Susan Ramirez had an epiphany when she attended a conference on foster care in 2010. The statistics regarding children in the system were so bleak that she was moved to do something, even if it didn’t come close to solving everything. Austin Angels was born with a vision to change the experience of children and their families in the foster care system. The mission is to walk alongside children in foster care, as well as their caretakers, by offering consistent support through intentional giving, relationship building, and mentorship. Austin Angels supports not just the children, but the families who take in foster children as well as youth who have aged out of the system and still need support to succeed. The results have been astounding.

Just because you can’t solve everything, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do something to help.

What started with volunteers and small gestures, like doing the hair and makeup of a teenage girl in foster care, has now blossomed into a national non-profit. Austin Angels provides Love Boxes containing thoughtful gifts as well as resources that meet the real needs of the child and their entire family. They devote time and energy to building healthy relationships that promote healing through human connection. Their Dare to Dream program provides mentorship to equip and empower children to be prepared for adult living and reach their fullest potential. With nearly 600,000 children in the system nationwide, Austin Angels hopes to serve every one of them.

Listening to Susan Ramirez talk about the children and families served by Austin Angels proves without a doubt that sometimes the biggest gifts come in simple packages.

There is always something you can do to make a difference.