What We Do
Hope of South Texas, a children’s advocacy center, provides a safe, child-friendly environment where law enforcement, child protective services, prosecution, medical and mental health professionals may share information and develop effective, coordinated strategies sensitive to the needs of each unique case and child.
How To Help
In addition to monetary donations, Hope of South Texas is always in need of snacks, clothes, and personal care items for the children and families that we serve.
Donations
Clothing
Food
Toiletries
Gift Cards
We Make an Impact
Abuse or Neglect Cases Reviewed
Forensic Interviews Conducted
Kids Sharing Stories of Trauma
Advocacy Services Provided
Check Out Our Events
There is always something fun going on at Hope Of South Texas! Join us for a training or special event.
There are no upcoming events at this time.
Our Mission & Vision
Our mission is to reduce the trauma of child abuse by assisting in the investigation, assessment, prosecution, and ongoing treatment. As an organization, it is our vision that every child is entitled to a life free of violence and full of possibilities.
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🧠Our clinical spotlight for mental health awareness month is not quite over! We have interns on our clinical team as well! ![]()
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✨Meet Miss Rachel✨![]()
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Rachel received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology in May 2015 and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology in 2017 from the University of Houston – Victoria. Since completing her degree requirements, Rachel has gained clinical experience in providing counseling services from a faith-based perspective, assessing and providing treatment services for a variety of mental health needs, and has co-led/led process and education groups while learning about outpatient substance abuse treatment.![]()
Rachel is currently working as an LPC-Associate for the State of Texas, and has been a member of the clinical team at the Hope Child Advocacy Center for last two years.![]()
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Rachel is supervised at Hope by Meagen Gumm, LCSW, our Director of Clinical Services. Rachel’s license requirements are supervised by Allison Besio, LPC-Supervisor. Since joining the team, she has gained knowledge and experience in assessing for trauma and providing instructional/therapeutic services. Rachel has provided both individual and group services to children and adolescents at Hope as well as our Victoria County Juvenile Detention Center. Rachel has completed TF-CBT training and is in the process of completing the requirements to be certified in TF-CBT.![]()
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Rachel loves getting to work with the children who walk through our doors by providing trauma-informed counseling services, advocacy, and support to these children and their non-offending family members during a challenging time in their lives.![]()
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#mentalhealthawareness #hopeofsouthtexas #therapyiscool
3 weeks ago ·
🧠 Now for our newest (staff) member of the clinical team! ![]()
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Stefanie Thayer serves as one of Hope’s therapists. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate who holds a Master of Art in Forensic Psychology from the University of Houston Victoria. She also holds a B.S. in Psychology from Northern Arizona University. Stefanie is supervised by Allison Besio, LPC-S, for her license requirements. Stefanie’s clinical work is focused on helping survivors of trauma grow and reach their goals.![]()
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Stefanie has been providing clinical services at Hope since 2020. She previously provided clinical services as an intern, and then went on to work as a victim advocate, legal advocate, and clinician for adult survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Stefanie utilizes TF-CBT, CPT, and PBT-PSB. ![]()
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#mentalhealthawareness #hopeofsouthtexas #therapyiscool![]()
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✨We’re so happy that Stefanie decided to return to provide services at Hope! She’s doing a wonderful job with her kiddos and families!
3 weeks ago ·
🧠 Next up, our Director of Community Education! ![]()
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Ellen Vallejo serves as one of Hope’s therapists as well as the Director of Community Education. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor who holds a Master of Education in School Counseling with a Certificate in Therapy and Development from Lamar University. She also holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Houston-Victoria. Prior to her work in the therapy field, Ellen worked as an elementary school teacher in Victoria. Ellen’s clinical work is dedicated to helping survivors of trauma heal from their past and provide them with the tools to create a happy and healthy future. She has been![]()
providing trauma focused treatment to children and adolescents along with their families at Hope since 2017. Ellen provides both individual and group services to children and adolescents at Hope as well as our Victoria County Juvenile Detention Center. She is nationally certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, trained in EMDR, and currently pursuing training in PSB-PBT. Ellen has also worked as a Family Advocate and Forensic Interviewer for Hope CAC and serves on the Victoria County Child Welfare Board. ![]()
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Ellen considers herself to be a lifelong learner and enjoys seeking out new professional development opportunities to increase her base of knowledge and skills to bring into sessions. She is passionate about educating others about mental health, child abuse prevention, and trauma. ![]()
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#mentalhealthawareness #hopeofsouthtexas #therapyiscool![]()
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✨Feel free to reach out to Ellen if you are interested in education regarding child abuse identification and prevention or trauma and trauma interventions! You can email her at [email protected]
3 weeks ago ·