Supporting the Center for Child Protection isn’t just about donations. In fact, there are plenty of options beyond money: other ways to support the Center include giving your time, sharing your talents, and using your social connections.
Here are some simple ways to make a meaningful difference for the children and families we serve:
1. Volunteer Your Time
Whether it’s helping at events or pitching in for office tasks, volunteers keep our daily operations running smoothly.
When you volunteer, you’re doing more than just lending a hand. You’re helping us provide essential services that make real, tangible impacts on the lives of children. Abigail Sanchez , Volunteer Coordinator
The Center welcomes individual and group volunteers year-round, from supporting our major fundraising events like the Protect Austin Kids Golf Classic, PlayBingo, and Dancing with the Stars Austin to directly supporting the community by helping with our Family Resource Festival, Project Graduation, or Holiday Project.
Volunteers can also lend a hand on our East Austin campus, manning our front desk, helping maintain our outdoor therapy spaces, or assisting in our Kid’s Closet by organizing donations and assembling take-home kits for families in need.
To explore available volunteer opportunities, visit the Center’s Volunteer page.
2. Host a Donation Drive or Fundraising Event
Looking for a hands-on way to give back? Hosting a donation drive is a powerful way to support the children and families we work with. Whether you’re collecting clothing, toiletries, school supplies, or gift cards, every item helps ease the burden on the families we serve.
When families come to the Center, they’re often in crisis. Basic items like a clean outfit, a toothbrush, or a comforting toy can mean everything in that moment. These items might seem small, but they help restore dignity and remind families that they’re not alone. Erin Martin , Corporate Volunteer Associate
Donation drives can be simple to set up: a personal birthday wish list, a team-building activity at work, a neighborhood collection, or a donation bin at a community gathering.
If fundraising is more your speed, many supporters have also hosted third party events to raise funds for the Center. These efforts directly support services like therapy and forensic interviews.
“What I love most is seeing how creative groups can get,” Erin said. “From fun runs and ugly sweater socials to holiday markets and toy drives, every act of generosity builds a circle of care around the children we serve.”
To learn more about the items our families need, visit the Center’s Kids Closet page.
3. Host an Educational Training
One of the most powerful ways to protect children is by educating the adults around them. The Center for Child Protection offers free child abuse prevention trainings tailored for workplaces, community groups, schools, and even small gatherings of friends or neighbors.
These interactive sessions are designed to empower participants with the tools to recognize signs of abuse, understand how to respond appropriately, and create safer environments where children can thrive.
Every training we give is one more opportunity to stop abuse before it happens. We often hear from attendees that they had no idea how much they didn’t know — and how much of a difference they can actually make. Kelly Rynd Seeber, LCSW , Director of Outreach and Education at the Center
Trainings can be customized to suit different audiences and timeframes, whether you’re organizing a lunch-and-learn at work, a PTA meeting at school, or a gathering at your local place of worship.
“Child abuse prevention isn’t just the responsibility of professionals, it’s something we all have a role in,” Kelly said. “When you bring people together for a training, you’re starting conversations that can ripple out across entire communities.”
To request a free training or learn more about available topics, visit the Center’s Education page.
4. Become a Social Media Advocate
One of the easiest and most impactful ways to support the Center is by using your voice online. Sharing our mission, events, and stories on social media helps raise awareness and brings more people into the conversation around child abuse prevention.
Social media has the power to turn one voice into hundreds. When someone shares our post, they’re not just boosting an algorithm, they’re helping their friends, family, and followers learn how to recognize and report signs of abuse to protect children everywhere. Ashley Navarro , Social Media Manager
Whether it’s reposting an education tip, sharing a success story, or simply tagging us in your own words of support, every interaction helps spread the message further.
“We’ve seen real impact from a single post — from event signups and donations to people reaching out for resources,” Ashley said. “Being an advocate doesn’t always mean doing something big. Sometimes, it just means clicking share.”
Follow the Center on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube to stay up to date — and help us protect Austin’s kids, one post at a time. Find us online at @Center4CP
5. Get Your Company Involved
Partnering with the Center through corporate engagement is a meaningful way for businesses to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and families in our community. From team-building volunteer days to employee education trainings, companies can align their values with a cause that truly matters.
Corporate partners help extend our reach and amplify our mission. When businesses get involved, they’re not just giving back. They’re making a real difference while demonstrating to employees, customers, and clients that their brand cares deeply about protecting children. Journey Riggs , Corporate Engagement Manager
Company engagement can take many forms: Awareness Ambassadors, Volunteer Partners, Education Partners, and Investment Partners. These partnerships strengthen company culture, foster employee growth, and promote child abuse prevention throughout Travis County.
“Our corporate partners are committed to cultivating a trauma-informed community and building a safer city for children,” said Journey. “And they’re encouraging their employees to do the same.”
To learn more about partnership opportunities and align your brand with child abuse prevention, visit the Center’s Corporate Giving page.
