At Bates Mission, we’re no strangers to momentum.
From launching new programs to responding to urgent needs, much of our work requires us to move quickly and decisively. But behind every visible milestone is something slower and equally important.
Intentional planning
This fall, we’ve taken a step back from sprinting to focus on building. Not in the abstract, but with clarity and care. When it comes to growth, we don’t just want to do more. We want to do it on purpose.
Listening First
One of the biggest challenges we’ve heard lately is this: Even when young adults qualify for free in-state tuition, that doesn’t mean college is actually within reach.
Yes, Texas offers a Tuition and Fee Waiver, and many students can apply for Education and Training Vouchers (ETVs) that help cover housing, books, and other expenses. But the reality is still stacked against them.
- Dorms aren’t guaranteed.
- Off-campus housing can require deposits, credit checks, and consistent income.
- ETV funds don’t always arrive when needed and can come with complex eligibility requirements.
- And too many young adults don’t even know these resources exist until it’s too late.
The result? A college dream that slips away before it ever really begins.
This fall, we’ve started doing our homework, learning what’s available, identifying the gaps, and connecting with colleges that are already doing a great job supporting former foster youth. In 2026, we want to help bridge that gap. For us, college access isn’t just an education issue. It’s a housing issue. A stability issue. A self-sufficiency issue.
Building What Lasts
The decision to focus on long-term challenges doesn’t mean slowing down our impact. It means growing with intention. Making space for what matters most. And staying close to the needs of the young adults we serve even when that means shifting course.
That’s why we’re being just as intentional about how we fund this next phase.
Monthly donors in our Impact Partners program help make this kind of forward-thinking work possible. Their consistent support allows us to plan ahead, move quickly, and respond with the kind of care that builds trust.
This fall, we’re working to grow that network of Impact Partners. Solving complex problems doesn’t happen overnight . . . but it does happen when we have the right foundation.