When a child arrives at Austin’s House, it is often during one of the most uncertain moments of their life. Community support is critical to Austin’s House’s ability to care for them in crisis.
They may arrive late at night. They may not know where they are going. They may have very few belongings with them. They may be scared, overwhelmed, quiet, angry, exhausted, or unsure of what comes next.
In that moment, Austin’s House is ready.
We provide safety.
We provide calm.
We provide care.
That first night matters. So does every meal, every clean set of pajamas, every ride to school, every doctor’s appointment, every birthday cake, every bedtime routine, and every adult who shows up with patience and compassion.
Austin’s House provides emergency shelter and care for children from birth to age 18 who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. As the only emergency shelter serving children from rural Nevada counties, Austin’s House fills a critical gap when immediate placement is needed.
But this work does not happen alone.
It happens because our community continues to show up, and community support is the village raising the child.
Why Community Support Matters
Austin’s House is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Children do not arrive on a schedule, and their needs cannot wait for a convenient time.
Care at Austin’s House goes far beyond a bed for the night. Children receive meals and snacks, clothing, hygiene items, school support, medical and dental coordination, emotional support, daily routines, and opportunities to continue being kids during an incredibly difficult transition.
Whenever possible, children staying at Austin’s House continue attending school, participating in activities, going to appointments, and experiencing normal moments that help create stability.
Recently, several teens attended prom while staying with us.
Those moments matter deeply.
They remind children they are more than what happened to them. They are still students, friends, siblings, athletes, artists, readers, dreamers, and kids who deserve dignity, safety, and care.
State funding helps cover a portion of the cost of care, but it does not fully fund the comprehensive support children need. The difference is made up by donors, volunteers, sponsors, community partners, and people who believe children deserve more than survival.
That is why every act of support matters.
Join Us at June Community Events
This month, there are two wonderful opportunities to enjoy the Carson Valley community while supporting Austin’s House.
Thirsty Third Thursday Wine Walk in Gardnerville
Thursday, June 18
The Main Street Gardnerville Third Thursday Wine Walk is a fun way to sip, stroll, and support local downtown merchants and businesses. The event includes wine, non-alcoholic options, hydration stations, food, music, and opportunities to connect with local businesses and neighbors.
Austin’s House is grateful to be part of a community where local events help raise awareness and support for children in crisis.
Pre-registration and event information can be found through Main Street Gardnerville.
Pre-Register for Gardnerville’s Third Thursday Wine Walk here
Genoa Wine Walk
Friday, June 26 | 5 to 8 p.m.
The Genoa Wine Walk is part of the Last Fridays series and benefits children at Austin’s House. Participants can enjoy an evening in historic Genoa while visiting local stops, connecting with participating businesses, and supporting a meaningful cause.
Check-in begins at The Genoa Gallery, 2292 Main Street, #7, Genoa.
Learn more about the Genoa Wine Walk here
Community events like these remind us that support does not always have to look the same. Sometimes it looks like making a donation. Sometimes it looks like volunteering. Sometimes it looks like attending an event, sharing our mission, or inviting a friend to learn more.
Every connection helps strengthen the circle of care around the children we serve.
A New Way for Businesses to Help: Corporate Sponsorship
Austin’s House has also launched a new corporate sponsorship program designed for businesses and organizations that want to make a meaningful, year-round investment in children and community.
Corporate sponsorship is different from event-based giving. It provides steady support that helps Austin’s House plan responsibly, meet urgent needs promptly, and provide uninterrupted care when children need it most.
For businesses, sponsorship offers a visible and meaningful way to:
- Demonstrate year-round community investment
- Align with child safety, dignity, and compassion
- Strengthen Nevada’s safety net for children in crisis
- Gain positive visibility while honoring child privacy
- Support a trusted local organization rooted in Carson Valley
Corporate sponsorships help support essential needs at Austin’s House, including groceries and daily meals, furniture and household items, transportation for children and case workers, medical and health care expenses, children’s daily essentials and activities, and support for employee pride, morale, and retention.
Most importantly, sponsorship helps create stability.
In years without a large fundraising event, corporate partnerships play an even more important role in making sure children continue to receive the care, comfort, and support they need.
Sponsorship Levels
Austin’s House offers several corporate sponsorship levels inspired by the trees and landscape of our region:
Ponderosa Sponsor | $5,000
Includes prominent website logo placement, quarterly social media recognition, a dedicated sponsor spotlight in one email newsletter, Proud Sponsor materials, recognition in the annual impact report, and naming opportunity for a sponsorship focus area.
White Fir Sponsor | $3,500
Includes website logo placement, quarterly social media recognition, recognition in one email newsletter, sponsor banner for business display or digital use, and recognition in the annual impact report.
Juniper Sponsor | $2,500
Includes website logo or business name placement, quarterly social media recognition, community sponsor window decal or small banner, and recognition in the annual impact report.
Piñon Sponsor | $1,250
Includes business name listed on the Austin’s House website, group social media recognition, digital community partner badge, and recognition in the annual impact report.
Custom sponsorships are also available to align with a company’s mission, values, and giving goals.
Find out more about Austin’s House Corporate Sponsorships here
Download our Corporate Sponsorship Brochure Here
More Than Just Foster Care
At Austin’s House, we often say we are more than just foster care.
That means helping children continue being children.
It means school backpacks.
Birthday cakes.
Clean pajamas.
A favorite snack.
A calm bedtime routine.
A safe adult to talk to.
A ride to school.
A warm meal.
A place to rest.
Healing often begins in small, everyday moments.
And those moments are possible because of this community.
Whether you attend a wine walk, make a donation, shop our wish list, become a corporate sponsor, volunteer, or simply share our mission with someone new, you are helping create safety, dignity, and hope for children during one of the most difficult times of their lives.
Get Involved
There are many ways to support Austin’s House:
- Attend the Third Thursday Wine Walk in Gardnerville on June 18
- Attend the Genoa Wine Walk on June 26
- Become a corporate sponsor
- Make a donation
- Shop our Amazon wish list
- Volunteer
- Share our mission with your friends, family, employees, and customers
Every act of support helps create stability and care for children who need it most.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact:
Colleen Chapman
Community Development Manager
[email protected]