Holiday Giving Challenge: Texas

This year, our Austin and Houston offices are joining forces for our annual Giving Challenge. With three great organizations to be supporting, learn more about what they do and how you can get involved.

MD Anderson Cancer Society

What is the mission of your organization?

The mission of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.

What populations do you serve?

MD Anderson serves a variety of patients, but focuses on cancer prevention and research. This year, MD Anderson was ranked No. 1 in cancer care by the U.S. News & World Report’s annual “Best Hospitals” survey.

How else can you get involved in your organization?

There are many ways to help, including volunteering, giving blood, and more. To check out our opportunities, visit our webpage here.

SAFE

What is the mission of your organization?

SAFE is a merger of Austin Children's Shelter and SafePlace dedicated to ending child abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence. Our mission is to lead in ending sexual assault and exploitation, child abuse, and domestic violence through prevention, intervention, and advocacy for change

What populations do you serve?

We serve to stop abuse for everyone, including victims of child abuse, relationship abuse, and sexual assault and exploitation.

How else can you get involved in your organization?

We are always looking for volunteers SAFE for the variety of services we offer. If you are interested in a bigger commitment, there are options to foster and adopt through SAFE. If any of these interests you, check out our website here.

Breakthrough

What is the mission of your organization?

Breakthrough makes a 12-year commitment to successfully guide each of its students and families through the long and complicated process of preparing for, enrolling in and completing college. We believe that by providing innovative educational programs to children and their families, we can replace the cycle of poverty with self-sufficiency.

What populations do you serve?

Breakthrough builds a path through college, beginning in middle school, for students from low-income communities who will become the first in their families to earn a college degree.

How else can you get involved in your organization?

Volunteers are needed at Breakthrough to help students with college essays, tutoring, or administrative roles. If you’re interested, fill out a volunteer application here.