The Security Service Charitable Foundation is donating $5,000 to help fund a foster support program at The University of Texas San Antonio. The program will address challenges faced by students who have a history of foster care and are entering post-secondary education.
“Every child and young adult deserves the opportunity to go to school and not worry about how they are going to continue their education in the event of an emergency,” said Sheri DeSpain, executive director for UT Foundation. “With support from the Security Service Charitable Foundation, this program will allow students a safety net to help pay for medically necessary prescriptions, car repairs, utilities, school supplies, and gas or groceries.”
UTSA’s Fostering Educational Success Center (FESC) supports all students who have a history of foster care by developing student success through coaching, connecting students to resources on-campus and in the city-wide community, and creating their own sense of local university community. The center is complementary to a larger effort to reach out to youth in foster care throughout Bexar County. The Bexar County Fostering Educational Success Pilot Project, a county-wide collaboration between UTSA and other partners, creates an array of educational support resources for current and former foster care youth.
“Financial aid and tuition waivers cover basic student needs, but are not sufficient for student emergencies that prevents them from attending classes or work,” said Brandy Ralston-Lint, senior vice president of corporate communications for Security Service Federal Credit Union. “An emergency fund for this population is crucial to assisting students whose lack of funds may compromise their ability to attend classes, maintain employment, or safe and stable housing; all of which impact their educational success.”
The Security Service Charitable Foundation helps further Security Service Federal Credit Union’s corporate goal of community service by contributing to deserving organizations and causes in the credit union's market areas.
Brandy Ralston-Lint (right), senior vice president of corporate communications for Security Service Federal Credit Union, presents (left to right) Anissa Mahone, director of corporate engagement for The University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA), Stephen Skinner, director of development and special projects for UTSA, Kristy Williams, senior administrative associate—foster care initiatives for UTSA, Emily Miller, program manager and campus coach—foster care initiatives for UTSA, Dr. Megan Piel, assistant professor for the department of social work at UTSA, Dr. Christopher Goldsberry, former associate director of foster care initiatives for UTSA, and Jacob Israel, student at UTSA, with a donation for $5,000.