THRU Project's mission is to help foster youth overcome the challenges of growing up in the foster care system by providing guidance, support and advocacy in order to prepare them for life after foster care.
As youth age out of the foster care system, they are often alone with no adult to guide them through this critical time of transition. Many former foster youth end up pregnant, homeless or incarcerated.
We recruit and train adult volunteers to serve as Advisors and then match adults with youth for one-on-one mentorship. We offer the life skills training that many have never received; we help them get a job, apply for college, set up their first apartment and navigate their finances.
Every youth who enters our program is eligible to receive a free cell phone and service plan.
THRU Project created its cell phone program because we believe that by removing the communication barrier, we can dramatically improve the mental health, wellness, and overall success outcomes of our foster youth.
This program works in tandem with our volunteer mentor program as a phone-in-hand serves as an important lifeline between mentor and mentee.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Current or former foster youth
- Between the ages of 14-25
- Actively participating in the THRU Project mentoring program 3 months (or longer)
- Employed or going to school
THRU Project offers bi-monthly life skill workshops that focus on a particular life skill.
Topics will be chosen by the youth in our program and may include cooking and nutrition, human trafficking, networking, communication, higher learning, and interview skills.
The second part of each session will engage participants in activities that are fun and create community.
Click here for more information.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Current or former foster youth
- Between the ages of 14-25
- Actively participating in the THRU Project mentoring program 3 months (or longer)
Overview Getting to work every day, school, and appointments would be next to impossible in a city like San Antonio without the public transit system.
As a THRU Project youth, you can receive a renewable 6-month bus pass to ride VIA buses for free.
Breaking down the transportation barrier is absolutely crucial to achieving successful employment and/or higher education.
Eligibility requirements:
- Current or former foster youth
- Between the ages of 14-25
- Actively participating in the THRU Project mentoring program
If you are a youth in foster care, aging out doesn't necessarily mean you are on your own.
We can:
- Introduce you to an adult Mentor that can provide a listening ear and a support system for you
- Provide a bus pass to help with transportation
- Provide a cell phone and service to connect you to your Mentor and vital resources
- Connect you to other resources for housing, employment and life skills
- Provide housing necessities such as kitchen and bath supplies
We are only servicing these areas at this time:
Bulverde, Boerne, New Braunfels, San Antonio, and Converse Texas.
Please note: THRU Project Mentor program requires a one-year commitment to:
- Meet with your Mentor at least once each month
- Reply to any Mentor communications
Failure to do so may result in elimination from the program.
Free.
With our Next Step Housing program, youth can now live in their own apartment with the security of a support system and life-skills education, preparing them for successful independence. Assistance can be up to one year long.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Former foster youth
- At least 18 years old
- Employed (working full or part-time)
- Submission of Housing Application with Resume and Essay
- Interview with Housing Coordinator