksweb.org
. Little Helping Hands
Our mission is to be a resource for parents/caregivers, educators, and businesses looking for meaningful volunteer opportunities suitable for young children in the Austin community. Through creating and organizing hands-on volunteer activities/programs, Little Helping Hands provides ongoing opportunities to instill the value of community service in early childhood. www.littlehelpinghands.org
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To assist traumatized and/or grieving children and adults as they move from loss to life through support groups, therapy, training and consultation throughout the greater Austin area. www.myhealingplace.org
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Open Door Preschool
The mission of the Open Door is to nurture and inspire young children of diverse needs, economic levels and family backgrounds in an engaging educational environment. www.opendoorpreschool.org. Out Youth
Out Youth works to promote the well being of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) youth and their straight allies. We have a community center, satellite youth groups, social events, activism and youth leadership programs, and counseling. We also house the Texas GSA Network, supporting student lead GSAs across Texas. www.outyouth.org. Saint Louise HouseFounded in Austin in 2000, Saint Louise House provides affordable housing and essential services to mothers and children experiencing homelessness in Central Texas. With a deep belief in the power of women to transform their lives, their families and our community, our licensed social workers and case managers partner with our residents to reach their individual goals. www.saintlouisehouse.org
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The Austin Project improves the lives of children, youth and families. We work with neighborhoods to identify problems in the community and come up with solutions to address the issues. Working as a catalyst, with community partners, we have launched Tutors Galore, school-based family resource centers and a transition program for parents of students of incoming middle-schoolers. www.theaustinproject.com
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We run several programs including Kid's Café which provides nutritious evening meals to children. To date more than 50,000 meals have been served. We also conduct weekly self-esteem building classes for fifth grade girls and boys at Campbell Elementary School. The sessions focus on personal, civic and educational development, with a goal of enhancing self-worth through self-awareness. http://townlakelin
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Wonders & Worries helps children cope when a parent or other loved one has a life-threatening illness like cancer. Our services are always free, and available in English and Spanish. Our goal is to decrease the child’s anxiety, increase their ability to cope with family changes, and create stronger families. www.wondersandworries.org
Registered Organizations
Advocates for Children of Trauma
Advocates for Children of Trauma raises public awareness of the scope and serious impact of child trauma as well as on the safety and healthy development of children and families. www.hopeforhealingtrauma.com
Assistance League of Austin is a non-profit organization of dedicated volunteers providing direct services addressing specific basic needs of children and adults in schools, hospitals and senior facilities in Greater Austin, significantly improving the quality of their lives. Our THRIFTHOUSE, located at 4901 Burnet Rd, raises funds supporting our six philanthropic programs. www.alaustin.org
The Austin Children's Shelter has provided emergency shelter, high quality care and hope for the future to abandoned, abused and neglected children since 1984. The Shelter provides critical services to children from birth to 17 years old and lays a foundation of hope for the future of the children in its care. www.austinchildrenshelter.orgAustin Junior Chamber (Jaycees)The mission of the Austin Jaycees is to create a better world by empowering young people. We are a people-development organization that seeks to create positive change in ourselves, our organization and our community. We offer world-class fellowship, community service and leadership training opportunities. www.atxjc.usAustin Smiles provides reconstructive plastic surgery, primarily cleft lip and palate, to children and adults in Austin, 10-county surrounding area and Latin America. www.austinsmiles.orgAustin Voices for Education and Youth mobilizes the community to strengthen schools and expand opportunities for Austin's youth. We work alongside community members, young people, parents, and educators to improve our schools and neighborhoods. www.austinvoices.org
We provide children of Austin and surrounding areas with opportunities for personal development, skills necessary to succeed in school and life, and hope for a better future. We strive to eliminate the high school dropout rate and increase college participation. Our three programs, Summer camps, Sunrise Challenge and Leadership Programs, include scholarship opportunities. www.sunshinecamps.org.
