About Us
YTIA (Youth Transitioning Into Adulthood) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit faith based charitable organization.
YTIA's goal is to bridge the gap for youth leaving the Texas foster care system by providing the tools and support (a bridge) to youth who have "aged out" and those who are transitioning through foster care, so they become successful in their communities. YTIA helps youths realize their potential, and develop and implement the skills they need to be successful in the "real world."
Who We Are
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YTIA's Board of Directors is comprised of individuals who have a heart for children in Texas foster care. We are committed to assisting older youth who are currently in foster care or who have recently exited the foster care system and are motivated to develop the skills and support system necessary to successfully transition into and make it in the REAL WORLD.
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YTIA (Youth Transitioning Into Adulthood) has been a project envisioned by two of its principal founders: Brenda Lee Knowles and Mary Elizabeth Fuentes Valdez, both of whom have been Child Welfare attorneys for many years. After nearly twenty years of practice in the area of Child Welfare law, it became apparent that there was a void in the "life after foster care" component for youths. As more of the children they represented left the foster care system they learned first-hand how real the need was for more advanced life-skills workshops (and eventually, a transitional living complex in the San Antonio, Texas area where youth could develop the skills necessary to live independently of the foster care system) and decided that they needed to do something. Initially, they felt overwhelmed by the magnitude of this task. However, after much prayer, soul-searching, and discussion.