The Texas Advocacy Project - Giving Back to Survivors of Abuse
One of the charity’s we’re involved with is The Texas Advocacy Project, we provide photography services for their Black & White Ball each Fall. But more on that in a bit, let’s dive into what they do, and why it’s so important.
Texas Advocacy Project works to prevent domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking throughout Texas through free legal services, access to the justice system, and education. Its attorneys, staff, volunteers, and Board of Directors are committed to realizing the vision that all Texans live safely in hope, not fear.
Texas Advocacy Project began in 1982 as a single hotline started by a group of young lawyers personally committed to freeing Texans from the fear of power-based abuse. In the decades since, it has grown into a powerful team of well-trained lawyers with specialized knowledge in power-based abuse legal issues, and a survivor-empowering philosophy. Texas Advocacy Project has become a critical player and advocate for all Texans, supporting individuals directly on their own paths to freedom, and mobilizing a network of partners across the state to ensure that the legal system works fairly and efficiently for all survivors.
Texas Advocacy Project’s core power is in its legal expertise and experience dealing with power-based abuse. It serves its clients primarily through advice and counsel, assistance with protective orders including MOEP’s, assistance in pro se matters, and direct representation. It also provides assistance with general civil issues that impact power-based abuse cases such as housing, employment, education, and immigration (where assault has occurred). Texas Advocacy Project extends it’s impact through a powerful network of partners and outreach that increases awareness and engagement, and brings together resources and support to ensure that survivors are able to live a new life, free from fear.
They have a huge impact on the states population and legislation, through assistance and education. They have amazing programs, like hand bags and backpacks for hope, where they sew into the lining of the bags their helpline phone number for anyone leaving a shelter to have with them without fear of being discovered, and their teen ambassadors program that teaches teens how to recognize abuse and steps to take to help friends and what to do if they find themselves as the victims of it (amongst other very cool education and mentoring while in the program). They have a myriad of other programs, and to read more about them and the work they do, and events they have, please go here.
The Black & White Ball that we help with is their big fundraiser for the year. Let’s look at the description of last years Ball and who and what was included, and how much the event raised for the Texas Advocacy Project:
Leaders in the legal, consulting, finance, and technology fields joined together for an evening of live music, auctions, and awards celebrating 36 years of service. At the 12th Annual Black & White Ball, The Project honored community leaders who embody its mission of preventing violence through free legal services, access to the justice system, and education for victims. The Project’s Generosity of Spirit Award was presented to The Covalent Foundation; the Vision Award was given to Senator Joan Huffman; and Tina, a client who has escaped abuse and transitioned to a new life of safety, was honored with the Courage Award.
In addition to the awards, the evening featured a plated dinner, live music from local band Third Language, and one of Austin's liveliest auctions of the year, helmed by Heath Hale Auctioneers.
Thanks to the communities support, this year's Black & White Ball was able to raise over $550k to help continue The Project's work!
We know personally how grateful they and their clients are to their donors and sponsors, we’re so happy to be included and involved in the event! Go here to see our photos from last year.
It’s a wonderful cause, if you’re interested in getting involved, or attending any of their events, please go to their site and join everyone helping the cause of ending abuse in Texas!