For those of you who might think that we have not been doing much lately, please let me assure you that we have.  We have been strengthening our ties to the young people we assist by reassuring them that we are there for them.  We've been teaching, volunteering, mentoring, meeting needs, and hopefully, making ourselves memorable to "our kids".  It's interesting, and gratifying, to hear a young person remember what our acronym "YTIA" stands for and to have a real sense of what we are hoping to accomplish.  The more workshops we do the more it continues to hit home how much "our kids" still need guidance and direction.  Thankfully, though, they are learning not to be afraid (or too embarrassed) to ask, and then to willingly accept (or at least consider) advice.  We've got some amazing young people who just happen to be in foster care.  Keep praying for each and every one of them.

Those of us involved in the child welfare system (lawyers, judges, counselors, foster parents, volunteers, etc.) aspire to a common goal:  to help the children in foster care rise above the circumstances to which they were born.  Our expectation is that by housing, feeding, clothing, counseling (we "therapy" these kids a lot), we will show these children how to break the cycle of abuse.  How ironic that once these children reach the age of majority we drop them ("if they want to leave, then let them leave") and expect them to fend for themselves.  Even at 18 these kids are still kids.  YTIA wants to truly break the cycle by providing youths with a life after foster care.  Our vision includes not only continuing to teach but also to provide a safe place for youths to live while they gain knowledge, experience, and maturity to become independent, productive adults.  On Tuesday, May 6th all of San Antonio will have the opportunity to support a very worthwhile cause:  OURS!  Please participate in "The Big Give SA" -- OPEN YOUR HEART (and wallet!) and give to support our kids.  Share our mission with friends, family, co-workers and invite them to join in this worthwhile effort.

Several months ago we received a call from the Student Transition Coordinator at the San Antonio CAN High School, asking us to talk to some of their students.  Some of the students at this high school had dropped out of school, had had discipline issues, had been living away from home, so it seemed like a prime opportunity.  On Tuesday, April 8th, Brenda presented "18 and Free" to 18 eager, attentive, students, who are now on their way to graduation.  They seemed to enjoy our presentation and they were each given one of our G.A.P. (Growing and Preparing) Packets.  Three of the teachers who attended, commented afterward that this presentation was "exactly what our students needed to hear".  What a privilege to Teach Assist Encourage Motivate!

When I first started writing this blog, because we had just been "born", I used analogies to a child in infancy.  Each year that passes, I continue to feel that we are like a child learning to crawl, stand, walk.  We are now starting to move a little bit more and I feel like we are growing up.  YTIA is still not fully grown but, by God's grace, we are making our presence known.  Every interaction we have with a young adult, every question we are able to answer, every bit of advice we are able to give, makes us feel just a little more grown up.  We want to become a staple in the lives of the youths we are committed to serving; we want them to feel that they have a friend in us; that they matter to us, because they do.  As YTIA matures, we feel more able to assist the youths about whom we feel so strongly.  They will grow up and become mature, independent adults, and in our own way, so will we.  Keep praying for ALL of us.

We just hosted another successful event - our 3rd Annual Sweet-Heart Dinner/Dance and Silent Auction.  Even though the event was held on a Wednesday night, we still managed to have quite a few young people (in foster care) attend and they seemed to enjoy themselves.  Every time we have an event like this we live and learn a little something for the next time, though.  I hope we never stop learning because when we do . . .  We are so grateful for those who planned, prepared, and volunteered their time and energy.  Bless the Lord for His grace!

What an eventful year we had!  It's so amazing how much planning and preparation goes into each activity in which we have participated; how much anxiety we experience as the event draws nearer; and then how it's all gone and we're starting another project.  We have felt the continuing love and encouragement of our colleagues, and the enthusiasm of our Board and volunteers.  Words cannot begin to say how grateful we are so all we can say is THANK YOU.  We thank the Lord for His strength and His guidance as we move this organization forward.  God bless all of our supporters.  Please pray for us in 2014!

I (Mary Elizabeth Fuentes Valdez) was notified on November 21st that I had been selected to appear in a Random Profile to be posted on the Texas Bar Blog page on December 2nd.  Why lie -- I didn't even know there was a Texas Bar Blog!  As it turns out it is a very interesting page and I got a chance to be on it.  In addition to telling a little bit about myself, I also took the opportunity to mention YTIA and some of our activities.  This organization means so much to me and to Brenda (Knowles) because we know how much it is needed.  Lord willing, someone, out of the 92,000 attorneys in the State of Texas, or their clients, will check out our website and feel moved to work with us in our endeavor to assist youths leaving foster care.  I'll keep you posted!

Team YTIA is quickly becoming an invaluable arm of our organization.  This past Saturday, November 9th, our little band of volunteers continued to give of their time, youthful exuberance, and compassionate hearts to help those less fortunate in our community.  They put heart and soul into packing sacks of potatoes at the San Antonio Food Bank and are ready to be of service again in December.  What a blessing to be surrounded by such wonderful young people.  When we see so much negativity in the media about kids hurting each other by bullying and engaging in other negative acts, it is so heart-warming to know such a caring little group.  At this time of giving thanks, we are very thankful for the youths of Team YTIA (and the foster parents who encourage them and transport them to our volunteer sites).  May they all be richly blessed.