Basic Information
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Company
Operation Achieve Independence, Inc. (OAI) -
Phone
281-825-7295 -
Email
tina@oaicares.org -
Mobile phone
281-825-7295 -
Describe How You Would Like To Be Introduced Via Email
Tina James is the Founder of Operation Achieve Independence, OAI, a nonprofit that supports individuals with a foster care background, ages 14 through adulthood. OAI's mission is to walk alongside those with a foster care history long after most programs age the individual out, usually by the age of 25. OAI helps them with education, career readiness, mentorship, housing and life skills. -
What is your "why"? Why do you do what you do?
At Operation Achieve Independence, OAI, our "why" is simple. We believe that those who have a foster care history, those who come from hard places, deserve having someone walk with them as they navigate life. Too many people with foster care history are left to navigate life without the support that many of us take for granted. By the time limited resources/programs end-usually at age 25-many are just beginnig to feel safe enough to plan for their future. Without guidance, the risks of homelessness, dropping out of school, job instability and broken relationships increase dramatically. We believe every person has value, dignity and potential. This is why OAI walks alongside individuals long after the system steps away. Our mission is to be the steady presence and safe place they can lean on as they take steps toward independence. We do this because we believe in futures filled with hope, not survival alone. -
Qualifying Questions: What are three questions we can ask clients to help pave the way for a referral? List them here.
1. Would you be interested in supporting a unique nonprofit that walks alongside those with a foster care history well beyond the age that most resources/programs stop helping?
2. Do you or your business ever look for ways to give back to our community through donations, sponsorships or volunteering with a nonprofit?
3. If you could make a difference in the life of someone who has aged out of our foster care system and has endured more trauma than most, would you want to learn how?
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Unique Selling Proposition
OAI is one of the few nonprofits in our area that provides lifelong support to individuals with a foster care history, walking alongside them well beyond the typical age cut-off of 25. OAI does not "age out" people, OAI stands with them until they truly achieve independence. OAI desires to be their "lighthouse" for their entire life; a safe place they can always come back to for anything in life. -
About me
I'm Tina James, Founder of Operation Achieve Independence, OAI, a nonprofit that serves individuals with a foster care history, helping them move beyond survival into independence through education guidance, career preparation, mentorship, transitional living support and faith-based encouragement.
My passion comes from a deep belief that no one should face adulthood alone. Unlike most organizations that stop services at age 25, OAI continues to stand beside our participants at every stage of life. Our oldest participant was a 56-year-old individual returning to college and in need of a specific computer that would work with the programs required for her degree.
In addition to leading OAI, I've built partnerships with organizations such as Lone Star Community College, UTSA, Texas Foster Youth Justice Project, BCFS (now Compass Connections), DFPS, and other like-minded groups to strengthen resources for those we serve. I am also trained and certified in Trauma Competent Caregiving (TCC) and Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), equipping me to guide others through healing-centered, relational care. -
Profession
Nonprofit Founder & Community Advocate, Youth & Adult Empowerment Advocate, Leader in Foster Care Support Services -
Title
Founder -
Hobbies and interest
Outside of my work with OAI, I find joy in:
1. Animals! I have always had a heart for animals and love spending time caring for them and being around them. I was a wildlife rehabber and really enjoyed raising the bottle babies.
2. Faith & The Trinity! My faith is a guiding part of my life and OAI's mission.
3. Helping Others! Whether through my nonprofit work or everyday life, I am passionate about serving and uplifting people.
4. Sewing & Quilting! My one true hobby that I still allow myself to enjoy. -
Website
www.oaicares.org
Contact Information
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City / Town
Spring -
State
TX -
Zip
77393 -
Country
United States -
Special offers to the group
As a new member to this group, I'd love to extend a few special opportunities: 1. Community Partnerships: OAI welcomes volunteers, event sponsors and in-kind donations such as silent auction items, gift cards or services. Every contribution makes a real difference in the lives of the adults with a foster care history. 2. Visibility & Recognition: Businesses that partner with OAI will be highlighted at our events and/or on our platforms, giving positive community exposure. 3. Referrals Back to You: I am committed to referring people in my network and the individuals we serve to businesses and professionals in this group. I believe in lifting each other up and I want to connect your services/products to those who may benefit from them. -
Facebook Business Page URL
Operation: Achieve Independence -
LinkedIn Profile
Operation: Achieve Independence