Our Mission
To empower and support abused and neglected children in the care of Child Protective Services.
As a nonprofit in Central Texas, Partnerships for Children leads a collection of programs that offer resources, support and comfort for foster children and families in our community. Our accessibility to CPS, efficient practices, and ability to connect with kids at all stages in their lives allow us to better serve those who need us most by providing real and impactful solutions.
What we do
What we do at Partnerships for Children is complex. That’s because we do so many things that make a broad impact on the children in our community. And we can help you do the same.
We’re essentially a support system for Central Texas CPS caseworkers and children. We are located inside CPS offices in both Austin and Waco, and we're caseworkers’ first point of contact to get something they need to help them care for the children they’re working with.
We do our best to help out wherever we can.

What we do is real. It’s tangible. And you can be a part of it.
All these little things that say “You’re not alone” and “We care” add up over a child’s life. They can change the course of their future.
We know how much you want to help the children in our community. Nothing is more important. Through our programs, you can make an impact—in the way that works best for you.
Our History
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1989–1998
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Nov 12, 2017
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Nov 12, 2017
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Nov 12, 2017
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Nov 12, 2017
Latest News
Forever Families
Each Thursday on KVUE daybreak, midday, and weekend daybreak, reporter Tori Larned introduces a new child looking for a forever family. These segments are crucial in raising awareness about the children featured in The Heart Gallery of Central Texas. This week we meet Marshall, who got a private lesson with Harlem Globetrotter “El Gato.”
Yes Mentoring
Each week CBS Austin features a Central Texas child waiting to be adopted. But what happens when the child ages out of the foster care system and doesn't find a forever family? Learn more about how our YES Mentoring program helps set up teens and young adults for success on their own.
Interested in talking with us about story opportunities? Email info@partnershipsforchildren.org or call 512-834-4756
Our Board
Board Chair
Paige Darby
Community Advocate
Board Chair-Elect
Ryan Willett
Attorney, Willett Law
Firm, PC
Past Board Chair
Jamie Cotton
Community Advocate
Board Secretary
Christy Rome
Executive Director,
Texas School Coalition
Board Treasurer
Dauphen Jackson
CFO, Fuquay, Inc.
AJ Abrams
Broker/Owner, Supreme 1 Realty
Keiko Anderson
Lawyer, Law Office of Keiko Griffin, PLLC
Chrissy Compere
Community Advocate
Lindsey Draper
Community Advocate
Iliana Gilman
Principal, Health
Management Associates
Clint Harbour
Assistant Attorney General,
Office of the Attorney
General of Texas
Tom Michel
Founder,
Ad Engine Strategies
Kevin Priestner
Director of Digital and
Executive Communications,
Dimensional
Kanice Spears
Membership and Fund Development Director, Texas Trial Lawyers Association
Norman Watkins
Channel Territory Manager, Avaya
Max Zieky
Vice President, Worldwide Procurement Dell Technologies
Our Staff

Chelsy Alexander
Foster Community Director

Erin Argue
Support Services Director

Elisabeth Carrell
Events Director

Marcus Cantu
Resource Services Director

Danielle Feldman
Development Administrator

Dana Narveson
YES Program Manager

Michele Freeman
Heart Gallery Program Manager

Rachel Petrichenko
Business Director

Marilyn Griggs
Heart Gallery Coordinator

Robert Satchell
Waco Rainbow Room Administrator

Aneiya Harrison
YES Program Coordinator

Stacey Thompson
Austin Rainbow Room Administrator

Katie Young
Development Director