North Austin Family Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving parents and caregivers in Leander, Cedar Park, and surrounding North Austin communities. We host free, inclusive meetups designed to help families connect, build friendships, and feel less alone in parenthood.
Why This Village Exists
North Austin Family Network started the same way as a lot of things do – with someone new in town wishing for people to do life with.
After moving here, our founder missed the kind of community where you could show up as you are: casual meet ups, real conversations and friends who understood the season you were in. Weekly ladies’ nights had once been a lifeline, and she wondered why doesn’t that exist here for parents too?
So she invited a few mamas to meet up at 5th Element.
That one night turned into something bigger – parents, caregivers and kids finding each other, swapping stories, meeting at playgrounds and being there on hard days as much as the fun ones. Whether it’s a playdate, a night out or just someone to text when parenting feels heavy, this community exists to remind you that you’re not doing this alone.
Today, North Austin Family Network is an open, non-judgemental space where families of all kinds can connect, feel supported and build a village together.
Our Values
- Radical Inclusivity – all families, all parenting styles
- Psychological Safety – no judgement, no pressure
- Digital Privacy – no children posted without permission
You can show up as you are – messy, tired and late included.
We are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, volunteer run by local parents. We are not affiliated with any business, political or religious organization. (EIN: 33-2614806) Find all our legal and governing information here.
Meet our team
It takes a village, to run a village. We have organized our amazing volunteer leaders into four teams (points of a compass), each focused on a key part of our mission. Read more about our structure here.
Sophie
Founder
She started NAFN in 2024 because she needed a village and figured other mamas did too. She’s rarely the one running an event these days; she’s the one lining up hosts, building the calendar, and keeping the whole thing steady so the meet ups can stay easy.
Sarah
Treasurer
Her favorite color is glitter, which tells you most of what you need to know. She quickly found her people here and rarely misses a Thursday, she’s the one pulling new mamas in, sharing the good recommendation, and already saving you a seat before you walk in the door.
Buffy
Cedar Park Host
A go-with-the-flow seeker who runs on good coffee, yoga, and conversations that start small and somehow turn into hours. She’s curious about everything — bible stories, tarot, energy work, the way ancient wisdom and science overlap — and just as happy sitting with the questions as finding answers.
Abby
Leadership Team Member
A nurse, a Wisconsin girl, and a loud Packers and Brewers fan. She and her husband spent two years living in an RV with their two dogs, traveling the western US, and she can DIY or build pretty much anything. Ask her about car seats, sleep, or toddlers and you’ll get a straight, kind answer.
More questions? A real local mama is here to answer them!