Who We Are

The Amarillo Coalition for Child Protection is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing child safety through education, informed awareness, and responsible civic engagement.

We bring together parents, educators, students, faith leaders, civic organizations, and community stakeholders to foster thoughtful dialogue and collaborative solutions that strengthen child protection systems in our homes, schools, and throughout our community.

We believe safer childhoods are built through informed leadership, measured action, and shared responsibility.

Our Mission

To promote child safety through local awareness, research-informed education, and responsible civic engagement that strengthens protection systems and supports safer childhoods.

Our Vision

A community where every child is protected, supported, and able to thrive in safe environments built through informed, collaborative action.

Our Approach

We focus on:

• Public educational forums and workshops

• Research-based resource development

• Structured, solution-centered dialogue

• Community collaboration across sectors

• Measured engagement around child protection policies

Our work prioritizes education first, constructive engagement always, and lasting impact over reaction.

Nonpartisan Commitment

The Amarillo Coalition for Child Protection is a nonpartisan organization.

We do not endorse or oppose political candidates. Our mission is centered on child safety and community wellbeing. When public policy issues arise that affect child protection, our role is to provide fact-based information and encourage responsible civic participation consistent with our educational purpose.

We are committed to maintaining respectful dialogue and a solution-focused environment.

Our Legal Status

The Amarillo Coalition for Child Protection is organized as a Texas nonprofit corporation and operates exclusively for charitable and educational purposes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Our application for federal tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) is currently pending.

Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law once tax-exempt status is recognized.

Leadership

The Coalition is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors committed to responsible stewardship, transparency, and mission integrity.

Board of Directors

Shelly Walker, Chair

Shelly brings over 15 years of experience in community leadership and
organizational development. She is committed to fostering informed
dalogue and strengthening systems that support families and children in
Amarillo. She has one son and three temperamental cats.

John Smith, Treasurer

Mr. Smith brings 10 years of financial, legal, business, and nonprofit experience.
He holds a MBA from Texas Tech University and has 2 children.

Heather Jones, Secretary

Heather brings 5 years of governance, education, and 10 years of a
community service background . She holds a BA in Social Work from
west Texas A&M Univeristy.

Lizzie Freeman, Community Manager

Lizzy brings 5 years of community engagement and social media
expertise to the organization. She loves her dog Todo. She is studying
Mass Media at West Texas A&M University.

Governance & Accountability

The Coalition operates with:

• Adopted Bylaws

• Conflict of Interest Policy

• Board financial oversight procedures

• Annual reporting requirements

We are committed to transparency, responsible governance, and measurable community impact.

Join Us

Protecting children is a shared responsibility. We invite you to learn more, participate in our programs, and support efforts that strengthen child safety in our community.

Together, we can build safer childhoods through informed awareness and thoughtful action.