Today, Austin Angels walks alongside youth and families navigating foster care, empowering them with community. It all started with a conference in 2010.
“Judge Hathaway said words I’ll never forget: ‘Not everyone is called to foster, and not everyone is called to adopt, but anyone can play a role and make a difference in a child’s life,’” says Susan Ramirez. “When I heard that, something shifted for me. I knew we could do better, that we had to do better.”
That conviction became the foundation of Austin Angels.
With Ramirez’s personal foster parenting revealing gaps in family support, their programs are shaped by and respond to the real needs of those they serve. That includes their monthly Love Box® of essentials. The name came from Esther, a single mom caring for six boys, who exclaimed, “Here comes my love box!” when Ramirez delivered the first one.
On his 13th birthday, a box went to Ryan, one of Esther’s boys. Overflowing with gifts, balloons, brownies, and a handwritten card, it prompted his call to Ramirez, ending with three powerful words: “I love you.”
“I knew our program was working. Healing was happening, and lives were being changed,” says Ramirez. “That moment confirmed what I already believed… When people show up consistently and trusted relationships grow, transformation is possible.”
Those boxes continue to keep foster homes open, allowing children to remain in stable environments.
Austin Angels has grown into a national movement with 18 chapters across 13 states, thriving because of every person who has chosen to join and support this work.
“My vision is that by 2050, every child who experiences foster care in the United States will have support through our programs. I believe that, through the power of community, we will get there,” says Ramirez.
Get involved at: austinangels.com
“I’m still in awe of what has grown from a small, humble beginning. This work is the greatest honor of my life. It may not always be easy, but it is always worth it.”