ticia Childers and her husband, Cliff, have spent more than two decades standing in the gap for underserved children in Waco, Texas, especially black and brown youth who often feel overlooked, underestimated, and unheard. In a city where racial and economic disparities remain stark, Childers believes deeply in the power of community-led transformation.

“We can’t change how people think and feel about us,” said Childers in a recent conversation, “but we can do something about us and for us.”

Childers found herself filling that gap 15 years ago when, after picking up her daughter from an after school program, a 14 year old student, Byron Milus, needed a ride home. He didn’t mention who would meet him. So, Childers brought him home for the evening, unaware it would mark the beginning of a lifelong ministry of refuge.

The young man’s mother, who was deaf and a single parent, struggled to communicate with him, and he lacked stability. Within two months, however, and with his mother’s consent, Milus moved in with the Childers family.

Soon after, the Childers — already raising five biological children — took in another teen, Larry, who needed rescue from being used as a drug mule. They later welcomed Milus’ sister, Larrisha. For more than 25 years they would co-parent more than 29 young people, offering safety, structure, and love. Childers’ passion comes from her own childhood experience of being taken in by an uncle and his wife when she was very young. She understands personally the healing that can happen when someone opens their home and their heart.

In 2015, a dream inspired her to formalize her efforts into a nonprofit: Project Life Force (PLF). Its mission is simple yet profound; to build character, provide a safe space for neighborhood youth, and expand their view of the world beyond the underserved Sanger Heights community. Today, PLF offers literacy support, tutoring, financial literacy, life skills, gardening camps, entrepreneurial programs, driver’s education, and college tours. Since its founding, PLF has helped more than 500 teens graduate high school, many of whom are first generation graduates.

PLF’s reach extends far beyond Waco. In 2013, Childers took 32 youth on a life changing trip to Washington, D.C. Her work has been recognized by senators, the mayor, and the City Council. The organization’s annual “Christmas and Cheers” fundraiser draws more than 300 businesses and community partners.

When asked what keeps her going after 16 years of running PLF, Childers answers: “I was that kid that was given away and passed along, living in dark rooms, dark hallways until my uncle came and found me.”

As for what she tells her youth in a challenging cultural climate, her message is one of resilience and faith:

“The challenge is the win. You are always going to be [challenged]; you already know that. Keep pushing through to the win and remember to put your mask on first.”