THANKS TO YOUR GENEROSITY $1.1Million Raised for Nicole's House!

The Austin 20
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The Austin 20
Home
About Us
  • Our Work
  • Who We Are
Nicole's Projects
DONATE
Larry Gatlin Live! 2021
Contact Us
Survivors' Stories
Executive Director Search
More
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our Work
    • Who We Are
  • Nicole's Projects
  • DONATE
  • Larry Gatlin Live! 2021
  • Contact Us
  • Survivors' Stories
  • Executive Director Search
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our Work
    • Who We Are
  • Nicole's Projects
  • DONATE
  • Larry Gatlin Live! 2021
  • Contact Us
  • Survivors' Stories
  • Executive Director Search

A Brief History of The Austin 20

2017 ... in the beginning

Lisa Knapp identified an alarming problem that, while existing worldwide, is also happening right here in Austin and our central Texas communities – domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST). In April, she gathered “20” of her friends and hosted a fundraising luncheon to raise funds for an organization that was providing help for victims of DMST. Thus, the Austin 20 was born. $165,000 was raised for The Refuge DMST, financing the first cottage for girls in treatment.

2018 … because sex trafficking must stop!

A second annual luncheon was held in April of 2018, raising funds for another organization supporting victims of DMST, S.A.F.E. Alliance. $100,000 was raised in support of the new CARES program, which provides 24/7 advocates for trafficked girls. Additionally, another $85,000 was raised and used to support other organizations and their programs that aid in the fight against DMST: the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), the Texas Juvenile Justice Division (TJJD), the Governor’s Sex Trafficking Team. $15,000 was used to fund legal representation for an incarcerated DMST victim who was serving 20 years for her part in a murder that was carried out by her traffickers. Her case won an appeal, and she was later freed from prison. As the need for support for survivors of DMST became even more apparent, The Austin 20's informal status was changed as The Texas 20 (dba The Austin 20) was established as a legal entity and an application was submitted to the IRS for 501(c)(3) status.

2019 … the dream of a safe harbor for DMST victims becomes a reality

The third annual fundraising luncheon was held in April to raise general funds for The Austin 20,

with “Nicole’s Place – an initiative of The Austin 20” being the primary beneficiary of the funds raised. $230,000 was raised to “Raise the Roof on Nicole’s Place.” An additional $497,000 was raised In November through the Austin 20’s first gala event, “An Evening for Nicole’s Place". A ribbon-cutting ceremony for Nicole’s Place was held in December for the first two cabins. In addition to building and supporting Nicole’s Place, The Austin 20 continues to support other organizations that provide services along the continuum of care for DMST victims and survivors.

2020 … justice and restoration for sex-trafficked youth

The two cabins at Nicole’s Place were finished out and furnished, and, in August, Nicole’s Place began receiving girls at its location in southwest Austin. Two more legal battles were won for DMST survivors, funded by The Austin 20. With COVID-19 a part of life, The Austin 20 was unable to host any in-person fundraising events. Instead, an email campaign was launched in November.

2023 … more to come …

The Austin 20 is looking to expand Nicole’s Projects in size and scope. Nicole’s Place will continue to provide short-term residential treatment to more survivors. In addition, 

Your support will allow The Austin 20 to continue to provide more and better support for sex-trafficked youth. You will be a big part of the solution to the horrendous crime of DMST.

Who Are We?

The Austin 20 is a group of community leaders, activists, and caring individuals who take action to fight against Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST) in our city and surrounding areas.  


We provide funding and support for programs associated with all aspects of this horrendous crime and those victimized by it including: awareness and education, legislative support that fights against DMST and provides assistance for victims and survivors, recovery efforts, mentoring and rehabilitation, and support of other organizations’ work to fill gaps in the continuum of care for those victimized by DMST.


To learn more, please join our email list or contact us by phone. 


Austin 20 Founding Member

Lisa Knapp


Chief Executive Officer

Jaime Masters


The Austin 20 Board of Directors

  Camille Cain, President

Josh Castell, Vice President

Brian Wood, Treasurer

Dena Wood, Membership

Lisa Knapp, Fundraising

Kara DeBerry, Secretary

Dave Knapp

Penn Parrish 


Austin 20 Advisory Board

Andrea Sparks

Christy May

Claire Brickman

Demetrie Mitchell

Katie Olse

Laura Phillips 

Matt Haralson

Toni McKinley


Nicole’s Place Board of Directors

Dave Knapp, Founder

Terry Irion

Dena Wood 


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The Texas 20 (dba The Austin 20)

(512) 758-4303

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