
Original Board, 2002

WHO WE ARE
Our Story - The Power of One to Impact the Lives of Many
Aledo Children’s AdvoCats was born when one idea inspired a group of individuals to act. In 2002, a small group of local women banded together to form an all-female volunteer-run organization to support unmet student needs within the Aledo ISD community. At the time, East Parker County did not have a place for families to go for help with medical and dental needs, food, clothing, school supplies, or basic living expenses. These 21 women became founding members and started the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization called Aledo Children’s AdvoCats. The mission of the organization was to raise charitable funds to help improve the lives of children and their families in the Aledo area.
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​After two decades, this mission continues to be carried out thanks to the support of Aledo ISD, our generous donors and event sponsors, and the volunteer efforts of our members – the AdvoCats Ambassadors. An estimated 12.6% (or 1 in every 8 students) of Aledo ISD’s population is economically disadvantaged. Through a collaborative effort between AISD school counselors and Aledo Children’s AdvoCats, students’ needs are identified and met on a daily basis. 20 years later, AdvoCats has raised over one million dollars and has assisted thousands of children and families. Our members have volunteered countless hours serving the community.
Aledo Children’s AdvoCats Outreach Programs
Aledo Children’s AdvoCats has three main community outreach programs. Each one works directly with Aledo ISD school counselors to identify and assist qualified students/families.
Children's Fund
Children’s Fund is Aledo Children’s AdvoCats main outreach service. The Children’s Fund evaluates each student’s needs on an individual basis, and all information is confidential. Children’s Fund helps with medical, dental, and vision expenses, counseling, career and technical education courses, living expenses, expenses for graduating seniors, school supplies, and crisis intervention.
Clothes Closet
The Clothes Closet is a clothing resource for qualified Aledo ISD families, where they are able to shop and receive clothing free of charge. It is also open to the public as a resale store, with all proceeds going back to support the mission of Aledo Children’s AdvoCats.
Angel Project
Angel Project organizes Christmas gifts for qualified Aledo ISD students. The children’s wish lists are fulfilled by community volunteer shoppers. AdvoCats then collects the gifts and distributes them to the families.
In 2024, nearly 600 children had gifts under the Christmas tree from the AdvoCats Angel Project and each of the 250+ families served received a grocery gift card.

ADDITIONAL SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY
AdvoCats has extended their help over the years with projects such as Bearcat Park, Hancock House of Hope, Parker County Teen Court, Shattered Dreams, Adams Family House, and college/trade school scholarships for high school seniors.
2025-2026 AdvoCats Board of Directors
President: Lisa Robertson
President-Elect:
Children's Fund VP: Candi Lear
Children's Fund VP-elect: Kelsey Dyck
Clothes Closet VP: Natalie Martini
Clothes Closet VP-elect: Tracey Powell
Communications VP: Jenn Young
Community Relations VP: Jordan Formby
Donor Relations VP: Jessica Williams
Membership VP: Dawn Poston
Secretary: Amy Yates
Special Projects VP: Michelle Parker
Treasurer: Kristen Harford
Treasurer-Elect:
Parliamentarian: Lynn McKinney​
Technology Chair: Karyn Kelbaugh
VP Children's Fund: Dawn Poston
AISD Liaison: Lynn Morgan
Directors:
Angela Patterson
Angela Patterson
Annie Hillman
Brooke Sharples
Christina Donnelly
Janet Coble
Jodi Johnson
Jodi Outland
Kristi Siddons
Natalie Pulliam
Shannon Bruno-Scoggins



