Every child deserves a safe, loving, and stable environment to grow, learn, and thrive. Yet, for thousands of children across Greater Houston, this basic right is taken from them due to abuse or neglect. Our mission at BEAR is to stand in the gap for these children and bring comfort, dignity, and support during some of the hardest moments in their lives.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on an issue that too often stays in the shadows, and there are many ways we can come together as a community to create change through our programs.
First, Why Awareness Matters
Child abuse is a community issue. It affects not only the children and families directly involved, but also the schools, neighborhoods, and cities they live in. In Texas alone, tens of thousands of children are confirmed victims of abuse or neglect every year. In Harris County, the numbers remain some of the highest in the state.
By raising awareness, we can:
- Help prevent abuse before it starts
- Support early intervention
- Encourage more people to step forward as foster parents, mentors, and volunteers
- Create a culture where all children are protected and valued
How BEAR Makes an Impact
BEAR partners with Child Protective Services (CPS) and the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to provide critical support to children removed from unsafe situations. Our programs help ensure that children in crisis don’t go without the essentials, and that they are reminded they are not forgotten.a
Our core programs include:
- BEAR Necessities – Providing new clothes, shoes, diapers, toiletries, and other basic items to children removed from their homes, often with nothing more than the clothes on their backs.
- BEARing Gifts – Fulfilling holiday wish lists for children under CPS care during the holiday season.
- BEAR’s Hope Chest – Equipping teens aging out of the foster care system with furniture, household goods, and supplies as they transition to independent living.
- BEAR Back to School – Supplying backpacks, uniforms, and school supplies to help children start the school year with confidence.
These programs serve over thousands of children annually in Harris County and the surrounding areas.
How You Can Help
You don’t have to be a foster parent or a social worker to make a difference. When you support BEAR, you directly impact the lives of children in the foster care system.
Here’s how you can get involved:
- Donate – Every contribution, big or small, helps us continue meeting the needs of local children.
- Volunteer – Help us sort donations, assemble backpacks, or assist during seasonal events.
- Host a Drive – Organize a collection of essentials through your company, school, church, or community group.
- Become an Advocate – Share our mission with your network and help raise awareness during Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Thank you for all you do to support BEAR and local children in our area!
