You can make a difference in the lives of children who have experienced abuse, trauma or neglect by getting involved with the Children’s Advocacy Center.

Lend a helping hand at the Children’s Advocacy Center

  • Volunteer

    Family Care Volunteers welcome clients and their non-offending family members to the Center. They provide supervision and friendly interaction with children in our fun, child-friendly playroom while parents attend therapy sessions or groups.

    Our volunteers work tirelessly to support our children and families. They offer comforting smiles during forensic interviews, keep our pantry and clothing programs stocked and organized, lead special projects like building our therapy garden and making handmade quilts, and help with major events such as Designer Purse Bingo and Springfest.

    Volunteers also assist with administrative support, donation management, task forces, and event planning — all of which help the CAC fulfill its mission.

    Ready to make a difference? Download our volunteer application here!

  • Donate Food, Clothing and Services

    We regularly need clothing, household essentials, gift cards, pantry items, food/drinks for events, and professional services. Contact our development team to learn about current needs. We gladly accept new and gently-used items, including:

    • Contemporary clothing for children (especially ages 9–18) and the whole family

    • Toys, stuffed animals, blankets, baby items, books, and household essentials

    Emergency Food Pantry Needs: Shelf-stable meals, kid-friendly snacks, cereals, breakfast foods, drinks, toddler/baby food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and laundry items.

    Financial Donations: One of the most impactful ways to help is by making a monetary gift, which you can do below. Your generosity provides critical services to children and families in our community.

  • Advocate for CAC

    Raise Awareness: Share our mission with friends, family, and your networks. Post on social media or host a fundraising event to support the CAC.

    Advocate for Change: Contact your local, state, and federal elected officials to support policies that protect children, prevent abuse, secure funding for the CAC, strengthen mandatory reporting laws, and advance child welfare reform.

    Host a fundraiser: When the community comes out in support of the CAC, big things happen! You or your organization can host a fundraiser to support the work of the CAC and to help fund our future. You’ll raise awareness in your circles about child abuse prevention and provide a fun, feel-good event in our community. We can provide marketing assistance and a presentation about the CAC for your event.

  • Participate in CAC Events

    The Children’s Advocacy Center hosts events to raise awareness and funds for the work we do. Participate in these events as a:

    • Guest

    • Sponsor

    • In-kind donor

    • Volunteer

    A lot goes into our fundraising events and we could use a hand from our friends and supporters! Your company, group or civic organization can lend your support to the Children’s Advocacy Center by volunteering for one of our annual events. From wrapping presents for our Holly Jolly Program, to helping set up, host or tear down our glittering Designer Purse Bingo Events, your help is valued and appreciated!

    Connect with our Events team at development@cacbastrop.org for event volunteer opportunities!

  • Become an Intern

    The Children’s Advocacy Center serving Bastrop, Lee, and Fayette counties offers meaningful internship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students in criminal justice, psychology, social work, child development, sociology, and professional counseling.

    Family Advocate Internship
    Interns support families during crisis, assist with forensic interviews, provide case management, connect families to resources, facilitate therapeutic and parenting groups, and collaborate with law enforcement and child protective services.

    Clinical Practicum
    Clinical interns provide individual and family therapy services.

    We also offer opportunities in camp, group, family, and individual experiences. Ready to apply? Connect with our internship program at info@cacbastrop.org or download our application here!

  • It's In the Bag!

    During the Holiday season, help us fill Santa Sacks! Help the CAC provide winter essentials to the children we serve.

    This holiday season, we’re asking for donations of new coats, underwear, hats, beanies, gloves, blankets, and socks. We bundle these items into Santa Sacks and deliver them to kids when cold weather hits.

    Your business, group, church, or family can donate individual items, completed sacks, shop our Amazon Wish List, or make a cash contribution. We’re hoping to serve 225 kids this year!

    Contact the Family Advocacy Team at (512) 321-6161 or click the Donate button below. Thank you!

  • “No child should ever experience crime or be a victim of abuse. Unfortunately, this is not the reality, and far too many endure physical, mental, and/or emotional abuse, often by those closest to them. I always felt that I could and should do more to help these children. That is why I chose to dedicate my time to the CAC. This organization gives these children resources to help them through very dark times and gives them hope for the future. “

    —Jessica Mann, CAC Board Member & Volunteer

  • “The value of the CAC to the children and families who are served is immeasurable. The services provided during the hardest moments of their lives make a difference in how they are able to heal and thrive in our communities. Working as a volunteer in the juvenile justice system, I have seen how unhealed trauma from violence and abuse causes a repetitive cycle that can lead to a lifetime of pain, destruction, and even incarceration. With the hope and healing that come from the center, the sun has come out, and we, as a community, have an obligation to support the center in breaking that cycle. I am honored to be a part of this exceptionally impactful organization.”

    —Val Butcher, CAC Board Member & Volunteer

Make a donation.

Your donation to the Children’s Advocacy Center can help provide critical services and support to children and families who have experienced abuse, while empowering our Center to build a future free of abuse and neglect.

Donate