WAY Alliance

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WAY Alliance

WAY Alliance is a North TX 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping youth with foster care experience

06/03/2026

🔹 Board Member Spotlight: Izell Bennett, Treasurer 🔹

Now that we've introduced our newest board members, we're excited to begin reintroducing the incredible leaders who help guide WAY Alliance. First up is Izell Bennett, who serves as our Treasurer.

With more than 17 years of experience in social services, Izell has dedicated his career to supporting vulnerable populations, including youth experiencing homelessness, individuals involved in the foster care and juvenile justice systems, and communities facing food insecurity and human trafficking. Since relocating to North Texas in 2011, he has helped launch and lead impactful programs, including Kyle’s Place for homeless teens and Bob’s House of Hope, the first safe house for male trafficking survivors in North Texas. He currently serves as Vice President of Community Relations and Impact at First Refuge Ministries and remains actively involved in community initiatives throughout the region.

Izell brings a wealth of experience, compassion, and leadership to the WAY Alliance Board. When he's not serving the community, he enjoys photography, music, spending time with his family, and has built an impressive collection of more than 100 pairs of shoes! We're grateful for his commitment to helping foster youth and young adults thrive.

06/01/2026

🏳️‍🌈 This Pride Month, WAY Alliance celebrates the strength, resilience, and authenticity of LGBTQ+ youth in foster care.

Did you know? Approximately 30% of youth in foster care identify as LGBTQ+, making them significantly overrepresented compared to the general youth population. Many face unique challenges, including family rejection, discrimination, and housing instability.

Every young person deserves to feel safe, supported, and valued for who they are. This month and every month, we reaffirm our commitment to creating connections, opportunities, and affirming relationships that help foster youth thrive.

Happy Pride Month from all of us at WAY Alliance! 🌈

05/27/2026

Board Member Spotlight!!

“I believe there are so many ways to make an impact. Even if mentoring isn’t for you, you can still support by donating, sharing our mission, connecting us with resources or community partners, or using your skills and connections to help create opportunities for youth with foster care experience.” - Jose Galindo, MSW, Board Member

Every act of support helps us continue building stronger futures and meaningful connections for the youth we serve. Thank you to everyone who stands alongside our mission.

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, WAY Alliance honors and remembers the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice reminds us of the importance of community, compassion, and supporting one another through every challenge.

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day!

05/22/2026

There are thousands of youth in foster care who simply need one consistent person to believe in them. A mentor can be the difference between feeling alone and feeling supported, seen, and capable of building a brighter future.

At WAY Alliance, our volunteers and mentors help create meaningful connections that remind youth they matter beyond the system. Whether it’s offering guidance, encouragement, life skills, or simply showing up consistently, your impact can last a lifetime.

You do not need to have all the answers to make a difference. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can give is your time, your presence, and your belief in a young person’s potential.

Join us in creating a stronger support system for youth with foster care experience. Together, we can help empower the next generation to thrive.

05/20/2026

“Now more than ever with all the trappings of social media and AI, youth need positive human interaction, influences and resources to help them stay the course or get back on track to achieve outcomes that they may not otherwise attain coming from a non-traditional upbringing.”
– Tania M. Gordon, MSc PMP

At WAY Alliance, we believe every young person deserves connection, guidance, and people who genuinely care. In a world that can often feel isolating, mentorship, community, and real human support can make all the difference for youth with foster care experience.

We are grateful to have leaders like Tania helping champion a future where every young person feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed. 💙

05/19/2026

Did You Know?

Studies show that youth in foster care experience significantly higher rates of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health challenges compared to their peers. Some research estimates that between 50% and 80% of youth in foster care experience serious emotional or behavioral health challenges.

Behind every statistic is a young person navigating trauma, instability, and uncertainty while trying to heal and grow. Access to consistent support, trusted adults, and mental health resources can make a life-changing difference.

At WAY Alliance, we believe foster youth deserve more than survival. They deserve support, connection, and the opportunity to thrive. 💙

05/15/2026

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the cultures, contributions, and resilience of AAPI communities across the country. At WAY Alliance, we also recognize the importance of representation, identity, and belonging for youth in foster care.

Did you know? Asian American and Pacific Islander children are often underrepresented in conversations about foster care, which can lead to cultural needs and experiences being overlooked within the system. Every young person deserves support that honors their background, identity, and story.

This month, we celebrate the strength and impact of AAPI communities while continuing to advocate for a foster care system where every youth feels seen, valued, and supported.

05/13/2026

Last week, we shared that the WAY Alliance is growing and this week, we are excited to officially welcome Edward Castaneda to the team!

Edward Castaneda is a Vice President at Goldman Sachs with experience across leading financial institutions including JPMorgan, Merrill Lynch, and Wells Fargo Advisors. As a former foster youth and dedicated mentor with WAY Alliance since 2023, Edward brings both lived experience and professional leadership to our mission of supporting youth with foster care experience.

His commitment to mentorship, stability, and creating lasting impact reflects the heart of WAY Alliance, and we are grateful to have him helping lead the way forward.

When he’s not serving youth or working in finance, Edward enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids, trying new restaurants, and exploring hidden gems across Texas.

Please join us in welcoming Edward to the WAY Alliance board!

05/11/2026

We were honored to attend the Hand In Hand Foster Summit hosted by dallascollegetx this week! 💙

It was an incredible opportunity to connect with youth with foster care experience, share the mission of WAY Alliance, and build relationships with other organizations working to support young people transitioning from foster care to independence.

Events like this remind us how important community, connection, and consistent support are for foster youth. We are grateful for every conversation, every new connection, and every chance to remind youth that they are not alone.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table and to Dallas College for creating a space centered on empowerment and opportunity.

Address

306 N. Loop 288, Suite 198
Denton, TX
76209

Telephone

+19404423990

Website

https://linktr.ee/WAYAlliance, http://wayalliance.org/

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