Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children

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Waco, TX
Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children

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Although approximately 80% of victims served at the agency are survivors of sexual assault, we help ALL victims, always free of charge.

At Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children, our mission is to promote healing of children and crime victims through culturally sensitive advocacy, collaboration, prevention and treatment. Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children first originated in 1976 as the Waco Rape Crisis Center and has evolved into an umbrella agency offering forensic interviews and medical exams, crisis counseling, prevention and education and other services to children and victims of crime in McLennan, Hill, Falls, Limestone, Bosque and Freestone counties. There is hope and restoration at the Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children through our three core programs, the Children’s Advocacy Center, The Victims Center, and Prevention and Education – offering many services to the hurting in our community. We are available 24/7 through our toll-free crisis hotline (888) 867-7233 for survivors of sexual assault and have physical locations at our main office in Waco, as well as satellite offices in Mexia, Hillsboro, Marlin and Fairfield. Helping all victims of violent crime across six counties, ACCVC’s many programs work together to provide life changing services and help victims in the recovery process. For more than 38 years, victims walk in their open door and walk out as survivors.

11/04/2026

As we celebrate 50 years of service, we're taking a look back at the 1980s, a decade that marked tremendous growth for the Advocacy Center. During this time, services expanded beyond Waco into Bosque, Hill, Falls, Freestone, and Limestone counties, prevention education programs reached more communities, and support for survivors became more comprehensive than ever before.

The progress made throughout the 1980s was possible because of dedicated staff, volunteers, community partners, and supporters who believed in our mission. Their commitment helped lay the foundation for the impact we continue to make today.

As we honor our past and look toward the future, we invite you to be part of the next chapter. For as little as $10 a month, you can help provide life-changing services to crime victims and children in our community. All services are provided at no cost to the clients we serve.

Make an impact today by donating at: https://advocacycntr.org/donate/

11/03/2026

A couple of weeks ago, our Rural Prevention Educator and Prevention Specialist attended a TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention) Lunch and Learn hosted by Heart of Texas Goodwill, where they learned about this trauma-informed approach. Developed by Dr. Karyn Purvis and Dr. David Cross at TCU, TBRI grew from supporting children who have experienced trauma and adversity. TBRI emphasizes the importance of connection, trust, and understanding, which are essential building blocks for developing healthy and supportive relationships with our families, friends, and communities. We are always grateful for opportunities to learn, grow, and strengthen our work in sexual violence prevention!
[Image description: A white background with off-white lines going diagonally and vertically. The title of the slide reads, “TBRI + Sexual Violence Prevention: How Does TBRI Connect to Sexual Violence Prevention?” The purple box in the middle of the slide reads, “Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) emphasizes connection, empowerment, and correction. These are all principles that can support the work of creating safer and healthier relationships.” The yellow text box with a teal tab reads, “Connect: Building trust and creating safe spaces where others feel heard, supported, and valued.” The teal text box with a yellow tab reads, “Empower: Teaching consent, bodily autonomy, and the importance of respecting boundaries.” The third text box is yellow and has a teal tab and reads, “Correct: Encouraging accountability, healthy communication, and respect without shame.” The second slide has the same content, but it is translated into Spanish.]

11/02/2026

Mark Your Calendars! Giving Tuesday is just one month away!

On Giving Tuesday, people around the world come together to support causes that make a difference in their communities. At the Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children, your generosity helps provide hope, healing, and support to children and adults impacted by crime, abuse, and violence.

A little goes a long way. Every donation, no matter the size, helps ensure our services remain available at no cost to the clients and families we serve.

This Giving Tuesday, join us in making an impact and helping us continue our mission of serving those who need us most.

You can donate by texting ACCVCGT to 50155 or by visiting: https://advocacycntr.org/donate/

Together, we can bring hope, healing, and support to our community.

11/01/2026

We are honored to announce that our Mardi Gras Ball has been voted Best of Waco 2026 Charity Event by Wacoan Magazine!

Thank you to our sponsors, supporters, and community for making this honor possible. As we celebrate this exciting recognition, tickets and sponsorships are now on sale for our 15th Annual Mardi Gras Ball on February 20, 2027.

Only 500 tickets will be sold, so don't wait to secure your spot for one of Waco's most anticipated events. We can't wait to celebrate with you while raising critical funds to support victims of crime in our community.

Purchase tickets and sponsorships at https://secure.qgiv.com/event/15thannualmardigrasball/

10/30/2026

A Small Act of Kindness Can Change a Family's Holiday

This holiday season, you have the opportunity to bring joy, hope, and comfort to a local individual or family through the Advocacy Center's Holiday Adoption Program.

