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Breaking the Silence. Restoring the Future.
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Every child who walks through our doors deserves to be heard, believed, and protected. Our work is not just about responding to tragedy—it’s about building a future where every child knows they are valued and safe.”
Martha Martinez CEO
Our Story
The story of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Cameron & Willacy Counties began with one mission in mind: to put children first.
Before our center existed, children who experienced abuse often had to tell their painful stories over and over again—to police officers, caseworkers, doctors, and others—each time reliving their trauma. There was no central place focused solely on their healing, no space where their voice came first.
That changed when a group of passionate community leaders, advocates, and child protection professionals came together to build something better—a safe haven where children could be heard, believed, and supported from the very beginning.
We opened our doors to give children more than a place to speak. We gave them a place to heal.
Since then, we’ve grown to serve countless families across Cameron and Willacy Counties, working side-by-side with law enforcement, CPS, medical professionals, and therapists. Together, we’ve created a united front against child abuse—ensuring that no child has to walk this journey alone.
Every child’s story matters.
And as long as children need us, we’ll continue to be their voice, their support, and their place of hope.
CACCWC Lives Changed
Every Hand Helps Us Grow
725
Forensic Interviews Conducted
1,499
Family Advocacy Services
700
Counseling Sessions
24,406
Number of Individuals Educated
3,361
Volunteer Hours
Our Mission
About Us
At the heart of our work is our mission — to serve and advocate for child victims of abuse through education, prevention, intervention, and recovery.
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Our Family Advocacy team ensures that every child and caregiver receives compassionate, immediate support after a forensic interview. This includes screening for trauma and suicide risk, connecting families with mental health resources, and guiding them through the next steps of healing.
With two on-site Clinical Advocates, children are assessed right away so no need goes unnoticed and no family faces their journey alone.
Our Vision
Our vision is to be an empowered community free of child abuse and neglect—one that protects, respects, and values every child.
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We believe true empowerment begins when communities come together to create safe spaces, raise awareness, and take collective action to prevent harm.
Through education, collaboration, and compassion, we strive to build a future where every child grows up surrounded by support, dignity, and hope.
Success Stories
When 7-year-old Emily came to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Cameron & Willacy Counties, she was scared, withdrawn, and struggling to make sense of the trauma she had experienced. Her mother, Ana, had recently discovered that someone they trusted had hurt her daughter. Unsure where to turn, Ana felt overwhelmed, heartbroken, and lost in the process.
From the moment they walked through our doors, everything began to change.
Emily was greeted by a trained forensic interviewer in a safe, welcoming room designed just for kids. She was able to tell her story once—in her own words—while the professionals who needed to hear it watched from another room. Ana was connected with a family advocate who walked her through every step of the legal process, answered every question, and offered the emotional support she desperately needed.
Emily began trauma-informed therapy with one of our licensed counselors. Through play, art, and gentle conversation, she slowly found her voice again. Her nightmares began to fade, her smile returned, and her laughter filled the therapy room once more.
Today, Emily is thriving. She’s back in school, surrounded by friends, and discovering the joy of childhood again. Ana has become a strong advocate, educating others about child abuse prevention and the importance of speaking up.
This is what healing looks like.
This is why we do what we do.
Because behind every child who walks through our doors, there’s a family who needs hope—and a future worth fighting for.
Snapshots of Connection
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Follow Our Journey of Impact and Inspiration #CACCWC