"I first learned about Austin Angels through a business networking group called Greater Value Network, during my first meeting with them I learned about Austin Angels and their commitment to supporting the organization. Before I understood what I was committing to I said YES to becoming a Love Box participant and a Dare to Dream mentor, it felt like a 'God thing'.

Being a small business owner, it is really easy to stay focused on work 24/7.  Becoming a DTD mentor has made me more intentional about my time where I think about the impact that I can make outside of work. 

Jennie and I have known each other for just over a year, initially she was distant but over time she has really opened up.  More and more we talk about what is really going on with her, and I see that I have created trust with her. This is a really important time in her life, she is 17 and will age out of the system in four months, so I want more than anything to provide her with the support she needs.

Currently I make an effort to see Jennie at least every other week and am working with her counselors and case workers to help her transition into adulthood. I make sure that she has what she needs from a material perspective but more importantly I seek to be a consistent presence in her life.  

My favorite thing about Austin Angels, besides seeing the difference that I have made with Jennie, is the community that you have created around giving back.  I love to hear the stories that you share via email and social media about the organization as a whole and the impact that you are making.

Being that I do not have children and haven't spent a whole lot of time with teenagers, I felt very unequipped to give Jennie what she needed.  I realize that what she needs more than anything is someone who won't give up on her, that I can do." – Jennifer, Dare to Dream mentor

Photo by Amy Melsa Photography