“Teamwork makes the dream work” looks great on a t-shirt. It also happens to be true.
The idea for Bates Mission first came together on a living room floor—surrounded by notebooks, coffee cups, and a whole lot of heart. Whitney Bates and her friend Jessica Pierre’auguste sat side by side, sketching out plans to honor the legacy of Whitney’s parents—two people whose kindness had left a lasting mark on everyone they met.
They didn’t know yet how big this would grow. But they knew one thing: helping young adults aging out of foster care wouldn’t be a one-person job. Or even a two-person job. It would take a team.
Four years later, Bates Mission has grown from an idea on the living room floor to a small but mighty team helping over 200 young adults across Texas. Each new team member has brought unique strengths, fresh ideas, and a shared passion for making sure every young adult has the support they deserve.
The Heart and Vision: Whitney Bates
Whitney leads Bates Mission with compassion and grit—developing programs, coordinating with partners across Texas, and yes, still personally delivering supplies when needed.
The Creative Spark: Jessica Pierre’auguste
Jessica helps our mission connect with the world. She ensures every design, campaign, and social post reflects the heart of why we do what we do.
The Engine of Operations: Jessica “Jett” Newsome
Jett oversees Sheila’s Supply Closet and life skills programs, keeping everything running smoothly so young adults can focus on building their futures.
The Community Connector: Rizae Almaguer
Rizae strengthens our reach in the Texas Panhandle, working directly with young adults and helping us create programs that meet their needs with care and creativity.
The Storyteller: Mikki Prescott
Mikki helps supporters see the impact of their generosity through newsletters, blogs, and social media—sharing stories that inspire and connect.
Why Building a Strong Team Matters
Nonprofit work takes more than passion—it takes the right people in the right roles. Each new team member has allowed Bates Mission to grow in reach and impact. Along the way, we’ve learned a few things about building a team:
✨ Shared values come first. Skills can be taught, but passion for the mission and a heart for service are essential.
✨ A mix of strengths makes us stronger. Planners balance dreamers. Organizers bring big ideas to life. Creative thinkers find new ways forward.
✨ The right fit just feels right. When someone’s aligned with the mission, it shows in how they approach challenges—with positivity, collaboration, and care.
It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it—because in the nonprofit world the right team doesn’t just change an organization. It changes lives.