About Us
Our Impact in the Greater Austin Community
Launched in 2023, Safe Families for Children Austin partners with 11 local churches and 100+ volunteers to keep kids safe and out of foster care. We support parents in crisis with temporary care, resources, and community—offering families hope and stability while building a stronger safety net across Central Texas.
The Impact of Support vs. Separation
In Texas, around 40% of children in foster care are reunified with their families. At Safe Families Austin, 94% of the children we serve are safely reunited with their parents—because support, not separation, makes the difference.
By joining the Safe Families Movement, you help increase a family’s chance of staying together by more than 50%. Whether you offer your home, your time, or your financial support, you can be part of a movement that’s changing outcomes for children in Central Texas.
300+
Bed Nights of Safety Provided
Safe, loving homes gave children stability during times of family crisis.
94%
Family Preservation Rate
In Texas, only 44% of children return home after being removed. Safe Families provides support to families in crisis, helping almost all of them stay together.
85%
Single Moms Served
Safe, loving homes gave children stability during times of family crisis.
50+
Families Supported in Central Texas
Since 2023, Safe Families Austin has helped local families stay together, providing care, coaching, and support when they need it most.
Our Movement Model and Circle of Support
Reframing the child welfare system
We step in before a crisis turns into foster care by supporting parents early and keeping children safely connected to their families. This approach shifts the system from reacting to family breakdown to strengthening families first.
Mobilizing entire communities
Local churches and neighbors come together to surround families with practical help, relationships, and dignity.
Volunteer-led and driven
This grass-roots model equips volunteers to lead the way by opening their homes, offering support, and walking alongside families in crisis.
The History of Safe Families Austin
Safe Families for Children is a 501c3, founded by Dr. Dave Anderson in Chicago. Since 2003, Safe Families has grown to a national and international movement with the goal of serving socially isolated families in crisis. Safe Families is an evidence-based organization that is proven to keep children out of foster care. To learn more about the Safe Families movement, visit safe-families.org.
Our Leadership & Board
Safe Families Austin is led by professional staff, including two licensed social workers, who provide guidance and support for our volunteer-led programs. Our local Leadership Council governs the chapter, and all activities are supervised in partnership with Safe Families National.
Colleen has been in Austin for over 6 years and in Texas for most of her life. She has a deep personal and professional belief that the health of our greater communities starts in families. That belief led her to get her Masters in Social Work where she has worked with families involved in the child welfare system, navigating end of life care, and needing extra support during life transitions. Throughout these experiences she has seen how support systems can impact the trajectory of people’s lives and the importance of relationships across the lifespan.
Colleen was drawn to Safe Families after seeing several friends get involved in chapters around the US and experiencing providing short term respite for families. She is excited to serve as the Austin Chapter Director and continue to grow the chapter so more Austin children and families can stay together and have healthy families and communities.
Laura is a native Texan with a deep commitment to strengthening families and supporting children in times of crisis. With a background as a pediatric nurse, she brings both professional experience and compassion to her work with Safe Families.
Laura and her husband, Nick, first became involved with Safe Families for Children while living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where they were drawn to the organization’s focus on family preservation and community-based support. After moving to Austin, they were eager to continue serving families through this mission. Laura now serves as the Operations Coordinator for Safe Families Austin, partnering with local churches and community members to help families stay together and build lasting support systems.
Claire has called Austin home for nearly 20 years. She moved to Central Texas to earn her bachelor’s degree in Social Work and later completed her Master’s degree, building a strong foundation in child welfare and family support.
She began her career with the Department of Family and Protective Services, where she served for four and a half years before continuing her work with children and families in a variety of roles over the past 13 years. Through this experience, Claire became deeply aware of how isolation and lack of community support contribute to family crisis.
After learning about Safe Families for Children in 2023, Claire was immediately drawn to its community-based approach to family preservation. She now serves families in Austin with a deep commitment to strengthening support systems and ensuring parents are not left to navigate crisis alone.
Kathy Sweet
Leadership Council Chair
Josh Guerro
Leadership Council Member
Jessica McGarity
Leadership Council Secretary
Becca Tochman
Leadership Council Member
Brain Tapperson
Leadership Council Member
Stacy Baker
Leadership Council Member
Tiffany Lill
Leadership Council Member
Paige Enriqeuz
Leadership Council Member
Our Partners Make This Mission Possible
Safe Families is powered by a network of partners who help keep children safe and families together. Each partner plays a vital role in supporting families during times of crisis.
Volunteers
As a member of the Circle of Support, you’re keeping children safe and families together.
Church Partners
We partner with churches to refocus our attention on socially isolated families.
Community Partners
We bridge the gap between professional services and personal support.
Join Our Family
Help lead and grow the Safe Families movement in our community. For more information or to inquire about this opportunity, please contact austin@safefamilies.net