The Arts and Fitness Program for Young Children provides vital art,music, and fitness classes to economically disadvantaged young children in Austin childcare centers. AFPYC also provides valuable professional development to childcare staff to help bring about long- term change in early childhood education. www.afpyc.com
BBBS helps children reach their potential through professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships. www.bigmentoring.orgOur mission is to ensure the provision of accessible, efficient and effective services that support the dignity and independence of those we serve - adults with serious mental illness; children and adolescents with serious mental illness or emotional disorders, autism or pervasive developmental disorders; persons with intellectual disabilities and infants and toddlers with developmental delays. www.bluebonnet.orgWe provide Horse riding and therapy services to all children. We emphasize services to children with special needs and work with children with physical, emotional, behavioral and developmental issues. Each child is assisted individually. Horses provide an outlet for stressors, as well as encourage a bonding relationship for children with relationship issues. www.campdiamondw.orgCamp Fire USA builds caring, confident youth and future leaders. Camp Fire USA Balcones Council is a not-for-profit coeducational youth organization that serves 10 central Texas counties. The Balcones Council welcomes all children, youth and adults regardless of race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or other aspect of diversity. www.campfireusabalcones.orgIncorporated in 1999 to address an unmet need of the Austin and Central Texas area, Candlelight Ranch provides a positive, natural environment for children and families with special needs to participate in outdoor educational programs and activities as well as therapeutic programs that are customized for each group’s specific needs. www.candlelightranch.orgStriving to provide affordable, accessible, high-quality mental health services to all central Texans who desire them. To provide an unparalled training environment for pre- and post-graduate therapists from all of the helping professions. www.camhc.orgCaring Family Network strengthens and supports families who care for vulnerable children. www.cfntexas.orgCasa Marianella creates a community of respect and solidarity with Spanish speaking immigrants and international refugees by providing hospitality and promoting self-sufficiency. Casa Marianella serves homeless men, women, and children and believes in providing personal attention, treating clients with kindness and respect, and using a strength-based approach to case management. www.casamarianella.org
Championship Hearts Foundation sponsors the Young Athlete Heart Screening Program. The purpose of this program is to check for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a serious genetic heart condition that affects roughly one in 500 people. We offer this simple, painless, screening free of charge to Texas student athletes between the ages of 14-18. www.championshipheartsfoundation.org The Children's Organ Transplant Association (COTA) helps children and young adults who need a life-saving transplant by providing fundraising assistance and family support. www.cota.orgOur mission is to put Christian principles into practice by providing education, leadership, and development activities, which promote moral excellence, self-confidence, community support, and positive opportunities for at-risk youth. www.christianoutreachfoundation.comColin's Hope is an all-volunteer organization that creates and supports programs that aid in preventing children from drowning. Colin's Hope of saving children from drowning is being achieved through increased water safety awareness and improved standards throughout the community. www.colinshope.org
Mission is "helping youth promote safe schools and safe communities". CARY's Youth Violence Prevention Program is targeted to disciplinary students with assault, aggression and abuse incidents. Program consists of 12 month case management with Positive Adolescent Choices Training program, individual behavioral counseling and mentoring, service learning projects and parent support. www.councilonatriskyouth.orgCon Mi MADRE is a college preparatory program that provides Hispanic female students and their mothers with the educational and social support needed to encourage academic and personal success. 6th-12th grade girls and their mothers benefit from conferences, campus meetings, college visits, tutoring, mentoring, counseling, financial assistance, and parental workshops. www.conmimadre.orgWe provide Special Olympic Sports, Continuing Education, Job Training, Summer, Spring and Holiday Day Camp and Respite Care for special needs children and adults ages 8 yrs and up. Our goal is for each athlete/camper to reach their individual peak potential, and to improve their quality of life in a dignified manner. www.dreamofhopesranch.org
Dream A Dream Therapeutic Horsemanship Dream A Dream Therapeutic Horsemanship offers therapeutic riding programs for children and adults with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. Our therapy programs are personalized and conducted on a one-one-one basis with a focus on empowering those we serve. Our motto is "All who come here are able. We should not dwell on our weaknesses, instead we should strengthen our ability to overcome them." www.dadth.org
