Impact Story
transformation takes layers of support

---

We talk a lot about transformation. 

What does it mean to transform an experience? To change the way someone experiences the complexities of a reality like foster care? What does it take? 

It takes layers of support. 

It takes radically intentional programs designed to meet the goal of transformation – and programs need people like Mike and Travis. 
Mike is a foster-to-adopt dad, husband, and a fierce advocate for children. For over a decade he’s poured his heart into caring for others. For the last two years, he’s been a dedicated case manager in Austin. It’s his job to partner with volunteers, train them, and carefully match them with a youth experiencing foster care. The goal? Relational permanence. Consistent support and connection. Steady ground where a young person can understand their powerful potential and live out their dreams. This takes a volunteer who raises their hand, and shows up over and over again to leverage the micro-moments…moments that can build on each other over time to make transformation possible. 
​
Travis has been a volunteer mentor on Mike’s caseload for 14 months. He was matched with a young man named Kyle – a bright and kind-hearted 18-year-old with a passion for sports and video games. Kyle has been involved with the child welfare system for a very long time.

For Travis and Kyle, their connection was near immediate. Over the course of 147 hours (and counting!), they’ve developed a true friendship grounded in trust, commitment, and consistency. This is what it takes: time and consistency.

Together, they’ve navigated the complexities of changing foster home placements. Moving homes and entering into completely new environments can feel like a seismic shift in a young person’s life. When you have a champion like Travis, that shift is countered by stability – by a person saying: It will be okay. I believe in you. You belong here – and wherever you go, I will be there. 
​
Travis's consistency helped Kyle build a sense of security and belonging when so many might feel lost, isolated and alone. Their time together has looked like: conversations about relationships, aspirations, and personal goal setting. The statistics will tell you that 50% of youth in care won’t graduate high school. Next year, Kyle will walk across the stage to receive his diploma. Travis will no doubt be in the crowd, cheering him on.

Kyle has deeply impacted Travis’s life, too. We hear that often. Mentors sign up to make a difference in someone’s life – and what they get in return is more than they could’ve ever imagined. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime.  

When asked about Kyle and Travis’s story, Mike shared: “I’ve witnessed resilience, connection, and profound impact. This is not just a mentor/mentee match, but a bond that will endure, guiding Kyle towards a future filled with promise and possibility.” 
People have the power to create deep trusting relationships. People have the power to impact an entire experience – and it is exactly what will transform foster care in Central Texas and across the country.

Our programs rely on the commitment of our volunteers. That’s one, critical layer. But our programs aren’t possible without the financial support and awareness from our community. We have witnessed our community raising their hands, over and over again, to say YES to our work. Stories like Travis and Kyle’s are possible all across Central Texas and beyond because of all the little layers of engagement and impact created by each one of you. Whether you keep up with our newsletters and emails, share our content on social media and with your people, or contribute financially – YOU have real ownership in this work. 

6 months into this year and 25 youth have been matched with volunteers in our Dare to Dream program across the National Angels network. Because of your support, hundreds of hours are spent every week cultivating relationships and nurturing the potential of young people and families experiencing foster care. This work makes us all better. 
Layers of support make transformation possible. 
​
You make transformation possible – and we are so grateful.

Everyone can make a difference in a child's life.
Our community of monthly donors make transformation possible every single day through their consistent support. Are you interested in joining our Ange Alliance community? Click HERE to stand in the gap for the incredible children, youth, and families experiencing foster care today!