For 20 years, a local non-profit has been dedicated to helping children in our foster care system feel accepted and like they belong.
Two decades and countless members later, Foster Angels Of South Texas has made a difference in the lives of local foster children…like in the life of Destiny Cruz-Sada.
“I’m excited. I’m ready to graduate,” she said.
This is an exciting time for Destiny.
In a few days, she will turn 18. In a few weeks, she will graduate from Moody High School.
What many people don’t know is she’s fought her way to get here.
“I kind of grew up taking care of my brothers,” Destiny said. “I did as much as I can.”
Destiny has been in the foster care system since she was 14.
“My mom was in her 20’s when my dad passed away and she didn’t know what to do,” she said.
Destiny says her mom turned to drugs to deal with the loss.
Shortly after, she and her two younger brothers were placed in foster care hundreds of miles away from each other.
At 16, she started working, putting in 30 hours a week.
“But I continued to come to school and tried not to make myself different from other kids,” Destiny says.
She says while in foster care, Foster Angels Of South Texas helped her during her toughest times.
Even giving her items she needed like a laptop for school and clothes.
Foster Angels help more than 100 children per month. The group provides material for them, particularly specialty items they need for school.
“The most common request we get is for beds or cribs,” says Trista Martinez with Foster Angels of South Texas. “And you wouldn’t think that’s asking for much but a lot of these kiddos have slept on the floor or shared a bed with multiple kids and this gives them their own space.”
The Foster Angels Of South Texas was started with the vision of one local philanthropist, Ted Oakley.
The impact they’ve had in young lives like Destiny is what keeps Foster Angels going year after year.
“Being the first to graduate and showing my brothers that anyone can do it is my goal,” she says.
By the way, Destiny plans to go to college and study.
For more information on the Foster Angels program, go to https://fosterangelsstx.org/
