At the start of public comment on Aug. 13, Eleanor DeLong, a social-work student and resident, urged the city to host an annual fundraiser to help support the Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center’s regional services.

DeLong said the center serves eight counties in the region and reported that in 2023 it served about 550 children, an average of roughly 46 children per month. She told the council that the center’s current funding comes from county contributions and foundation grants and that staff estimates put per-child service costs at about $2,200, which would total roughly $1.2 million for 550 children in a year. She described the service as a “necessary service” and suggested a city-led fundraiser to help close service funding gaps.

DeLong referenced state-level data on child fatalities and investigations and asked the council to consider assisting the Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center. Council members responded courteously and asked staff to follow up with DeLong to explore how the city could assist or host a fundraiser.