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Former child advocacy staff urges Abilene to convert center to nonprofit
Summary
A former long-time employee urged the council to transition the city-run Child Advocacy Center into an independent nonprofit to improve funding options, operational agility, and mission focus on children.
Brandon Gorgenas, a former long-tenured employee of Abilene's Child Advocacy Center (CAC), urged the council during public comment to consider transitioning the city-operated center into an independent nonprofit organization.
"Across Texas and the nation, the vast majority of CACs operate as independent nonprofit organizations," Gorgenas said, arguing the nonprofit model provides mission focus, access to additional funding sources, and quicker responsiveness to children's needs than a city department structure.
Gorgenas described the CAC's history in Abilene — established in 1995 and housed in the police department for many years before moving under public health — and said the nonprofit model would keep the center child-focused rather than competing with other municipal priorities.
He asked the council to examine whether the nonprofit structure would better serve children going forward and recommended the city remain a strong partner even if it moved from operator to supporter.
What's next: The council did not take immediate action on the suggestion during open session; the topic may be directed to staff for evaluation and follow-up discussion.
