2026 MANUAL
Child Advocates mobilizes court appointed volunteers to break the vicious cycle of child abuse. We speak up for abused children who are lost in the system and guide them into safe environments where they can thrive.
Calendar & Events
Calendar of Events
ADVOCACY UNIVERSITY
Offered Several Times a Year l Child Advocates’ Office
Learn how to become a court-appointed advocate for children in need. Visit www.childadvocates.org/join for more information.
CAR PROS FOR KIDS
February (All Month) l Houston-Area Locations
Make a $35 donation to the Car Pros for Kids program online or at a participating auto shop and receive two free oil changes to use this year. Learn more at www.carprosforkids.com.
DRIVE FOR KIDS
Saturday, April 4 l MSR Houston
Join us for a charity driving event and car show! Houston’s car club and racing communities are coming together to raise funds for Child Advocates. To learn more or become a sponsor, contact Hayley Branch at ext. 241 or hayley.branch@childadvocates.org.
CHILDSPREE
Saturday, August 1 (Tentative) l Houston-Area Target Stores
Help our kids get ready for back to school! Sign up to be a personal shopper for a Child Advocates child. To volunteer, contact Emilie Rodriguez at ext. 265 or emilie.rodriguez@childadvocates.org.
DRIVE FOR KIDS
Saturday, September 12 l MSR Houston
Join us for a charity driving event and car show! Houston’s car club and racing communities are coming together to raise funds for Child Advocates. To learn more or become a sponsor, contact Hayley Branch at ext. 241 or hayley.branch@childadvocates.org.
PULL FOR KIDS CLASSIC
Sporting Clays Tournament – Saturday, September 26 (morning) l American Shooting Center
Evening Party – Saturday, September 26 l Bayou City Event Center
Our largest fundraising event combines a sporting clays tournament with an evening celebration to support abused and neglected children. Enjoy a day of friendly competition followed by a themed party with dinner, auctions, and live entertainment—all to help provide children with court-appointed advocacy.
Learn more at www.pullforkidsHOUSTON.com or contact Hayley Branch at ext. 241 or hayley.branch@childadvocates.org.
SUPERHERO RUN
Saturday, October 17 l CITYCENTRE Houston
Every child needs a hero, but abused children need superheroes! Join us for this family-friendly 5K race and kids’ 1K to raise funds and awareness for Houston’s most vulnerable children.
Register at www.superherorunHOUSTON.com or contact Hayley Branch at ext. 241 or hayley.branch@childadvocates.org.
HOLIDAY PARTY FOR CHILD ADVOCATES’ CHILDREN
November (Date TBD) l Location TBD
Celebrate the season with over 500 children at a festive party filled with crafts, games, and food! To volunteer, contact Emilie Rodriguez at ext. 265 or emilie.rodriguez@childadvocates.org.
ANGELS OF HOPE LUNCHEON & FASHION PRESENTATION
February 2027 l Location TBD
Kick off the holiday season in style! Enjoy a gourmet lunch, experience a runway-style fashion show, and shop the latest trends—all while raising funds for Houston’s abused children.
For more details, contact Hayley Branch at ext. 241 or hayley.branch@childadvocates.org.
SANTA’S WISH LIST
November 30 - December 8 l Warehouse Location TBD
Help make the holidays brighter for Child Advocates children! Fulfill their holiday wishes by donating gifts. To get involved, contact Emilie Rodriguez at ext. 265 or emilie.rodriguez@childadvocates.org.
2026 Meeting & Luncheon Dates
Listed below are 2026 dates for Child Advocates meetings and luncheons. Please note the time change for meeting dates with an asterisk (*).
MEETING DATES
Executive Committee
January 28 (Wednesday)
April 2
May 28
August 27
October 22 11:30 AM – 1 PM Child Advocates, Inc.
Board of Directors
February 26
April 30
September 24
November 19
December 10 (tentative) 11:30 AM – 1 PM Child Advocates, Inc.
Advisory Board Luncheon
April 2 *
August 27 *
December 4 (Friday) at Santa’s Warehouse 11:30 AM – 1 PM Junior League of Houston TBD TBD
Advisory Board
Responsibilities l Roster
Advisory Board Responsibilities & Requirements
The Child Advocates Advisory Board serves as a supportive and consultative body that provides strategic guidance, professional expertise, and community connections to further the organization’s mission. Unlike the Board of Directors, which has formal governance responsibilities, the Advisory Board’s role is more informal and flexible, focusing on advocacy, fundraising, and offering insights to help shape key initiatives.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ADVISORY BOARD
In furtherance of the purpose of the Board of Directors, each Advisory Board member also has the following responsibilities:
Advisory Role: Provides guidance and expertise in areas such as law, social work, fundraising, marketing, and nonprofit management.
Advocacy & Awareness: Helps promote Child Advocates’ mission within the community and expands its network.
Fundraising Support: Assists in securing financial resources by leveraging personal and professional connections.
Event Participation: Attends and supports major fundraising and awareness events, helping to engage donors and community members.
Special Projects: Offers input on initiatives, program development, and organizational challenges.
How it Differs from the Board of Directors:
ADVISORY BOARD
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Provides guidance and expertise Provides guidance and expertise and has legal and fiduciary responsibility
No formal governance duties Sets policy and oversees financial health
Supports fundraising and networking Supports fundraising and networking, approves budgets, strategic plans and major decisions
Members serve a one-year term
Members serve a three-year and are legally accountable for the organization
No voting power on governance matters Votes on organizational policies and key initiatives