By adopting a family, purchasing items from a wish list, or making a financial contribution, you can help ensure that those facing difficult circumstances experience the warmth and magic of the holidays.

Interested in making an impact? Complete the interest form or contact our team to get involved. Every gift, every donation, and every act of generosity helps create brighter holidays for the families we serve.

Interest Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScOXU-aT6z2gfKtaCuiRaASwXxQHyOyJXufsPWHKaTzjrCksQ/viewform

Text ACCVCHOLIDAY to 50155 to donate today.

10/29/2026

Halloween is almost here! Your friends at the Advocacy Center want to remind everyone to have a safe and spooky celebration.

Taking a few minutes to talk with your loved ones about safety, making a plan, and staying connected can make all the difference in an emergency. Open communication helps everyone feel more confident while enjoying the festivities.
Have a fun, safe, and spooky Halloween!
[ID: Halloween themed carousel featuring vintage-style illustrations of children in costumes and a beige diamond-pattern background. The first slide reads, “Halloween is Spooky, Safety Shouldn’t Be.” The second slide encourages caregivers to teach children important safety information, including their full name, phone number, what to do if separated from a group, how to identify a safe adult, and how to ask for help. The final slide reminds viewers that a simple conversation can make all the difference this Halloween. The same information is given in Spanish.]

10/28/2026

As we celebrate 50 years of serving crime victims and children, we're looking back at where it all began.

In the 1970s, local advocates and community leaders recognized the need for r**e awareness, prevention, and victim support services in our community. Through the dedication of organizations like the League of Women Voters, the National Organization for Women, the City of Waco, the Waco Police Department, and many committed citizens, the Waco R**e Crisis Center was established on January 1, 1976.

What began as a community-driven effort has grown into the Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children, serving thousands of individuals and families across Six Central Texas Counties.

For 50 years, our mission has remained the same: providing hope, healing, and support to those impacted by crime.

As we honor our past and look toward the future, we invite you to be part of the next chapter. For as little as $10 a month, you can help provide life-changing services to crime victims and children in our community. All services are provided at no cost to the clients we serve.

Make an impact today by donating at: https://advocacycntr.org/donate/

10/27/2026

Sexual violence prevention is about more than responding to harm. It is about strengthening the protective factors that help our community thrive, and mentorship is one of them! Sometimes it’s a teacher who believes in us, a parent who listens, or even a colleague who offers guidance. We all benefit from having people who challenge us, encourage us, and remind us that we are not alone. 🫂
[ID: The 1st slide has a beige background and a border with various shades of teal and blue. Within the border, it has the Advocacy Center logo, a graphic of two people, and it reads ‘national mentoring day’ in teal text. The graphic is two colorful people (light blue, navy, light green, and yellow); the person on the left has ‘mentor’ on their pantleg and the person on the right has ‘mentree’ on theirs. The 2nd slide contains the same content, but it is translated into Spanish.]

10/23/2026

Trunk or Treat is TOMORROW!

Join the Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children and Buffalo Wild Wings Waco for an evening of family-friendly Halloween fun!

Bring the kids out for candy, costumes, and community, and don't forget, you can still register your vehicle to participate in the Trunk or Treat for just $20 per car. Decorate your trunk, hand out candy, and help make the event extra special for local families.

Best of all, 100% of the funds raised go directly back to the Advocacy Center, helping us continue providing services to children and crime victims in our community at no cost to those we serve.

📅 October 24
⏰ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
📍 Buffalo Wild Wings, Waco

Come out, have fun, and support a great cause. We can't wait to see you there!

10/23/2026

Help Make the Holidays Brighter for a Local Family

The holiday season is a time for hope, joy, and togetherness. Through the Advocacy Center's Holiday Adoption Program, you can make a meaningful difference by adopting an individual or family and helping provide gifts and holiday cheer to those who need it most.

Whether you're an individual, business, church, or community group, your generosity can help create special holiday memories for families in our community.

To adopt a family, complete the interest form below OR contact Ashley or Sydney for more information.

Interest Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScOXU-aT6z2gfKtaCuiRaASwXxQHyOyJXufsPWHKaTzjrCksQ/viewform

If you'd like to support the program through a monetary donation, simply text ACCVCHOLIDAY to 50155.

Together, we can make this holiday season a little brighter.

Address

3312 Hillcrest
Waco, TX
76708

Telephone

+12547529330

Website

http://advocacycntr.org/get-involved/donate/

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