The Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center team nurtures and stewards a mission to provide hope, healing, and justice for children and families impacted by abuse. Their work builds a future where education and compassionate care create lasting change.
As a holistic nonprofit, WCCAC provides kids with case management, comprehensive support, and trauma therapy. The team is always looking for new, better ways to protect children in need.
“We bring together all of the professionals involved in child abuse investigations under one roof so that, in times of crisis, kids and their families aren’t having to go from location to location,” says Development & Communication Specialist Caroline Gatlin. “We see the best outcomes when people are working together and kids can access the resources at one time, in one place.”
Because prevention is just as important as intervention, WCCAC developed a robust education program that now reaches approximately 24,000 parents, professionals, and students yearly. By empowering kids to speak up about abuse, the center reinforces that what happened is never their fault.
Community members who want to make a difference can volunteer in ways that fit their schedules, both individually and alongside corporate and church groups.
“I had the pleasure of seeing us through our 25th anniversary, and we’re approaching our 30th next year,” says Chief Advancement Officer Tiffany Sturman. “Through that time, we’ve had some kids who, now in adulthood, revisit us to intern, volunteer, and give back. There’s a generational change and legacy that this organization has.”
Throughout the year, WCCAC hosts events that connect residents to its mission. From the annual clay shoot and holiday market to a new spring bruncheon in the works, attendees have opportunities to sustain this life-changing work.
Its signature fundraiser, Hope, Heroes, & Handbags: Designer Purse Bingo, takes place September 12th at The Sheraton Georgetown. Roughly 800 guests will gather to watch 15 local detectives model luxury handbags down the runway while themed tables transform the ballroom. Each year brings new surprises, including crowd-favorite performances that may even feature a choreographed dance by our county’s police chiefs.
“This really marries our mission into the event alongside the community, and celebrates those who are doing a lot of hard work to keep that community safe. It gives them a moment to shine,” says Sturman.
Hope, Heroes, & Handbags raises critical funding to expand services, remove barriers to care, and ensure children receive the support they deserve.
Every aspect of WCCAC is designed for children to feel safe. Calm, trauma-informed spaces provide comfort, while an exceptional medical program includes a nurse practitioner, contract nurses, and around-the-clock forensic interviews and family support. As one of the only Children’s Advocacy Centers in Texas with this level of medical coverage, WCCAC offers an extraordinary level of care.
“It’s thanks to supporters who take the time to understand what’s going on and say, ‘We may never know the names of the kids, we may not know the families… but we believe in them and we’re behind them,’” says Gatlin. “This work doesn’t get done with just our staff and our board—it takes the whole community.”
Discover ways to give back at: wilcocac.org