THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

YTIA is blessed to have so many people that encourage, support, and allow us to share what God has given us to share with youth transitioning out of foster care.  I would like to thank each of you for all you do for youths in and out of the foster care system and for those of you who volunteer your time and talent to work with these youths.  Thank you and may God continue to bless you in your efforts.  Brenda Lee Knowles, President/Co-founder, YTIA.

​"Early Start Experience" - August 2021
YTIA was honored to participate in Texas A&M's Early Start Experience by providing information that incoming freshman and transfer students may need to know about YTIA and life during the college years during the Resource Fair. We also conducted a presentation on Budgeting/Financial Literacy.
Summer "Aging Our Seminars" (AOS) - 2021
YTIA had the opportunity to present the topic of "Self Advocacy" during DFPS PAL Aging Out Seminar Summer session.

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PAL Graduation Dinner - May 2021
YTIA was blessed to participate in the DFPS PAL Graduation Dinner held at Central Catholic High School honoring our 2021 Graduating Class.
Celebrating Creativity During COVID
Just because youth have had to endure months of isolation and remote learning does not mean they can not have a good time.  YTIA would like to thank our own Mary E. Valdez, co-founder and Vice President,  for coming up with  fabulous ways to showcase youth's creativity.   YTIA has hosted Pumpkin Decorating, Gingerbread Train Decorating and Wreath Decorating  Contests.  We have also collaborated with the Bexar County College Docket on the Thanksgiving Cooking Challenge.  During the Spring of 2021, we hosted a "Who is Your Wonder Woman" Contest. Thanks to all who helped make these events possible. 
Let's Talk Thursdays" - Summer 2020
Every Thursday, we had one-hour chat sessions via ZOOM.    We have a main topic and then discuss anything else of importance.  The notes for each session will be posted on the "Let's Talk" page under "Youth Scene".
Gifts for Grads - July 2020
Congratulations to the graduates of 2020.  Although the Class of 2020 did not celebrate in the traditional fashion, YTIA wanted to let them know that they were not forgotten.
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Pre-College Prep Knowledge (Not Necessarily College) Workshops - January - June 2020
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Our workshops continue, some were live but now they are via video.  Youths had the opportunity visit Texas A&M San Antonio (TAMU) and hear from former foster youth who provided insight into college living and the support they will receive once they enter college.  Thank you to Norma Davila, TAMUSA Foster Care Support Coordinator, and to students, Michelle and Breeann.


Pre-College Prep Knowledge (Not Necessarily College) Workshops - September - November 2019

​We are so pleased to have started a new series of workshops this year, our  "Pre-College Prep:  Knowledge (Not Necessarily College) Workshops". We have been teaching these programs at the Pathways offices.  Although we have small groups, it is actually more beneficial since we are able to address specific needs on a one-on-one basis for the youths who attend.

 St. Jude's College Prep Workshops (Fall Sessions)
(The "Knowledge (Not Necessarily College)" Workshops)

Our groups are a little bit larger at the Bulverde campus but they are still not too large for us to address individual needs.  The youths attending have serious questions about their futures and we are so happy that we have answers! 

​Children's Court Ad Litem Seminar - October 2019
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Several of us have to attend the Annual Ad Litem Seminar in order to keep practicing in the Children's Courts of Bexar County but we have willing volunteers to share information about YTIA.  Thanks, Becky!


BCFS Independence Day - July/August 2019

BCFS held its annual "Independence Day" event for youths on the campus of the University of Texas as San Antonio.  YTIA had a table and plenty of opportunity to talk to youths with questions.
​Youth Explosion (YE) 2019 - July 2019
The 5th annual Youth Explosion was held on July 10, 2019 at the Whitley Conference Center located on the campus of the Oblate School of Theology.  We were blessed to have so many youths participate in the Education is Key, Knowledge is Power! Conference.  We want to thank the exhibitors, presenters, and volunteers who helped make this conference a success. A special thank you goes out to all of the youth and their staff that attended this year's conference.  Education is Key, Knowledge is Power!!
​PAL Graduation Dinner - May 2019
The PAL Graduation Dinner was held on May 9, 2019 at the beautiful multi-purpose center on the campus of Grace First Baptist Church.  We were so pleased to celebrate the graduation of 33 youths, with their case workers, and family and friends.  There were motivational speeches and all-around fun.  Congratulations to the Class of 2019 Graduates.  We are praying for big things for these young people!
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"Fiesta de Jovenes" April 2019. 
This was our first Fiesta event but it will certainly not be the last!  We played Giant Jenga, showed our artistic talents with coloring pages, got fun balloon animals and swords from Super Awesome Balloon Animals (thanks, Juan), danced, ate (very good food thanks to La Media Luna Café), and we hit a piñata and got lots of candy!  A special thanks to Pathways, PAL, and Superior Health for sharing information, and goodies, with us.  Time to start planning for next year!
Capitol Day - February 1, 2019. 
​YTIA partnered with YAIA, a PAL (Preparation for Adult Living) program to prepare youths for a visit to the State Capitol to discuss legislation with State Representatives.​
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"The Bridge" Art Contest - August 2018
Congratulations to the winner of our "The Bridge" Art Contest!  Our prize-winning artist Noel B, who lives in Leakey, Texas, received a $100 gift card and a brand new sketch pad so he can continue making beautiful art.  We are so proud of this talented young man and we can foresee a great future for him. In the description that accompanied his art, Noel said: “The staircase to a new beginning, the meaning of the drawing is leaving the past behind and following your dreams, the sky is your limit and the stairs are a never-ending beginning because no matter where you are there will always be a new start to an old ending.”
PAL Graduation Dinner - May 2018
YTIA wold like to thank Grace First Baptist Church for sponsoring the venue for the PAL Graduation Dinner.  It is a blessing to be able to celebrate this major accomplishment in these youths lives.

Youth Explosion 2018 - July 2018
"Our youth attended the Youth Explosion workshop last Wednesday and were able to gain a lot from the breakout sessions and guest speakers.  
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"Love Our Kids Family Day" - April 2018
​YTIA was grateful to participate with BCFS in Family Fun Day where we shared information about the organization.
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Sweetheart Dinner and Dance - February 2018
Our youth had a great time dancing, eating, and competing for prizes at the Sweetheart Dinner and Dance sponsored by our community partner IBC.  Thank you to the volunteers, staff, and youths that helped make this event great.
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RAP Session with St. Jude's PPT Program- January 2018
YTIA in conjunction with YAIA  had the opportunity to hold a RAP session with the young parents of St Jude's PPT Program.  Being able to discuss issues affecting young mother's helps them to be better parents .
January Jacket (and other stuff) Give-Away
"Please let IBC know how truly appreciative this was. My youth are going to be extremely excited to have new jackets, sweatpants, beanies, and socks! This is just in time for this cold weather in San Antonio. Thank you again for helping out our foster kids. Everything counts!"  Felicia Gonzalez, CPS Caseworker ​