2025 TRAC Star Celebration – Transition Resource Action Center

TRAC reaches event fundraising record, Recognizes Senator Tan Parker

Annual fundraiser features TRAC former foster youth Alumnus

Dallas, TX — TRAC, Transition Resource Action Center’s TRAC STAR Celebration event on September 30 brought in a record $300,942 for the benefit of former foster and juvenile youth they serve.

The event, hosted at the stunning art-filled home of Lisa Blue, recognized State Senator Tan Parker with the first-ever legislative TRAC STAR award for his leadership in foster youth public policy. Attendees also heard a moving speech from TRAC alumnus Tai Kapaji, who’s account of his personal child maltreatment and survival left not a dry eye in the audience. His emotional story of finding TRAC inspired the audience, especially honoree Senator Tan Parker, to make major changes to the state CPS and foster care system in the upcoming interim and legislative session. Kapaji was also awarded a TRAC STAR award for his courageousness and success in progressing to independence.

“TRAC’s work in helping youth like Tai, is what moves our donors to understand the damaging legacy of child abuse and neglect and to ensure support of youth who are further traumatized by the foster and juvenile care system. The work of TRAC in finding stable housing, food, mental health counseling, education and workforce support, among other assistance is what drives all of us to support this most vulnerable population”, stated Madeline McClure TRAC Board member and Event Chair.

“I am deeply grateful to our TRAC family—including our dedicated staff, resilient youth, inspiring alumni, committed board of directors, and our generous event and host committees and donors. Because of their unwavering support, TRAC is able to walk alongside young people as they move toward stability, security, and independence. It takes a community like Dallas to make our outcomes possible and it is an honor to lead this organization and celebrate our TRAC STARS!” said Nicole Binkley, Chief Executive Officer of TRAC.

“TRAC exemplifies the power of partnership to open doors of opportunity for youth leaving foster care or facing homelessness. Government cannot do it alone. Instead, it takes Texans working together, side by side with community partners, to lift up these vulnerable young adults. No child is a throwaway child, and listening to TRAC alumni share their courageous stories is a powerful reminder of the responsibility we all share. Together, we can build a Texas where every young person has the chance to thrive.” – Senator Tan Parker

As TRAC celebrates this record-breaking evening, the organization renews its commitment to ensuring every young person transitioning out of foster care has the support and opportunity to thrive. The generosity and engagement of the North Texas community make this mission possible, transforming stories of hardship into pathways of hope. Together, TRAC and its partners continue to build a future where all youth can stand strong, independent, and seen as the stars they truly are.

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Transition Resource Action Center: TRAC serves youth ages 16–24 in the Dallas–Fort Worth region who are transitioning out of foster care or experiencing homelessness. Founded in 2003, TRAC offers individualized support—ranging from life skills training, crisis intervention, housing assistance, and workforce readiness, to education and mental health services—through its drop-in centers in Dallas and Fort Worth. Each year, TRAC supports approximately 1,200 young people as they build the stability and resources necessary to reach self-sufficiency and thrive as adults. For more information, visit traconline.org

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