In this episode we interview Whitney Bates, the founder and executive director of Bates Mission. Bates Mission focuses on supporting former foster youth in Texas with resources for their household necessities, life skills training, job opportunities, and more. Whitney’s heart for these young adults has grown through her own life experiences and watching the generosity and lifestyle of her parents growing up. Whitney has so much passion and drive to help these young adults in any way she can and I know you will love learning about her story with Bates Mission.

Bates Mission: https://batesmission.org/

Heart Gallery of Central Texas: heartgallerytexas.com

Foster Community (foster care and adoption resources): ⁠www.fostercommunity.org

Texas Adoption Resource Exchange (TARE): https://www.dfps.texas.gov/Adoption_and_Foster_Care/About_TARE/Adoption/

Department of Family and Protective Services: https://www.dfps.texas.gov/

In this episode we interview Chrystal Smith, the founder and CEO of Foster Village. This is a non-profit founded out of Austin that supports and serves local foster families. You will hear about her inspiration for starting this non-profit and how it is growing to support foster families across the nation. You will love Chrystal’s heart and thought behind everything that she does.

Foster Village Austin: https://www.fostervillageaustin.org/

Heart Gallery of Central Texas: heartgallerytexas.com

Foster Community: https://fostercommunity.org/

Texas Adoption Resource Exchange (TARE): https://www.dfps.texas.gov/Adoption_and_Foster_Care/About_TARE/Adoption/

Department of Family and Protective Services: https://www.dfps.texas.gov/

In this episode we interview Yareli, an adoptions case worker for DFPS. Yareli has been a case worker for 9 years, 7 of those being in the adoptions unit. She has walked side by side with children in foster care from first contact all the way to reunification or adoption. Join us for an inside look of the day to day as a CPS case worker with Yareli.

Heart Gallery of Central Texas: www.heartgallerytexas.com

Texas Adoption Resource Exchange (TARE): https://www.dfps.texas.gov/Adoption_and_Foster_Care/About_TARE/Adoption/

Foster Community (foster care and adoption resources): www.fostercommunity.org