About

THRU Project exists to support young adults who have experienced foster care as they move into adulthood, without losing connection, stability, or hope.

OUR STORY

THRU Project was co-founded in 2011 by a foster mother, Elaine Hartle, and a local business owner, Steve O’Donnell, who had grown up in the foster care system. Both were intimately familiar with the challenges that exist for individuals in foster care. The San Antonio community rallied around the plight of individuals aging out of foster care and the shortage of social workers available to assist them. It became apparent that there was a critical need for a permanent organization to provide volunteers who could serve as a connection between former foster youth and the services provided by local nonprofit agencies that could help them achieve healthy, independent lives and successfully bridge the gap between foster care and adulthood.

OUR MISSION

To empower individuals with a history of foster care to build independent, successful futures.

Aging out of foster care doesn't mean life suddenly gets easier. It means more responsibility, more pressure, and fewer safety nets. We're here to change that.

OUR VISION

THRU Project envisions a world where everyone with lived experience in foster care has the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential.

We Believe: No one should have to figure life out alone—Support should grow with you, not disappear—Independence doesn't mean isolation

Values

THRU Project is proud to be Level 1 Trauma-Informed Care Certified through the Ecumenical Center. This certification reflects our dedication to understanding the impact of trauma and providing services that promote trust, respect, healing and resilience.

Fortitude

We encounter adversity with courage, strength, and perseverance.

We do what we know is right, even if it is uncomfortable.

We do not shy away from crucial conversations with each other, our program participants, or our community.

We set achievable goals and take action towards them.

Accountability

We are ”all-in” for the mission and give our best effort to ensure the success of our clients, our programs, and the organization.

We take ownership of our behaviors and performa nee.

We value honesty and openness.

Our work is reliable, and others can trust that we will deliver on our commitments.

Inclusion

We provide equal access to services and opportunities for our clients and do not permit discrimination or intolerance.

We do not turn away those in need of services due to gender identity, sexual orientation, race, physical or mental abilities.

We do our best to create a safe, welcoming space and a sense of belonging.

We give our clients the opportunity to share their experiences, opinions, and needs and include them in conversations about the services we provide.

Innovation

We engage in strategic and creative thinking to ensure we are developing programs that will serve our clients well today and in the future.

We challenge the status quo so that our services and workplace reflect current best practices.

We strive to always improve our individual skills and knowledge in order to provide excellent service to our clients, volunteers and donors.

We move forward by being collaborative and solution focused.

Respect

We demonstrate professional courtesy, respect personal boundaries, and treat each other and our program participants with dignity.

Conflicts are addressed promptly and constructively.

We lean into empathy to build strong, interpersonal relationships with our teammates and program participants.

We acknowledge and show appreciation for each other’s contributions.