By Loretta Fulton

Most people know Travis Craver as City Councilman Travis Craver, representing Place 6.

Or, you may know him from his previous position as Director of Spiritual Formation at Hardin-Simmons University. If you’ve been around Abilene long enough, you may even know him for his previous youth work at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church.

Now, you’ll know him as Travis Craver, executive director of Mentoring Alliance, a nonprofit serving young people in Abilene through after-school programs, summer camps, and mentoring connections.

By now, you get the impression that Travis Craver is deep into service, whether as a volunteer or as a professional. Service is so deeply embedded in Travis, that he sees his profession as being part of a movement.

“Mentoring Alliance is more than just a program,” Travis said. “it’s a movement to provide tangible help and eternal hope for kids and families.”

Travis Craver

Travis Craver BIO

Name and Job Title: Dr. Travis Craver and I am the executive Director of Mentoring Alliance Greater Abilene.
Family: Caroline Craver and two kids Leah Savannah (11) and Linus (9).
Education: Bachelors and Masters from HSU and doctorate from Baylor University.
Community involvement: City Council and Elder at The Well Church along with various other boards.

Q: How long has Mentoring Alliance been in Abilene?
A: Mentoring Alliance launched its programs in Abilene in 2023, making it a growing part of this community.

Q: How long have you been the Executive Director?
A: I have been serving as the Executive Director in Abilene since its beginning here in Abilene in 2023.

Q: How does Mentoring Alliance differ from other youth-based programs in Abilene, specifically Youth Voice, Big Brothers-Big Sisters, and Boys & Girls Clubs?
A: Mentoring Alliance uniquely integrates faith-based values, emotional resilience and academic success with high-quality, holistic programs. Our focus extends beyond mentorship to include wraparound support through after-school care, summer camps, and mentor connections that partner with families and schools to ensure comprehensive impact.

Q: Abilene is one of three Mentoring Alliance locations in Texas. Where and when did Mentoring Alliance originate?
A: Mentoring Alliance was founded in Tyler, Texas, in 2009, with the vision to empower and equip youth through Christ-centered relationships and programs.We are currently in three regions: Tyler, Waco and Abilene Texas serving over 1,000 kids. 

Q: How is Mentoring Alliance funded? Through grants? Donations?
A: Mentoring Alliance is funded through a combination of generous individual donations, corporate partnerships, foundation grants, and program fees.

Q: You have three levels of programming—after school, summer camps, and mentor connect. In what area is the biggest need for volunteers?
A: While all areas need dedicated workers, our after-school programs often have the highest demand due to their consistency throughout the school year.

Q: Do you work with our universities for volunteers or internships?
A: Yes, we actively partner with local universities to recruit students for volunteer roles, internships, and part-time employment, providing valuable experience for them while supporting our mission. We employ a combination of part-time after school workers to full time summer camp workers. 

Anything else you wish to add?
A: Mentoring Alliance is more than just a program—it’s a movement to provide tangible help and eternal hope for kids and families. We are grateful for the community’s support in making this vision a reality and look forward to deepening our impact in Abilene.