Central Texas Table of Grace unlocks $2 million Mabee grant for foster care campus

Central Texas Table of Grace has cleared the fundraising hurdle to receive a $2 million challenge grant from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation for its new foster care campus in Round Rock. The nonprofit says the funding brings its $15.3 million campaign close to the finish line for a project aimed at expanding residential care and transitional housing for foster youth.

Why it matters: - The $2 million grant moves Central Texas Table of Grace closer to building a campus designed to support foster youth from childhood through early adulthood. - The project expands both residential care and transitional housing, two services that can reduce instability for young people leaving foster care. - The nonprofit says about $800,000 still remains to fully fund the $15.3 million capital campaign.

What happened: - Central Texas Table of Grace met the fundraising requirement to unlock a $2 million challenge grant from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation. - The grant supports The Campus, the nonprofit's planned foster care campus in Round Rock, Texas. - The announcement marks a major milestone in the organization's capital campaign. - The Mabee Foundation was established in 1948 and uses a challenge grant model to spur community giving for capital projects.

The details: - The Campus is planned as a 15,000-square-foot residential facility. - The project calls for 20 beds and 24 individual living units for young adults transitioning out of foster care. - The Campus will include an Under 18 Home for children in foster care. - The Campus will include SIL Apartments for young adults developing independent living skills. - The Campus will also include a broader community setting meant to provide connection, relationships and ongoing support. - Central Texas Table of Grace says the campus will provide consistent care as foster youth move from childhood to adulthood. - Stacy Johnson, founder and CEO, said the project is intended to create stability, belonging and support beyond age 18. - Johnson founded Central Texas Table of Grace in 2014 after spending 14 years in foster care and being emancipated at 16. - The nonprofit currently operates Grace House for children ages 5 to 17 and Grace365 for young adults ages 18 to 21. - More information on the project is available at the campus page.

Between the lines: - The challenge-grant structure means the local fundraising effort was not just helpful; it was required to unlock the foundation money. - The remaining gap is relatively small compared with the total campaign, suggesting the project is in the final stretch before construction moves forward. - The campus model points to a broader shift from short-term placement to longer-term continuity of care.

What's next: - Central Texas Table of Grace is preparing to move ahead with construction in Round Rock. - Once complete, The Campus is expected to expand the organization's capacity to serve foster children and young adults with housing and support. - The nonprofit will continue working to close the remaining funding gap in the capital campaign. - The organization says the project will broaden its continuum of care from birth through young adulthood.