El Paso Center for Children
Championing El Paso Families: El Paso Center for Children began its tradition of service as an orphanage in 1919. We have been a support to thousands of families and children for over a hundred years. Our services have evolved and grown, and yet they remain all free, all the time!

Causes: Children and Youth, Health and Mental Well-being, Homelessness and Housing

“I feel very humble and little when I try to serve the people of El Paso and the Southwest, knowing the bigness of their hearts.”
– Kathleen Moore in a letter to a donor more than 80 years ago

While our services have evolved and grown over the years, our mission has remained the same: Dedication to ensuring services remain all free, all the time. And our team continues to innovate—connecting with people in person, by phone, virtually, and through social media!


Behind every service we offer, there’s a real story of resilience, growth, and hope. Here are just a few:

Resource Coordination and Housing Services

“I remember a 23-year-old single mom with three kids all under 5. She was facing eviction, unemployed, and struggling with food and basic needs. Through our Rapid Rehousing program, she secured an apartment the same week she applied for a job we connected her with — and she got it! Now she provides for her three boys with stability and pride.”

Parent Education & Family Support

“A father attended one of our parent workshops after losing his wife. At first, he was quiet and withdrawn, but slowly he began to open up about the challenges of raising his sons alone. After the class, we connected him with utility assistance, and later he told us how grateful he was for both the guidance and the practical help. It gave him hope and breathing room as a parent.”

Early Childhood Services

“A mom came to us pregnant, struggling with her four-year-old’s tantrums. With counseling, parenting strategies, and Theraplay, she created consistency and routines. Over time, she saw her son thrive in preschool and even start playing softball. When her new baby was born, big brother stepped proudly into his role. They celebrated his progress with a certificate and family dinner out — smiles all around.”

Youth Emergency Shelter

“15-year-old Sarah ran away to Dallas with a friend. Authorities stopped them in El Paso, but their family couldn’t immediately pick them up. Our Youth Emergency Shelter welcomed them with food, support, and a safe place to stay. We arranged flights home, ensured a safe reunion, and followed up weeks later — her mom was grateful and proud to report that Sarah was back in school and even offered a soccer scholarship.”

Victims of Crime Counseling

“Cecilia, a teen survivor of bullying and sexual assault, came to us battling anxiety, depression, and distrust. With ongoing counseling, she rebuilt her self-esteem, graduated high school, and now attends UTEP. Today she’s in a healthy relationship, sets boundaries, and embraces affection from loved ones. She continues monthly sessions — not from fear, but from empowerment.”


Making Forward Progress

Our goal is to raise 65,000 to meet the needs of our friends and neighbors in El Paso who trust us to assist them during challenging times. Our donation boxes represent typical costs in our programs, and we promise to use your gift where it’s needed most across the organization.


Quick Team Huddle

We have a solid game plan, and we’re ready to do the work. Now we just need a little help from our teammates: As a donor, you can support El Paso youth and families face adversity head-on and overcome life’s obstacles.

Pairing your donation with the hard work of the El Paso Center for Children team, we empower families with game-winning strategies for a brighter future and ensuring they’re ready to…

Play Like Champions!


Fundraisers