The “Spark Capacity Building” project, spearheaded by the Texas Institute for Child & Family Wellbeing, seeks critical funding from Glimmer Austin and the Reissa Foundation to enhance the Foster Care Alumni program, Spark, at UT Austin. This initiative addresses the unique challenges faced by young adults from the foster care system, aiming to mitigate their high risks of homelessness, unemployment, and incarceration through access to higher education and stable housing. By developing volunteer training, case management systems, donation systems, and an Emergency Housing Fund, the project focuses on transforming Spark into a sustainable, student-led program that empowers students to succeed in their educational and personal lives. This capacity-building effort is designed to ensure that Spark can continue to expand and support these students more effectively, fostering their stability, leadership, and community engagement.
