“The Better Me Foundation was something that I envisioned when I was 17yrs old.”

After growing up in the foster care system, Shronica Holmes, executive director, has first-hand experience of what life is like when it comes to “aging out” of these programs. The reality is most young people are not given the proper tools, direction, or opportunities to live a successful life after foster care. In an attempt to shift this all-too-common course, Shronica started the Better Me Foundation.

GROUP HOME

“Our biggest program is our Supportive Housing Program.”

Located near the University of Texas at Tyler campus, the Better Me Foundation has purchased, furnished, and made available the Idlewood Home for young men coming out of the foster care system. The motivation for this resource is to give these 18- to 21-year-olds the comfort and security of a real house that other places such as shelters or facilities cannot provide. The Supportive Housing Program has proven to uplift the spirits of the young men that come through it as it gives them a sense of independent living without constant micromanagement. With this less restrictive approach, the Better Me Foundation is helping these growing adults build confidence and instill the belief that they can better themselves. To learn more about the Supportive Housing Program, the Idlewood Home, and how enrollment works, visit their website here!

OTHER PROGRAMS

The Better Me Foundation also provides other supplemental programs to encourage the lives of young men. Their Intergeneration Program focuses on pairing one of their participants with an older, wiser senior citizen in the community. This type of mentorship creates what Shronica calls, “a life and wisdom exchange.” With a background in senior care, she has seen the need for the elderly to have a spark of joy in their everyday life. Likewise, most of the young men coming out of the foster care system need some type of mentorship from a wise individual to help them set-up their steps. The Intergenerational Program helps create the perfect match between the young and old, to build key relational bonds and life-giving moments.

Speaking of wisdom, the Better Me Foundation also provides career mentorship and financial literacy opportunities. Having knowledge of how to get and keep a job is absolutely essential for getting out into the real world. What is just as important is the understanding of how to manage money. Resources on how to make a monthly budget, time-management, communication skills, and so much more are provided for these young men. The excitement of being able to provide for oneself and move forward in life is what the Better Me Foundation pushes for in all who come through their doors.

“Determination is really what we want to put in the forefront for them to remember.”

The Better Me Foundation’s goal is to help create determined young men, as stated by Shronica. They hope to break stigmas and negative connotations about group homes, by helping to embolden productive East Texas men, who believe they can be successful and impactful. Their momentum is growing, and they would love your help! Click here to learn more on how you can donate and support this amazing local non-profit.

Peltier Subaru Supports is the latest initiative at The East Texas Weekend created to highlight local non-profits around East Texas. Each month we will feature a new organization in our region to highlight their importance within our community. If you have an idea for our next feature, let us know by emailing to andrew.terpening@kltv.com

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