Khristan grew up in Tyler, TX. She and her sister were removed from their parent’s home when she was 15 years old. A false allegation was made against her parents, but during the Child Protective Services (CPS) investigation, both of her parents and her grandma failed drug tests. Khristan’s grandma tried for several months to receive custody but continued to fail drug tests. Her older brother also tried for custody of his sisters, but CPS would not agree, given that he was only 21 years old.

After more than a year of rehab, Khristan’s grandma gained custody of both girls, and they all moved in with her brother. This didn’t last long due to problems between her brother and grandma. Khristan and her sister eventually moved into a trailer with their grandma, but this too was short-lived because grandma was not paying bills.

Khristan decided to move to San Antonio. She was couchsurfing with friends when she discovered THRU Project. THRU Project was able to connect her with a caring mentor, Debbie, who has been a great support to her. Khristan joined the Next Step Housing Program, where she has been able to live in a rent-free apartment while finishing her bachelor’s degree at UTSA. We are so proud to announce that she graduated in December 2022 with her Bachelor’s in Psychology! She is hoping to go on to graduate school and eventually start a career doing research in psychology.