Abigail Garcia was new to Penitas, Texas, had few friends and was struggling through her sophomore year in high school.
But rather than getting darker, her future got brighter thanks to people and programs she says were sent into her life to help.
“I am really, really blessed,” Garcia said.
Things pivoted for her when a classmate, seeing her troubles, recommended she visit a local Buckner Family Hope Center.
Looking back, she had no idea what she was getting into — namely, an after-school program and a whole new group of inspiring friends. And she had no idea the experience would transform her life and her family’s life, not to mention turn her grades around.
And it all started the moment she walked in the door.
“I met wonderful youth,” she said. “I started getting more into it. I told friends, ‘I think I like it. I think God put it in my way for a reason.’”
With the encouragement and assistance of staff members — and plenty of hard work on her own part — Garcia’s academic performance improved.
Staff members noticed her dedication to school and rewarded her with a scholarship after high school. She used it to attend Kaplan College, where she became a certified nursing assistant.
Abigail Garcia teaches anger management courses for youth at the same center where she turned her life around. The experience reminds her how she needed others to excel. (Photo/Aimee Freston/Buckner)
Garcia’s parents were initially skeptical of the center, but quickly changed their minds after they saw how much it helped their daughter.
They investigated the other offerings and enrolled in classes such as financial management and fatherhood. Soon, they’d earned enough points for a mission team to build them a new house.
One of the teams that constructed the home was from First Baptist Church in Gatesville, Texas. Garcia connected with several of the team members who encouraged her and offered some guidance for her next steps.
One of the church team members was Gary Kafer, who said he was impressed with Abby quickly after meeting her.
“I could tell she had a drive and motivation that would take her places,” he said. “I know her early years have been difficult, but she and her family have overcome the odds with the help of the folks at Buckner.”
“I am really, really blessed.”
Kafer served as a reference to help Garcia find employment.
“It felt great when Abby called to tell me she got the job,” he said “It is stories like this that keep us coming back to the Valley.”
Today, Garcia teaches the anger management class for youth at the Hope Center. Stepping in front of the class brought back old memories.
“It kind of reminded me of the first time I came to Buckner. I saw all the new faces, seeing them talk to each other. I remembered what it was like when I first came.”
Garcia hopes to bless students through the class, including her sister.
“The fact that they’ve helped me, my family and I see all the changes they’ve made in the community, it makes me want to be part of it. It makes me proud to say I go to this center.”
— This story originally appeared at Buckner.org.