Today we’d like to introduce you to Catina Thomas.
Catina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey began with a profound understanding that support and guidance can significantly alter the trajectory of a life. Over the years, through personal growth, community work, and professional experience, I saw firsthand how many young people, especially those transitioning out of foster care, were expected to navigate adulthood without the stability, resources, or encouragement they deserved.
I created Nurturing Journeys to walk alongside youth during this critical transition by providing transitional homes, life skills, and consistent support as they step into adulthood. Our work is grounded in trauma-informed care, ensuring that every young person is met with compassion, understanding, and respect for their lived experiences. The vision was never just about housing; it was about belonging, dignity, and helping young people see that where they start does not define who they can become.
This work is personal and intentional. It’s rooted in the belief that no one should have to walk their journey alone, and that when people are met with compassion, structure, and opportunity, they can build successful and independent futures.
Today, I lead Nurturing Journeys with a clear vision and a strong foundation, focused on expanding access to safe transitional housing, life skills development, and trauma-informed support for youth aging out of foster care. What began as a vision rooted in service has evolved into a mission-driven organization founded on compassion, structure, and community partnerships. Each step has brought greater clarity, strengthened leadership, and reinforced the importance of walking alongside young people as they build independent, successful futures. And we’re just getting started.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but it has been a meaningful one. Building a mission-driven organization requires patience, resilience, and the ability to navigate systems that can be complex and slow-moving. One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to pace growth while staying grounded in the mission. Each obstacle has strengthened my leadership, clarified the vision, and reinforced why this work matters.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Nurturing Journeys exists to walk alongside youth transitioning out of foster care by providing transitional homes, life skills development, and consistent, trauma-informed support as they step into adulthood. Our work is rooted in the belief that where you start doesn’t define you, and no one should have to walk this journey alone.
What sets Nurturing Journeys apart is our intentional, whole-person approach. We don’t just focus on housing; we focus on stability, dignity, and preparation for independent living. Every young person we serve is met with compassion, structure, and respect for their lived experiences. Our trauma-informed care model ensures youth feel safe, supported, and empowered as they build confidence and life skills.
I’m most proud of the heart behind this work. Nurturing Journeys was created with purpose and led with intention, centering relationship, trust, and long-term impact. As we continue to grow, our focus remains on creating pathways to independence, strengthening community partnerships, and supporting youth as they move forward into successful futures. We are committed to walking with them every step of the way.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that purpose doesn’t require perfection, only commitment. You don’t have to have everything figured out before you begin. Clarity comes through action and consistency. When you stay grounded in your values, remain open to growth, and lead with intention, the work evolves with you. That lesson has shaped how I lead Nurturing Journeys and how we continue to show up for the youth and communities we serve.
