Four years ago, Bates Mission was just a spark, an idea born from the desire to carry on the legacy of two people whose kindness left a lasting mark. We didn’t have a big budget or a detailed roadmap, just a strong “why,” a handful of household essentials, and a growing sense that this work mattered.
We started around a living room table with a team of two. That first year, our anniversary celebration was just a few of us sharing Texas sheet cake in the office. By year two, we were hosting a gala. Year three brought a full-blown Carnival fundraiser, complete with food trucks, a car show, axe throwing, and even a petting zoo.
Now, in year four, we’re stepping back to reflect on how far we’ve come and how the momentum we’ve built is opening new doors for the future.
From Two to Five: Growing the Team, Growing the Mission
In the early days, every supply run, spreadsheet, and email came from just two people. Today, we’re a team of five, each person bringing their own passion and strengths in program management, communications, and community outreach. That growth has changed what’s possible.
We’re now able to consistently meet quarterly goals for our housing partners and provide essential household items to young adults transitioning out of care. Just as important, we’ve become agile enough to respond when urgent needs arise like helping a young adult in San Antonio who moved into their first apartment with nothing, or supporting a student experiencing homelessness with the basics they shouldn’t have to worry about.
A Bigger Village Means a Bigger Impact
We’re now serving more than 200 young adults across Texas, a leap from where we started. And our programs have grown, too. We’ve expanded Sheila’s Supply Closet, created space for birthday and holiday celebrations, and launched our Impact Partners program, which allows donors to support our work year-round and receive a small token of thanks in return.
This year, for the first time ever, Sheila’s Supply Closet was fully funded six months early. That milestone didn’t just help us breathe easier. it gave us space to think more boldly about what’s next.
New partnerships have played a big role in getting us here. Events like the supply drive and fundraiser hosted by Texas Two Step Gaming, along with other Spirit Nights and community-led drives, have helped us grow our network and deepen our impact.
Thinking Ahead
With the foundation we’ve built, we’re now focused on deepening our reach. That means growing programs like Gifts & Celebrations, helping more young adults navigate extended foster care and college access, and eventually creating opportunities in job training and internships.
In 2026, we plan to expand services into other cities, continuing our mission to fill the gaps too many young adults fall through. We’re also strengthening partnerships across the state, so, when urgent needs arise, we’re ready to respond quickly and with care.
“One of our clients asked, ‘Why do they help us?’
I simply responded, ‘Because there are still good people in this world.’
Thank you all for being a part of our young adults’ village . . . thank you all simply for being good people who care.”
— SIL Program Partner
Every step forward is powered by the same goal we had from day one: To make sure no young adult has to face the world alone.
Thank you for being the kind of good people who make our mission possible.