Table of Content Board of Directors
The Honorable Darlene Byrne, Chair
Kelly Opot, Treasurer
Jamie Rose, Secretary
Susan Hoff, Governance Chair
Don M Glendenning, Development Chair
Andrea Sparks, Public Policy Advisory
Committee Chair
Dr Christopher Spencer Greeley
Helen Holman
Jennifer Hopgood
Cynthia Hurrington
Dr David Lakey
Babajide Lawal
Dr Dorothy Mandell
Becky Palmer
Tegwin Pulley
Dr Jeniffer Richardson Persephone Starks
In the fall, TexProtects’ statewide Board of Directors gathered at Dallas’ Water Cooler to develop the organization’s 2026-2027
Strategic Plan and strengthen our impact on Texas families
89th Legislative Session
TexProtects’ advocacy during the 89th Legislative Session focused on increasing investments in a continuum of preventative services Our goal was to ensure all Texas families have access to a comprehensive range of family strengthening services and supports, no matter where they live in the state
Session Highlights
Expanded Program Funding: The Thriving Texas Families program saw a substantial expansion with an additional $60 million investment over the biennium.
Serving More Texas Families: Both the Fatherhood EFFECT and Service Members, Veterans, and Families (SMVF) programs received an additional $1 million each over the biennium
Incentive to Strengthen Families: SB 2018 by Senator Paxton created a Strong Families Tax Credit, incentivizing businesses to contribute to approved nonprofits that provide family strengthening services.
Support for New Mothers & Infants: HB 136 by Representative Hull will allow Medicaid coverage and reimbursement for lactation consultation services
Supporting Kinship Caregivers: For the first time, the needs of informal kinship providers were elevated and discussed by Legislators, thanks to TexProtects’ constant advocacy on this issue. Child support will now follow the child, providing crucial additional financial support directly to their caregivers, and informal kinship caregivers can now enroll a child under their care in school
A Crucial Step for Working Parents: $100 million was allocated for childcare scholarships for low-income families through the Texas Workforce Commission
Addressed Critical Workforce Needs: SB 462 by Senator Kolkhorst was passed, which will help ensure childcare is available for childcare workers themselves.
TexProtects staff and kinship advocates join Representative Aicha Davis after testifying in support of a bill that would offset legal fees for informal kinship caregivers.
