Bridging the Gap
For many of us, becoming an adult is an exciting time in our lives, a time when we look forward to college, starting a career, or creating a new life for ourselves. But for young people who age out of the foster care system, this transition feels like the edge of a cliff. These young adults, who have already experienced trauma and hardships in their youth, are simply expected to take the next step with no family to turn to, no savings to lean on, and no clear path forward. For them, the next step is filled with uncertainty and fear.
Fortunately, one local nonprofit is looking to change that fear into hope. As a faith-based ministry and a 501c3 organization licensed with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, DIRECTION61:3 seeks to help one young person at a time by offering housing, guidance, and a community of support so that former foster youth can build stable, independent lives. Founded in McKinney in 2017, DIRECTION61:3 now serves youth across Denton and Collin counties through a network of homes and programs designed to meet young adults where they are.
Two years ago, Denton resident, Simon Trask, became their Denton Area Coordinator. His involvement grew out of a spiritual calling that emerged after he and his wife joined the ministry. As longtime foster advocates, the Trasks saw firsthand the pressing need there was for a program like DIRECTION61:3.
“Young children in the foster care system are often adopted and become members of a new family,” says Simon. “But teenagers have a much harder time.”
Young adults aging out of foster care often face housing instability, unemployment, interrupted education, and social isolation as they transition into adulthood. Even getting the basics, such as a driver’s license, a social security card, or a birth certificate, present obstacles most of us take for granted. DIRECTION61:3 steps in to fill that gap with a model that goes far beyond a safe place to sleep. Providing housing is key to creating stability, but staff and volunteers also walk alongside residents with practical support, acting as mentors, teaching life-skills, and helping them navigate the next steps toward independence.
This support is reinforced through the nonprofit’s weekly “Thrive” gatherings, a cornerstone of the DIRECTION61:3 experience. At Thrive meetings, young adults gather for encouragement, learning, and a sense of community. Activities include motivational guest speakers, life-skills training, career advice, and spiritual guidance. For young adults who have spent much of their lives moving from place to place, that kind of continuity can be deeply meaningful.
“Things have grown organically into a family environment,” Simon said.
Rather than focusing only on immediate needs, DIRECTION61:3 fosters an environment where residents can begin to heal, grow, and imagine a future full of hope. Through relationship building, spiritual encouragement, and the steady presence of mentors and peers, the program helps young adults build the confidence to move forward. Participants are encouraged to develop job skills, continue their education, manage daily responsibilities, and build healthy connections with caring adults who will remain in their corner.
Seven houses currently exist, housing 28 young adults, but the nonprofit’s long-term vision includes expansion of the ministry’s 4.8-acre property known as “The Farm,” which will eventually serve up to 60 foster and aged-out youth in the years ahead.
Like many small nonprofits with big aspirations, DIRECTION61:3 depends on community generosity to keep its mission going. The organization raises funds through direct donations and special fundraising events, which include their “Tee Up for Foster Youth” charity golf tournament on June 22, and the “Paddle Battle” pickleball tournament in Denton set for August 1.
In a community known for stepping up in times of need, DIRECTION61:3 serves as a constant reminder that compassion can be both practical and empowering. If you are interested in supporting their cause, making a small donation, or becoming an active volunteer, visit direction613.org
In doing so, not only will you be helping DIRECTION61:3 to provide someone a home, a mentor, and a sense of community, you will also be giving a young person perhaps the most meaningful gift: hope.
