Texas Border Business
By Amanda Sotelo
South Texas College and Foster Angels of South Texas, for the first time, have collaborated to provide resources and care baskets for STC’s foster students who have aged out of the system at 18 years old and have limited to no family support, so they can further enhance and support their educational journey.
Olivia Gomez, STC director of External Affairs, said STC is committed to supporting students not just academically, but holistically.
“This initiative with Foster Angels exemplifies how the mission of External Affairs and South Texas College is dedicated to forging meaningful partnerships that directly benefit our students,” she said. “These baskets are a powerful reminder to our aged-out foster students that they are valued, supported and not alone as they prepare for finals and pursue their dreams.”
External Affairs is a new department under the Division of Institutional Advancement and External Affairs at STC.
The care baskets prepared by the McAllen High School football team and delivered by Foster Angels, an organization created to improve the lives of children in foster care ensuring each child has their basic needs met, included snacks, water, school supplies and gift cards to Starbucks, Luby’s and Door Dash.
As STC student David Cedillo described it, the baskets were full of hope and spirit.
“These baskets are amazing. It’s a sweet gesture and everything inside lifts our spirits, motivates us and is extremely useful, especially during final exams,” said the Mission native. “I’m truly appreciative that people took time to do this for us. STC offers great resources and it’s things like this that keep me moving forward.”
Cedillo and his sisters were in the foster care system at an early age and suffered through trials and tribulations before finding their forever home.
“I was young, but I know my sisters endured so much, but we were lucky to have found a family together,” said the 21-year-old. “There is a lot that could have gotten in the way of me getting an education, but here I am. I want to encourage others to know that it’s possible. All it takes is effort and finding that one person or college that believes in you.”
Cedillo is an aged-out foster student at STC, who has been able to take advantage of tuition waivers, financial aid, among other resources provided to help students find success.
STC, also in partnership with Foster Angels, has recently expanded services for students like Cedillo, by introducing housing vouchers. These vouchers are available for STC, aged-out foster students who need help covering rent.
Foster Angels Rio Grande Valley Director Lucy Wolthoff said her organization’s overall goal is to provide foster youth with basic needs and life-enhancing experiences, serving youth from one to 22.
She added that working collaboratively with organizations like STC and the McAllen High School Football team, to get these baskets to students who need them the most, plays a role in Foster Angels being able to continue serving the region.
“We have been around 25 years, impacting lives one child, one student at a time. We go beyond material things. We also provide the consistency, love and support they need,” she said. “These baskets are a symbol of our support…they are sprinkled with love and good luck, and this is just one of the many ways we will be working with STC to give these students the chance at a better life.”
For more information on the resources available to the STC foster community or to learn how to help, call the STC Division of Institutional Advancement and External Affairs at 956-872-2048.
