THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
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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 years 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! "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. "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.” 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. Connections 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. "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. 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. 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 A Brighter Christmas Celebration - December 2017
YTIA would like to thank our community partner, IBC (International Bank of Commerce) for sponsoring the "It's a Brighter Christmas Celebration". The youth had a wonderful time and we are so appreciative of the gifts IBC provided to these youths. It was truly a Brighter Christmas thanks to IBC and their generosity. We are particularly grateful to IBC VP Irene Guzman, and our Board member Odilia Hernandez for making this a memorable event. A special thanks to Jose Chapa (Supervisor for the PAL unit) and Kaylah (Youth Specialist). Good food, good fun, great fellowship! Northeast Senior Center Anniversary Event - November 2017
YTIA would like to thank the members of the Senior class of George Gervin Academy for who volunteered with TEAM YTIA to help serve the guests at the North East Senior Center at their 2nd Anniversary Luncheon. Young and old alike had a great time. A special thanks to our Board Member, Becky Brooks, for heading up an enthusiastic team of young people. |
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Information Session - October 2017. A special thanks to Sheriff Salazar, Police Chief McManus, and other concerned members of the community for attending our information session at the Plaza Club.
Starter Cooking Kit Bags - August 2017
YTIA would like to thank St John Baptist Church for their continued support and for the generous gift of starter cooking bags and cookbooks for the young ladies who attended our Life Skills Training Cooking class. |
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Youth Explosion 2017 (YE2017) - July 2017
YTIA would like to thank everyone who participated in YE 2017 "It's ALL Up to YOU. Now What?" A special thanks to Home Depot for showing our youths how to save money by doing things on their own and to SA Threads for the fashion show. See more by visiting the YE 2017 Page. Appreciation Luncheon - June 2017
I would like to thank the YTIA Board for hosting this Appreciation lunch, Honorable Judge Melisa Skinner for the use of her courtroom, Honorable Judge Richard Garcia for selecting the winning raffle ticket, and all who have supported YTIA throughout the year. A special thanks to each of you who purchased a raffle ticket. Your generous contribution helped fund our Annual Youth Explosion which took place on Wednesday, July 12, 2017. Thank you all for helping YTIA bridge the gap between Dependence on the foster care system and Independence. 4P=2G |
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Graduation Dinner - May 2017
On behalf of the YTIA Board, I would like to thank the DFPS PAL unit for allowing YTIA to assist them with the 2017 Graduation Dinner. I would also like to thank, Janet Garza, President and CEO of Project Embrace, for their financial contribution to the Graduation Dinner. Each year the Dinner gets better and better, thanks to the support and commitment of community organizations. We look forward to continuing to work with the PAL unit in helping youth successfully transition out of the foster care system. Brenda Lee Knowles, YTIA President and Co-Founder |