As we close out 2025, we’ve been thinking a lot about the moments that made this year what it was . . . the small victories, the big-hearted gestures, and the steady support that carried young adults through some really important chapters of their lives.
And honestly? We keep landing on the same feeling: deep gratitude.
This year wasn’t flashy or loud. It was full of quiet, meaningful moments that made a real difference for young adults aging out of foster care across Texas. Because of you, they felt supported, celebrated, and cared for in ways that matter.
Here’s a closer look at what you helped make possible.
A Year Full of Essentials, Celebrations, and Unexpected Wins
Let’s start with a milestone we’re still smiling about:
For the first time ever, Sheila’s Supply Closet was fully funded six months early. Six. Months. Early. That meant that anytime a housing partner called — whether someone needed cleaning supplies, hygiene items, pots and pans, or just the basics that make an empty space feel like a home — we were able to say, “Yes, we’ve got you.”
You also helped us bring joy into the everyday moments. We delivered birthday cake kits to dozens of young adults who deserved to be celebrated, even if life has felt anything but simple. And when a young adult in San Antonio moved into an apartment with absolutely nothing, you helped furnish the entire space, including a fan that wasn’t technically required but absolutely necessary in Texas. It’s the little things that bring comfort and dignity, and you made sure they were there.
Partnerships That Stretched Our Reach Even Further
This year, our community of supporters grew in the most wonderful ways. Some highlights include:
- Texas Two-Step Gaming turned a month-long Spirit Night into real impact for the young adults we serve.
- Krispy Kreme raised both funds and spirits by donating 50% of all sales during our fundraiser.
- Park Lane consultant Tami Hester hosted a sparkle-filled jewelry fundraiser that helped fuel our holiday efforts.
- Portrait Design by Esmeralda made us her very first charity partner of 2025, giving our mission some well-deserved love at her networking event.
- Buckner Children’s Home invited us to their Independent City Program, where we met with youth, offered budgeting guidance, shared food kits, and made new connections for future partnerships.
- SISU packed more than 50 food kits for young parents feeling the effects of the SNAP benefit delay, supported by additional food donations from Nancy Winston and the generous patrons at BLUSH Boot Camp.
Each of these partnerships helped us reach more young adults, in more places, with more care.
What We Learned and How It’s Shaping 2026
One of the most important things we did this year was listen.
We listened to young adults navigating food insecurity, first apartments, new babies, and unexpected bills.
We listened to students trying to stay enrolled in college while juggling financial strain and housing challenges.
We listened to caseworkers, university staff, and partners who see these barriers up close every day.
And one message kept coming up:
College access — and staying in college — is still incredibly hard for former foster youth.
Not because they aren’t capable. Not because they aren’t motivated.
But because the systems around them aren’t built with their realities in mind.
In 2026, we’re leaning more deeply into this work, exploring ways to strengthen the supports that help young adults not only get to college, but stay there and succeed. The conversations we had this year are already shaping what comes next.
Thank You for Making This Year What It Was
Every delivery we made, every emergency we responded to, every young adult who felt noticed, supported, or simply less alone . . . your kindness is at the center of it.
Because of you, young adults across Texas experienced moments of comfort, stability, and genuine care at times when they needed it most. You helped make their spaces feel more like home, their milestones feel meaningful, and their challenges feel a little easier to carry.
We’re walking into 2026 with full hearts and so much gratitude for the community that makes this work possible. Thank you for showing up again and again in big ways, in small ways, and in all the ways that matter.