Children’s Safe Harbor opens new, expanded facility, doubling capacity to serve ever-increasing cases of children and families in crisis

CONROE, TX -- Over the last ten years, the population of Montgomery County, TX, has nearly doubled. While such population expansion suggests economic prosperity, unfortunately, it also brought an explosion of crimes against children. Children’s Safe Harbor (CSH) has recently opened the doors to its new, expanded facility in Conroe having outgrown its previous headquarters due to an ever-increasing abuse case load. As a nationally accredited children’s advocacy center, CSH’s mission is to bring justice, healing, and hope to children and families traumatized by sexual assault, severe physical abuse, child sex trafficking, sextortion and online solicitation.

Located on the N. Loop 336 E. in Conroe, the 45,000-square-foot, two-story building constructed on 18 acres of piney woods more than doubles the non-profit’s previous space, significantly increasing its capacity to serve child victims and their families. Founded in 1998, CSH provides a community-based, child-friendly, trauma-focused environment where children ages 2–17 can safely share their experiences and access coordinated services.

“Families often have no idea where to turn when abuse is discovered,” explained Victoria Constance, MSPH, Ph.D., Executive Director of Children’s Safe Harbor. “CSH exists as a resource to walk alongside families through some of the darkest moments in their lives, providing a place where their children can speak their truth, receive support, and begin healing — all at no cost.”

Over the last 27 years, the organization has served more than 31,369 children across its multi-county region, which includes Montgomery, Walker, San Jacinto, and parts of Harris. The demand for services continues to rise. In 2024 alone, CSH conducted 2,245 forensic interviews. Research data over the several decades shows that 96% of offenders are individuals that children know and trust, underscoring the critical need for safe, specialized intervention and community awareness and prevention programs.

On Friday, November 14, 2025, a private open house was attended by donors, members of partner agencies, staff, board members, supporters, and several key elected officials and community leaders. The special highlight of the day was a Masonic Cornerstone Dedication Ceremony presided over by M. W. Raborn L. Reader, Jr., Grand Master of Masons in Texas.

The ceremony reflected centuries of Masonic tradition and symbolized the organization’s enduring commitment to community, integrity, and service. Masonic cornerstone ceremonies have been performed for hundreds of years across the United States and Texas, marking the dedication of courthouses, schools, churches, and public buildings. The laying of a cornerstone represents a foundation built on enduring principles, truth, charity, and faith. “For Children’s Safe Harbor, this symbolic blessing signifies more than a new beginning; it stands as a foundation of hope and protection for the children and families it serves,” noted W. M. Chance E. Crane, Montgomery Masonic Lodge #25.

After nearly a decade of visionary planning, this new building was designed by architectural firm Tramonte Design Studio and constructed by Tellepsen Builders. Gauge Real Estate Partners served as the project management company and owner representative to CSH. These three firms partnered with Victoria Constance to thoroughly understand the mission and current needs of CSH. The end result is not just a building, but a gateway to justice, healing and hope.

The new facility is designed to expand and enhance the coordinated, child-centered approach that CSH has delivered for more than 27 years, bringing all of the related partner agencies together in one place. With additional space for forensic interviews, family advocacy, mental and medical health services, SVU law enforcement, Child Protective Services, and community outreach, the new center strengthens the organization’s ability to meet the growing needs of this region, as well as assisting families nationwide.

The Training & Community Engagement Center is available for organizations and other nonprofits to host conferences and meetings for up to 150 guests in flexible layouts with state-of-the-art audio/visual technology and catering accommodations. “We are incredibly proud to open a space that reflects both the dignity of the children we serve and the commitment to our law enforcement and CPS partners,” Victoria Constance expressed. “The intention of the Training & Community Engagement center is to bring opportunities for local businesses, school district personnel, church communities, nonprofit organizations and civic groups to come and share in the vision of understanding the power of CSH’s team model and to expand prevention programs and connections across our communities. This new facility reflects the unwavering commitment of our community to protect its most vulnerable children,” added Victoria Constance. “It ensures that every child who needs us will have a safe place to turn — today and for decades to come.”

For more information about Children’s Safe Harbor, services, or ways to support its mission, visit www.ChildrensSafeHarbor.org. If you suspect child abuse, call the toll-free crisis hotline at 1-800-252-5400.

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