The measure of a society is found in how they treat their weakest and most helpless citizens.

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 and $165,000 was raised and donated to a non profit that houses children of DMST.

A second annual luncheon was held in April of 2018, raising funds for another organization supporting victims of DMST, S.A.F.E. Alliance. Funds were raised in support of the new CARES program, which provides 24/7 advocates for trafficked girls. Additionally, the event supported other organizations that aid in the fight against DMST: the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), the Texas Juvenile Justice Division (TJJD),  and training seminars lead by the Governor’s Sex Trafficking Team. 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.

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. 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.

In 2021, Nicole’s Place began receiving girls at its location in Southwest Austin. With COVID-19 a part of life, The Austin 20 was unable to host any in-person fundraising events. Thankfully Nicole's Place continued to be supported through volunteers and the support of "UpBring".

In May of 2021, The Austin 20 hosted "An evening live with Larry Gatlin". Hosted by DMST advocate and United States Congressman, Michael McCaul. Esteemed guests included Scott Brown who received the "Nicole Palmenta Award" for extraordinary service to the DMST cause. Nicole's Place thrives under the guidance and care by UpBring. 

In the Spring of  2022, supporters for our children gathered again to raise funds to support of the growing number of children that were being exploited in our state. Be;pved First Lady, Mrs. Cecelia Abbott welcomed guests with a postive intention and prayer. An important Q&A discussion was held by the following panel: the The Commissioner of DFPS, CEO of Lone Star Justice, Director of TJJD, Commander Jay Furhman, Detective Joe Scaramucci and the mother of a child that was killed as a result of exploitation. 

Sadly, not everyone is as supportive and loving as we expect them to be.  An alleged error may or may not have been made by the title company that provided insurance for the Nicole's Place property. A small group of "neighbors" that purportedly did not like living near our beautiful children, rose up and demanded that Nicole's Place move our campus 150 feet. We chose not to enter into a long legal battle so we began the lengthy process to move our girl's homes. After almost 2 years serving young girls we had to close the campus for a period of time while they were being moved. Amongst tears, and comments like "Why are they doing this to us - this is our home" the children that we grew to love were placed in shelters. The good news is we still keep in touch and support most of the children that passed through NP via our volunteer arm lead by Dena Wood. Dena is a tireless advocate and "mom" to so many!

After a tough and cruel exchange with a few of the residents adjacent to the Nicole's Place campus we are open once again and serving youth! As the need for compassionate care is so desperatly needed we are once again busy serving youth. 

The amount of children being sold for sex in our country, our state and right here in Austin is alarming! We need to expand our campus and are currently searching for additional acreage to expand. More to come! Please contact us if you would like to volunteer to serve our youth.