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.

LifeWorks

Registered 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

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

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

Austin Child Guidance Center

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 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.org

Austin 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.us

Austin 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.org

Austin 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

BBBS helps children reach their potential through professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships. www.bigmentoring.org

Our 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.org

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.besomebodytosomebody.org

We 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.org

Camp 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.org

Incorporated 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.org

Our Mission is to assist local law enforcement in the fight against crime in our community. www.austincrimestoppers.org

Caring Family Network strengthens and supports families who care for vulnerable children. www.cfntexas.org

Casa 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

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

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.org

Colin'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

Our mission is to help kids stay in school and prepare for life. Children cannot learn at their potential when they are in crisis or face significant non-academic needs. We help them address these needs and provide tools to help them grow into successful adults. www.cisaustin.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.org

Con 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.org

We 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

Since 1987, El Buen has provided integrated health care, social services, adult and early-childhood education and community outreach for working-poor Hispanic families. El Buen guides and supports working-poor families through the process of gaining self-sufficiency by offering offer “a hand up, not a hand-out”. www.elbuen.org

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.org

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

FamilyConnections’ overarching goal is to support child well being and prevent child abuse and neglect.  Services include a lending library for families and child care providers; child care locating; parent education; in-hospital visits to parents of infants; home visits; case management; and quality improvement services for early education programs. www.familyconnectionsonline.org

Girls 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.org

Our 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.org

Heart 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.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

Hoop 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.org

The 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.com

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

LSS 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.org

Our 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.org

Our 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

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

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

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.org

This 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.com

We provide new, warm pajamas and books to children in need in shelters, many of who are waiting and hoping to be adopted. www.pajamaprogram.org

Partnerships for Children provides critical resources to abused and neglected children in our community who are in the care of Child Protective Services. www.partnershipsforchildren.org

Our 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.org

Project Princess
Our 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.org

The 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.net

The 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.org

Shoes 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.org

Southwest 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.org

The 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.org

The 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.org

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://townlakelinks.org

The 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.org

The mission of VinCare Services of Austin is to serve homeless women with children and homeless youth. VinCare operates two programs: St. Louise House, a transitional housing community for homeless women with children and the Outreach to Street Youth, which provides weekly hot nutritious meals and freezing weather shelter to youth ages 10-23. www.vincare.org

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

University Hills Optimist
We 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/UTAP

YouthLaunch 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