Transformations By Austin Angels
About Transformations By Austin Angels
Austin Angels is built around something a lot of foster care families do not get enough of: steady people who keep showing up. Through Love Box and Dare to Dream, it offers relationship-based support, mentorship, and practical connection for children, youth, caregivers, and the whole household. Its Foster Care Community Center in Buda gives that support a place to land, with room for connection, learning, and belonging.
What stands out here is the focus on consistency. Austin Angels does not only center one child, it supports the household through two clearly defined programs, matched volunteers, mentorship, and a Foster Care Community Center that keeps the work grounded in real relationships.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Love Box
Consistent, relationship-based support for foster and kinship families. Volunteers or groups are matched with a local family based on proximity, compatibility, and the household’s needs, and they commit to at least one in-person connection each month for a minimum of one year, renewed annually.
Dare to Dream
One-to-one mentorship for youth and young adults in foster care ages 11 to 22. Mentors meet at least twice a month for a year and help youth work toward personalized goals in life skills, academics, career exploration, financial literacy, employment, college applications, and independent living.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
To walk alongside children, youth, and families in the foster care community by offering consistent support through intentional giving, relationship building, and mentorship.
Who they serve
Children, youth, and families experiencing foster care, including foster and kinship families, caregivers, and biological and adopted children in the home.
Their impact
- In 2024, Love Box served 117 families and 367 children.
- In 2024, 515 children were served during back to school.
- In 2024, 382 children and 139 families were served during the holidays.
- In 2024, 460 children and youth were served throughout the year during one-time events.
- In 2024, Dare to Dream had 74 mentors supporting 79 youth.
- 6 out of 10 caregivers shared that the support they receive from the programs has directly helped them keep children stably in their home.
- 6 out of 10 caregivers reported that the support they receive has sustained them in continuing to foster.
- 84% of Love Box volunteers reported an increased understanding and knowledge of the child welfare system.
- 94% of caregivers reported that the program is meeting their unique needs.
- 82% of youth, families, and volunteers said they will stay connected after the program formally ends.
- 91% of caregivers and youth reported an increase in their sense of normalcy, emotional health, and social well-being.
- 87% of Dare to Dream and Love Box caregivers reported that their youth have graduated on time or are expected to do so.
How your donation helps
- Love Box care packages and personalized gifts and resources
- One-on-one mentorship for youth in foster care
- Back to School gift cards and supplies for children and caregivers
- Program operations at the Foster Care Community Center
- The Outdoor Playground capital campaign
Our story
Susan Ramirez started Austin Angels in 2010 after hearing at a foster care conference that not everyone is called to foster or adopt, but anyone can help shape a child’s life. The organization began locally, surrounding children and families experiencing foster care with steady relationships, practical support, and mentorship.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Transformations By Austin Angels’s services.
Caregivers in foster or kinship families can request Love Box support and are matched based on proximity, compatibility, and the needs of the household. Youth ages 11 to 22 can be referred for Dare to Dream mentorship, and families, caregivers, CASA volunteers, and caseworkers can use the referral and contact options to begin the process.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
Consistent relationships are the solution.
The foster care system wasn’t built for belonging, but we are.
Every child is one caring, consistent adult away from experiencing belonging, stability, and the confidence to dream about their future.
Events
Back to School
annualA Back to School experience where kids choose what they need and caregivers receive gift cards for every child in their home.
Angel Ball: Coming Home
annualThe annual gala supporting children, youth, and families experiencing foster care, featuring dinner, music, tours, and fundraising.
Phil's Ice House Round Up and Give
annual in MayA May campaign where a portion of proceeds from participating locations supports the organization’s programs.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Transformations By Austin Angels has shared.
Current needs
- Grocery gift cards for children and families on the waitlist
- Funding for program operations at the Foster Care Community Center
- Support for the Outdoor Playground capital campaign
Volunteer opportunities
- Serve as a Love Box volunteer or group with at least one in-person connection each month for a minimum of one year
- Serve as a Dare to Dream mentor for youth ages 11 to 22 with at least two in-person connections each month for a minimum of one year
Partners & funders
In the news
Articles featuring Transformations By Austin Angels from the Love What You Fund newsroom.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
Who can receive Love Box support?
Love Box is for foster and kinship families. Volunteers are matched based on proximity, compatibility, and what the household needs.
How often do Love Box volunteers connect with families?
They commit to at least one in-person connection each month for a minimum of one year, with the commitment renewed annually.
Who is eligible for Dare to Dream?
Dare to Dream serves youth and young adults in foster care ages 11 to 22.
How often do Dare to Dream mentors meet with youth?
Mentors commit to at least two in-person connections each month for a minimum of one year, with the commitment renewed annually.
What kinds of goals does Dare to Dream support?
It supports goals in academics, career exploration, life skills, financial literacy, employment, college applications, and independent living.
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