Brief History of TVSA

By Jschuh
  • 1997

    Texas Victim Services Association filed Articles of Incorporation with the Texas Secretary of State
  • 1998

    The first organizational meeting was held and attended by 30 service providers from throughout central Texas. The results were ideas for structure, committees and a vision to provide education and training to service providers throughout Texas. Bill Kearns and Bobbie Neyland were named Co-Directors until the structure of the organization was developed.
  • 1998

    The first bank account opened with dues collected from the January meeting.
  • 1998

    First newsletter published
  • 1998

    Meeting and first board officer nominations: Bill Kearns - president, Bobbi Neyland - president-elect, Karen Martin - secretary, Sharon Simmons - treasurer.
  • 1998

    All nominations accepted and agreed to by mail-in vote from the membership.
  • 1998

    Organizational meeting held in Austin. Bobbi Neyland wrote an article about TVSA for the OAG publication, "Vision."
  • 1998

    TVSA's first website, TVSA@geocities.com
  • 1998

    Twenty four victim service providers attended TVSA's first workshop on "Ethics" held in Austin.
  • 1998

    End of the Year Report: 119 members and $2,720 in the treasury.
  • 1999

    First conference held in Austin. Attorney General John Cornyn was the keynote speaker. 
  • 2000

    Second conference held in Austin.
  • 2001

    Third conference held in Fort Worth at the Radisson Hotel.
  • 2002

    Fourth conference held at South Padre Island.
  • 2002

    TVSA is granted permanent IRS 501 ( c) (3) status.
  • 2003

    Fifth conference held in San Antonio.
  • 2004

    Sixth conference held in Austin.
  • 2005

    Seventh conference at South Padre Island was interrupted by a hurricane.
  • 2006

    Eighth conference held in Houston.
  • 2007

    Ninth conference held at South Padre Island.
  • 2007

    TVSA celebrates its 10 anniversary in Austin
  • 2008

    10th conference held in Austin
  • 2009

    11th conference held in El Paso
  • 2011

    12 Conference held in South Padre Island
  • 2012

    13th conference in San Antonio
  • 2013

    14th conference held in South Padre Island
  • 2015

    15th conference held in South Padre Island
  • 2016

    Regional socials series is established statewide
  • 2016

    TVSA holds leadership and management advanced academy for victim assistance in Austin
  • 2016

    TVSA holds its first victimology symposium in San Marcos
  • 2016

    Preparations begin for 20th anniversary celebration in 2017