SUCCESS STORIES
Success Story: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities
A former foster youth, came to the TWC Program Project Future in search of support during a challenging time in her life. At the time of enrollment, she was homeless with an infant, uncertain of where to turn. Since joining the program, she has made remarkable progress. She has secured stable housing, found a job she loves, and is now enrolled in college, working toward a brighter future for herself and her child.
Over the past year, the TWC Project Future program has played a pivotal role in transforming the lives of former foster youth. In addition to this client’s success, the program has helped nine former foster youth find stable housing, two youth enroll full-time in college, and six youth secure stable full-time employment.
This client’s journey is a powerful example of how the support and resources provided through Project Future can create lasting, positive change in the lives of young individuals who are working to overcome the challenges of their past.
Success Story: Overcoming Obstacles and Achieving Independence
At 20 years old, this young man successfully completed the Maternity Group Home Program in February 2025, marking a significant milestone in his journey toward independence. Despite facing numerous challenges along the way, he demonstrated unwavering determination and resilience.
During his time in the program, he secured his own duplex, worked two jobs, and continued his education at Texas State Technical College (TSTC), all while managing the responsibilities of joint custody for his 15-month-old son.
Reflecting on his journey, he shared:
"I faced many obstacles throughout the program, but I wouldn’t have been able to achieve any of my goals without the support of Central Texas Youth Services. "
His success is a testament to the powerful impact of the Maternity Group Home in helping young adults overcome obstacles and achieve their personal and professional goals, creating a strong foundation for their futures.
Success Story: Strength, Growth, and Perseverance
Since joining the Maternity Group Home, this client has demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination while navigating significant personal challenges. Despite these obstacles, they have remained steadfast in their commitment to providing a loving and stable environment for their child. Their dedication to personal growth is evident through their active participation in monthly parenting classes, where they continue to strengthen their skills as a parent.
Through persistence and hard work, they successfully secured employment after consistently engaging in weekly job searches—a true testament to their perseverance and drive. Additionally, they have remained committed to their weekly case management sessions and monthly life skills classes, continuously working to develop essential life skills and build a strong foundation for long-term stability.
With the support of the Maternity Group Home program, this client is not only working toward self-sufficiency but also fostering a reliable support network that will empower them for the future. Their journey reflects the power of determination, and we are proud to witness their ongoing progress toward a brighter, more secure future for both themselves and their child.
Success Story: Building a Brighter Future
At 20 years old, this young woman has made significant progress toward independence since joining the Transitional Living Program (TLP) just seven months ago. During her time in the program, she successfully completed her freshman year of college and is now continuing her education as a sophomore.
When she first entered the program, she held a part-time job, but through her dedication and hard work, she has since secured full-time employment. In addition, she recently achieved a major milestone by purchasing a vehicle in her name for the first time. With the financial guidance and support provided by the program, she has also been able to open her first bank account, further strengthening her path to financial stability.
Her journey highlights the positive impact of the Transitional Living Program in empowering young adults to achieve their goals, gain financial independence, and build a foundation for long-term success.
Success Story: Empowering Independence
At just 18 years old, this young man has made remarkable strides toward self-sufficiency through the Transitional Living Program. Since joining the program, he successfully completed high school ahead of schedule and is set to walk the stage in May 2025. Demonstrating financial responsibility and independence, he has purchased his own vehicle and maintains full-time employment.
With a strong ambition to become a long-haul truck driver, he plans to obtain his driver’s license and enroll in a truck driving school to pursue his career goals. By October 2025, he will have successfully completed the program, fully prepared for the next chapter of his life.
Reflecting on his experience, he shared:
"Being in this program has kept a roof over my head when I had nowhere to go and no family to turn to. It also helped me save enough money to purchase another car when I had issues with my first one. Additionally, the program provided me with essential benefits like SNAP, ensuring I had food and could work toward my goals. I am forever grateful for everything this program has done for me."
His story is a testament to the impact of the Transitional Living Program in helping young individuals achieve stability, independence, and a brighter future.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
This client’s journey to Option House began when he was referred by his school counselor after being repeatedly kicked out of his home by his father. For years, he endured a painful cycle—allowed back into the home only to be thrown out again, left to find shelter wherever he could, then reported as a runaway by his father and returned home by local law enforcement—only for the pattern to repeat itself. This instability, driven by his father’s personal struggles, mental health issues, and suspected substance abuse, has been the defining reality of his teenage years.
Feeling like the “black sheep” of his family, he harbored deep resentment toward his parents for the mistreatment he endured, yet he still longed for their love and acceptance. Two years ago, he thought he had finally broken free from the cycle when he was sent to live with his biological mother, with whom he had no prior relationship. However, this hope was short-lived. His mother’s significant other showed no interest in building a relationship with him as she had with his younger siblings, and he was eventually sent back to his father’s house—not welcomed inside but forced to live in the garage under harsh and inhumane conditions.
It was the peak of summer in Texas, and he had no air conditioning, no fan, and limited access to food. He was forbidden from entering the main part of the house, leaving him to endure extreme heat and isolation. Despite this adversity, his determination never wavered. He remained committed to his education, missing minimal school days and pushing forward with a clear vision for his future.
His perseverance paid off. This year he graduated from High School with plans to enter the military. His aspirations extend beyond himself—after completing his initial training, he hopes to reunite with his twin sister and support her in graduating, ensuring they can both create a life free from the dysfunction they have known for so long.
Throughout his time at Option House, he has remained positive, resilient, and deeply grateful for the care and stability provided by the staff. He consistently expresses his appreciation through his words and actions, treating everyone with respect. His gratitude was most profoundly shared in a heartfelt conversation with the Director:
“There aren’t many people who choose to do what you guys do. All my life, I just wanted to be accepted and treated with respect. I have received both of those since being here, and it feels great! Thank you for taking me in.”
This story is one of many, a testament to the critical work done by Central Texas Youth Services (CTYS) each day. It is stories like his that underscore why CTYS has remained a pillar of support for at-risk youth, ensuring that no young person is left without hope or a path forward.