Child Advocates of Montgomery County Celebrates Volunteers and Community Partners Making a Difference for Children Across The Woodlands and Montgomery County
For thousands of children and families across Montgomery County, healing and stability often begin with one consistent presence: a volunteer willing to show up, listen, and advocate when it matters most.
That commitment took center stage on April 13 as Child Advocates of Montgomery County hosted its 2026 HOPE for Children Volunteer Appreciation Event at The Peach Orchard in The Woodlands, recognizing the volunteers and community partners whose service continues to shape the lives of vulnerable children throughout the region.
The annual event celebrated Advocates, donors, outreach leaders, and nonprofit partners who help advance the organization’s mission of empowering children through volunteer advocacy, education, and community support. In a county experiencing continued population growth and increasing demand for child welfare and youth services, organizers said the evening served as both a moment of gratitude and a reminder of the critical role volunteers play in the community.
Decade of Service Recognized for Two Longtime Advocates
Among the evening’s honorees were Mark Fincher and Madge Hollinger, who were recognized for reaching 10 years of service as volunteer Advocates.
Their decade-long commitment represents years spent supporting children and families navigating some of life’s most difficult circumstances, including foster care placement, court proceedings, family instability, and trauma recovery.
Child Advocates volunteers serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates® (CASA), working directly with children in the child welfare system and providing the court with recommendations focused on the child’s best interests. Advocates remain involved throughout each case, offering children consistency during periods of uncertainty and transition.
For many children in care, volunteers become one of the few steady adults in their lives.
Volunteer Recruitment Efforts Continue to Strengthen Montgomery County Support Network
The organization also recognized Lead Outreach Specialist Shellie Tyrrell for her role in expanding the volunteer network that supports children throughout Montgomery County.
Since becoming Child Advocates of Montgomery County’s sole volunteer recruiter in 2017, Tyrrell has helped guide 547 Advocates through pre-service training and the swearing-in process.
Each new Advocate represents another trained community member prepared to support children facing abuse, neglect, truancy challenges, or involvement in the juvenile justice system.
As Montgomery County continues to grow, nonprofit leaders say community-based volunteer recruitment remains essential to ensuring children do not fall through the cracks.
Community Partners Honored for Ongoing Support
The evening also highlighted the behind-the-scenes contributions of longtime community partners whose donations, resources, and volunteer efforts support children and families served by Child Advocates of Montgomery County.
This year’s community partner honorees included Bags of Love, Project Linus, Victor Love, and The Bike Guys.
These organizations and volunteers contribute comfort items, supplies, transportation support, and practical resources that help children feel seen, supported, and cared for during difficult moments in their lives.
Their involvement reflects what organizers described as a broader community effort to strengthen outcomes for vulnerable youth across Montgomery County and The Woodlands area.
“To every volunteer who joined us—and to all who serve throughout the year—thank you for believing in children, showing up with compassion, and being the reason hope continues to grow,” President and CEO Ann Marie Ronsman shared with attendees.
Child Advocates of Montgomery County Expands Services for Children and Families
Founded 34 years ago, Child Advocates of Montgomery County has become a leading nonprofit resource for children involved in the child welfare system.
For the past 11 years, the organization has successfully appointed a volunteer guardian ad litem to 100 percent of children in care in Montgomery County — a milestone that reflects both sustained volunteer engagement and growing community support.
In 2024, the nonprofit expanded its programs to also support youth involved in the juvenile justice and truancy systems, broadening its reach beyond traditional foster care advocacy.
Today, Child Advocates volunteers support children through three primary advocacy programs:
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Child Welfare Advocacy: Court Appointed Special Advocates® (CASA) serving children in foster care whose families are involved in the child welfare system.
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Justice-Involved Youth Advocacy: CASA volunteers supporting youth navigating the juvenile justice system.
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Educational Advocacy and Truancy Prevention: Volunteer Advocates helping students struggling with school attendance, participation, and educational stability.
Beyond direct advocacy, the organization’s Community Education Division also provides training and resources focused on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), trauma-informed care, and human trafficking and exploitation prevention for schools, government agencies, nonprofits, and businesses throughout Montgomery County.
How Montgomery County Residents Can Get Involved
Child Advocates leaders say volunteers remain the foundation of the organization’s work, and community involvement continues to be critical as demand for services grows.
Volunteer Advocates come from all walks of life, including teachers, retirees, business professionals, grandparents, stay-at-home parents, and community leaders united by a desire to support local children and families.
In addition to becoming a Volunteer Advocate, residents can also assist with fundraising events, office support, and projects like the Amy Streifel Community Garden.
According to the organization, the goal is to create a connected community where children and families can thrive while working collectively to eliminate childhood trauma, abuse, and neglect.
Residents interested in learning more about volunteering with Child Advocates of Montgomery County can visit childadvocatestexas.org/become-a-volunteer.
As Montgomery County continues to grow, nonprofit leaders say strengthening local support systems for children will remain one of the community’s most important responsibilities — and one increasingly powered by volunteers willing to step forward.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more community updates and nonprofit news across Montgomery County and The Woodlands.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.