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OCOF Blog & Community Updates
Across the Heart of Texas, individuals and organizations are working every day to support the well-being of children, youth, young adults, and families. OCOF is here to lift up and support those efforts—highlighting important topics, local stories, community collaborations, and voices shaping the future of our region.
share a story
Is your organization launching a new program? Did your team recently host a successful event, form a new partnership, or find a creative solution to a local challenge? We want to hear about it. We especially welcome stories that reflect youth and family voice, lived experience, and efforts rooted in equity, connection, and care.
If you have something to share, fill out the form linked below and help us uplift the good work happening in your corner of the region.
Building a Brighter Future for Every Child
Join Our Community Our Future in celebrating World Children’s Day! Discover how we’re building a future where every child, youth, and young adult is healthy, connected, and thriving through our six focus areas — from early intervention and school engagement to rural access and successful transitions to adulthood — and explore simple ways you can make a difference in your community.
Surviving the Holidays
The holidays can be a painful and challenging time for many—especially children, youth, and young adults involved in the child welfare or juvenile justice systems, navigating mental health struggles, coping with grief and loss, experiencing homelessness, or separated from family and natural supports. This trauma-informed guide explores how to create safety, connection, and compassion during a season that can feel overwhelming, and offers practical strategies for caregivers, service providers, and communities.
Find supportive tips for maintaining routines, honoring diverse emotional experiences, reducing stress and triggers, and rebuilding belonging—plus links to specialized resources for specific populations and needs.
Building Our Path Forward
Over the past several weeks, Our Community Our Future hosted two strategy retreats with our Steering Committee and community partners to shape the next chapter of our work. Guided by community feedback, we refined our vision, mission, and values and identified six strategic priorities to strengthen collaboration and support for children, youth, and families across the Heart of Texas.
Not Broken
Autism has always been part of the human story, but for too long it’s been misunderstood. Explore why moving from “awareness” to true “acceptance” matters, what neurodiversity really means, and how centering autistic voices can make schools, workplaces, and communities better for everyone.
Nothing About Us Without Us
Many systems meant to support children, youth, and families were designed with professionals at the center. But when we include the voices of those with lived experience—community members, caregivers, and young people—the system becomes more responsive, equitable, and effective. Learn how centering lived experience strengthens programs, builds trust, and creates lasting change for individuals and communities.
Small Moments, Big Impacts
Back-to-school season brings excitement, change, and sometimes anxiety—for students and parents alike. In the middle of shifting routines and growing to-do lists, it’s easy for meaningful connection to get lost. This post offers simple, intentional ways for parents and caregivers to build stronger relationships with their children—no matter how busy life gets.