Family Support Services

01/02/2026

✨Friday Spotlight: Rachel Velasquez ✨

Rachel Velasquez is a Safehouse Case Manager at Family Support Services, providing compassionate support to individuals experiencing domestic violence and/or sexual assault. She assists with safety planning, resources, and guidance, ensuring survivors know they are supported no matter the choices they make.

Rachel believes in the healing power of being heard. Through active listening and advocacy, she helps survivors feel seen, valued, and empowered as they begin their journey toward healing. Rachel began her work with the agency responding to SANE calls and continues to serve with deep dedication. She recently earned her master’s degree and plans to pursue her LPC.

As we enter the new year, while many celebrate the holidays, our advocates work behind the scenes to ensure survivors feel safe and supported. This season may look different for survivors—but with advocates like Rachel, hope remains. Soon, they will be thriving and looking back at how strong they truly are. 💙

01/01/2026

Happy New Year!

12/30/2025

🚨 No Girls' Circle tomorrow as we get ready to welcome the new year! 🎉 Enjoy the break, rest up, and step into 2026 feeling refreshed ✨

The exciting news: A brand new session of Girls' Circle begins January 7th!

💕 New activities, real conversations, creativity, connection, and a space just girls in 6th, 7th and 8th Grade! 🌸 To register your student please follow the link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSebt524F86wn7kuEc8FIZPc_HdCXes_nVTPFxS1juxVlToAcQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=101271129445732747735

12/29/2025

Connection can change everything!

About a year ago, Cynthia from our Education Department created a monthly networking group where moms gather around a new theme and activity each month. These moments have become a place to breathe, laugh, and build community. One of our regular participants shared a vlog about her experience, and it captures the heart of what these gatherings are all about. Her point of view says it better than we ever could. Watch below and see what community looks like through her eyes! Thank you Javada!

If you'd like information on the next gathering please contact Cyntia at Cramirez@fss-ama.org.

Today, I took you along to my monthly moms' group meetup, and let's just say things got a little chaotic! We got together for a much-needed "mom's day out" t...

12/25/2025

We wish you a very merry Christmas!🎄 From all of us at Family Support Services Services!

12/23/2025

We are so thankful to the Harrington Cancer and Health Foundation for their $33,000 contribution to our Counseling Department. This support makes a meaningful difference for the clients we serve every day. Special thanks to the Foundation and their Executive Director, Gainor Davis, for their continued commitment to healing!

12/22/2025

Did you know our safe house never closes and there is always someone available to answer our 24/7 helpline?

With Christmas just around the corner, we are especially grateful for the advocates, staff and volunteers who respond to hospital calls, answer the helpline and who work day and night at our safe house.

The holidays can be an incredibly difficult time for families seeking safety, and our team remains there, offering care and reassurance when it is needed most.

Their hard work makes a real difference and we are so grateful for them!🎄

12/21/2025

We hear it a lot this time of year.
“Just surviving the holidays.”

Sometimes we say it jokingly. Busy schedules, family stress, tight budgets.

But for some people, that phrase is very real.

The holidays can mean more stress, more alcohol, bigger emotions, and increased risk for family violence. What feels like a celebration to some can feel unsafe for others.

This season, pay attention. Notice red flags. Check in on the people around you. Be willing to have the hard conversations.

If you or someone you love is truly surviving the holidays, Family Support Services is here. While our office may be close, please know our 24/7 helpline is always available. You are not alone.

24/7 Bilingual Helpline: 806-374-5433

12/20/2025

Congratulations, Michelle Shields! 🎉

We are incredibly proud to share that Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced the appointment of 21 members to the Family Violence Criminal Homicide Prevention Task Force, and our very own Michelle Shields, Director of Advocacy at Family Support Services, is among those selected.

In this important role, Michelle will work alongside leaders from across the state to:
• Analyze top risk factors that may lead to family violence related homicide
• Advise state agencies and nonprofit organizations on training for professionals who work with survivors
• Collect, analyze, and share regional data that is legally permissible and publicly available
• Develop policy recommendations to better protect families across Texas

This task force was created through Texas Senate Bill 1946, which took effect in September, and comes at a critical time. As previous reports have shown, Potter County continues to face extremely high rates of family violence, alongside challenges like economic strain, food insecurity, and poor health outcomes. Michelle’s voice, experience, and leadership are vital in these conversations.

Michelle has served Family Support Services for 10 years, bringing deep expertise, compassion, and unwavering dedication to survivors and our community. We are so proud to see her knowledge and commitment recognized at the state level.

Please join us in congratulating Michelle on this well deserved appointment. Her work makes a difference, not just locally, but across the state of Texas. 💙

12/19/2025

📣Family Support Services Holiday Closure Notice

Family Support Services will be closed for the holidays from Monday, December 22 through Friday, December 26. We will resume normal business hours on Monday, December 29 at 8:00 a.m.

This time allows our dedicated team the opportunity to spend meaningful time with their own families during the holidays. We are grateful for their compassion and commitment throughout the year.🎄

Please remember, support is still available. Our 24/7 crisis hotline remains open at 806-374-5433. An advocate is always available to support you during crisis situations. You are not alone. 🤍