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

2020 — Opening Doors During Uncertain Times

In 2020, Nicole’s Place began welcoming young survivors of sex trafficking to its home in Southwest Austin. Despite COVID-19 preventing Austin 20 from hosting fundraising events, Nicole’s Place continued providing critical care and support through dedicated volunteers and the generosity 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 Fury an, 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. 

.