Lauren was seven years old when she first came to the Center for a forensic interview because of sexual abuse. She was visibly tense as she walked through the door and even the sight of a brightly-colored playhouse did not change her serious, quiet demeanor. A trained, forensic interviewer spoke to Lauren's parents and then invited Lauren to tell her what happened in a small but comfortable interview room. As Lauren finished telling her story, her young shoulders relaxed. At last, she could acknowledge that it felt good to tell someone what happened and to take comfort they would listen and believe her. After her interview, Lauren received a small snack of animal crackers and a juice box before she decided to explore the playhouse she saw when she arrived. She quickly found a very large teddy bear with a friendly and welcoming face. Shortly after curling up in the bear's lap, Lauren fell asleep. In the arms of a large teddy bear, she could return to the important business of childhood, while the adults in her life made plans for her safety. *Names and other identifying circumstances have been changed to protect the privacy of children and families.

In 2006, 1,352 children were in foster care in Travis County. To support the teenagers who are aging out of foster care, the Center for Child Protection is holding a donation drive for "Life Kits" with basic household items. Child Protective Service requested the Center's help to prepare 58 Life Kits, but has since made an additional request for more.

Life Kits contain basic necessities including a clock radio, towels, sheets, pots and pans, dishes, a pillow and more. Each Life Kit costs approximately $200 to assemble. Once these teens turn 18, many of them must begin a new life for themselves without the benefit of support. Life Kits give these teens what they need to start their own household as they start life on their own with a new job or at college. If you would like to make a contribution to help offset the expenses for this program or to find out more information, please visit our Project Graduation page.

The 5th Annual NFL Alumni Golf Classic sponsored by KB Home is scheduled for June 24-25, 2007. Held the evening before the golf tournament, the Caring for Kids Banquet will feature the chance for the public to meet their NFL heroes and pick up some fabulous items at the silent and live auctions. The following morning features a spectacular day of golf at the Hills Country Club. Four-member teams captained by an NFL Alumnus compete for the ultimate prize-representing the Austin NFL alumni at the 2008 Super Bowl of Golf Tournament. Visit the tournament website to purchase a sponsorship, to reserve your golf team, and to find out more. For questions, please contact Emily Jansen at ejansen@centerforchildprotection.org.

We thank Richard Everitt, Chef Joe Ramirez and the staff of McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant for their successful Iced Tea Benefit. We are grateful to Kappa Delta for their Shamrock Volleyball Tournament, Ginny's Printing, the Long Foundation, Junior League of Austin, and Girls Giving Grants for their support. We also appreciate Austin Cup Bowling Tournament Sponsors Austin Ventures, GCI Read-Poland and Tipping Point Technologies along with all the players and technology companies who made such a difference for children.