WACO, Texas - TelAve -- The Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children began in 1976 as the Waco Rape Crisis Center and over the last 50 years has grown into an umbrella agency with three distinct client-facing programs – the Children's Advocacy Center, the Victims Center, and Prevention and Education.

For five decades, The Advocacy Center has stood beside children and adults impacted by crime, providing safety, healing, and hope. What began as a grassroots effort has evolved into a comprehensive support system serving individuals and families across six counties — always at no cost to clients.

Through its Children's Advocacy Center, the organization provides coordinated, child-friendly services for young survivors of abuse. The Victims Center offers crisis intervention, counseling, and advocacy for victims of violent crime. Prevention and Education works proactively within the community to reduce violence through outreach and training.

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"As we celebrate 50 years of serving Central Texas, we are deeply grateful for the trust our community has placed in us," said Aleigh Ascherl, Executive Director of The Advocacy Center. "For five decades, we have walked alongside survivors during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Because of the support of our donors, partners, and volunteers, we are able to provide life-changing services at no cost to those we serve — and we remain committed to continuing that mission for the next 50 years."

As the organization reflects on 50 years of impact, it also looks ahead to the future — continuing its mission to ensure that every survivor has access to compassionate care and critical services.

If you feel led, please help us by donating to our 50th-anniversary giving campaign so we can continue to provide services to our clients across six counties at no cost to them. Community members can support the campaign by donating at: https://advocacycntr.harnessgiving.org/campaigns/20483

For more information about The Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children and its 50th anniversary initiatives, visit https://advocacycntr.org.