Emerson Academy is a non-profit child development center serving Round Rock, Pflugerville, Hutto, and the surrounding communities. Emerson provides an inclusive learning environment where ALL children can learn and grow together. From our highly trained staff to our literacy-based and developmentally-appropriate curicculum, Emerson Academy gives exceptional educational opportunities so that every child may succeed. www.emerson-academy.com
Extend-A-Care’s mission is “to support families, employers, and communities by providing after-school, summer, and preschool programming that is high in quality, convenient, affordable, and enriching.” Extend-A-Care’s ongoing objectives are to enhance the development of children, to be inclusive to children with disabilities, and to assist working families in becoming self-supporting. www.eackids.org
For the Children is a 501(c)(3) organization aiding in the education of at-risk elementary school students in Travis, Williamson and Hayes counties. We procure and distribute school supplies based on the number of students qualifying for the federal free/reduced-cost lunch program. 100% of donated funds are used for the purchase of new school supplies. www.schoolsuppliesforthechildren.orgGirls Inc.’s mission is to inspire girls ages 9-18 to be STRONG, SMART, and BOLD, while encouraging them to take risks and master physical, intellectual, and emotional challenges. Girls Inc. of Greater Austin's programs consist of Girls Inc. Sporting Chance, Economic Literacy, Vision Board Creations, Body Images, Health and Nutrition. www.girlsinc.orgOur mission is "to educate and prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living." Girls on the Run (GOTR) is a prevention program that uses the power of running to help preteen girls in 3rd through 5th grade develop self-respect and value a healthy lifestyle. www.gotraustin.org Girl Scouts is, as it always has been, the organization best positioned to offer girls the tools they need to be successful leaders now and throughout their lives. Through Girl Scouts, participants discover themselves, connect with others, and take action to make the world a better place. www.gsctx.orgHeart House Austin is a free afterschool program in 2 centers which provides low-income children with a safe haven and a program based on gifted-and-talented learning methodologies. www.hearthouse.orgHoop Zone provides life skills and life value to kids in central texas through the game of Basketball. www.hoop-zone.net Redirecting the lives of fatherless young men, ages 17-24. We provide for basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter, plus Life Skills Training, Completion of Education and Employment. Whether battling with homelessness, addiction or being an ex-offender, we want to help young men to become fathers and men of responsibility. www.hungryforgodhome.orgThe Kent Cummins Magic Camp raises self-esteem and builds self-confidence in elementary and middle school children through programs using the fascination and fun of juggling, puppetry, and MAGIC! www.magiccamp.comLSS provides help, healing & hope to people throughout Texas, Louisiana & Mississippi. Services include foster care, adoption, children's residential treatment, independent & assisted living, skilled nursing care, disaster response, and emergency assistance. www.lsss.orgOur mission is to build a lifelong love of running and walking, combined with the ability to make and enjoy healthy food choices for children and their families. Our aim is to build joyful community around children and their families by encouraging healthy lifestyles. www.marathonkids.orgOur Center is committed to providing a total educational and therapeutic experience for children two through eight years of age experiencing communication disabilities. Our natural setting creates a positive and nurturing environment empowering children to develop effective, life-long communication skills. We educate and encourage parents and the community to become advocates for all children. www.moore-weis.org
Open Door PreschoolsThe mission of the Open Door is to provide a quality, inclusive preschool program to children of diverse abilities and backgrounds in a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment that promotes respect and acceptance. www.opendoorpreschools.org
The mission of this organization is to improve the quality of life of children with special needs, including physical, mental and emotional disabilities; provide a safe and structured riding program; and encourage each child to expand their personal achievement, self-confidence and awareness of their personal capabilities. www.openmyworld.orgThis program is designed to support the youth in our community by offering these children a safe place to gather and enjoy educational and social benefits, as well as athletic opportunities. The Goal of PAL is to prevent and combat juvenile delinquency and to promote and improve the moral, civic and health standards of our youth. www.austinpolicepal.comWe provide new, warm pajamas and books to children in need in shelters, many of who are waiting and hoping to be adopted. www.pajamaprogram.orgPartnerships for Children provides critical resources to abused and neglected children in our community who are in the care of Child Protective Services. www.partnershipsforchildren.orgOur mission is the prevention of child abuse and neglect in all its forms for all children throughout Texas. Our vision is that every child is free from abuse and neglect and lives in a community committed to preventing child abuse, through public education, awareness and training, and statewide resource coordination. www.preventchildabusetexas.orgProject PrincessOur mission is to provide central Texas underprivileged women with the opportunity to experience the once-in-a-lifetime magic of their high school prom, without having to worry about the financial obligations the event requires. We provide dresses, shoes, accessories and gift certificates to help make the perfect prom. www.projectprincess.org The Scottish Rite Learning Center of Austin (SRLC) focuses on the evaluation and treatment of Central Texas children with dyslexia. SRLC offers a two-year academic language therapy program to children with dyslexia without charge to the families. In addition, SRLC maintains a nationally accredited dyslexia therapist training program, and offers evaluations for children ages 5-21. www.scottishritelearningcenter.orgThe Seedling Foundation supports public schools by encouraging and facilitating community involvement. Major program areas include a school-based mentoring program, which matches children of incarcerated parents with caring adults in the Austin area public schools, and campus beautification projects on public school campuses. www.seedlingfoundation.netThe Settlement Home is a therapeutic residential treatment facility and foster family and adoption program for severely abused and neglected children who have been temporarily or permanently removed from their homes. www.settlementhome.orgShoes for Austin provides disadvantaged children with new athletic shoes as a reward for achieving educational and self-improvement goals. Shoes are awarded to children who improve school grades, learn about health and wellness, and improve reading skills. Shoes for Austin has donated more than 55,000 pairs of shoes since 2000. www.shoesforaustin.orgSouthwest Key Programs is a 20-year-old, Austin-based nonprofit organization which runs programs for youth involved in the juvenile justice system, and shelters for unaccompanied immigrant minors. With over 45 programs in seven states across the nation, Southwest Key's 900 employees positively impact the lives of thousands of individuals each day. www.swkey.orgSpirit Reins is a non-profit organization improving the emotional and behavioral health of children with the help of horses. Spirit Reins offers Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), where horses are used as a tool for emotional growth and learning. Programs target children with emotional or behavioral challenges and at-risk youth. www.spiritreins.orgThe Texas Network of Youth Services is dedicated to enhancing the professionalism and effectiveness of community-based agencies serving youth and families in Texas. The network connects youth service staff and administrators, as well as youth and other youth advocates, on behalf of youth and their families who are in “at risk” situations. www.tnoys.orgThe Texas Book Festival celebrates authors and their contributions to the culture of literacy, ideas and the imagination. We work to instill a life long love of reading for Children in Title I schools. We also provide grants to Texas public libraries to help enhance book collections and develop literacy and technology programs. www.texasbookfestival.orgThe mission of TCDC is to provide quality, affordable early care and education to children within our economically and ethnically diverse community. We strive to provide stability and support to the children in our care and to their families, so that together we can truly impact future generations. www.trinitycdc.orgUniversity Hills OptimistWe are "Friends of Youth." We offer kickball, soccer, and baseball to the youth in the North Central Austin area. We are here for the youth. We pride ourselves on being diverse. We are completely run by volunteers. We have many low income children we work with. www.uhosports.org
The University of Texas Autism Project (UTAP) is a center of excellence for services and knowledge, related to living with autism. UTAP has partnered with families, scientists, medical communities, educators, and researchers to lead the charge in developing best practices in basic science, medical treatment, educational practices, and family support. www.edb.utexas.edu/UTAPYouthLaunch Mission: To provide empowering service experiences for young people Vision: All young people develop skills, confidence and resiliency through empowering service and grow into productive, community-minded individuals. YouthLaunch programs engage young people as the service providers for a wide variety of community issues, including teen pregnancy, substance abuse and environmental sustainability. www.youthlaunch.org |
Non-Profits 
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