Stacy Johnson

Background

About Stacy Johnson

Foster kid.” A term that became a part of my identity at the age of two. The tender age that marked the beginning of my long, tumultuous journey through ten different placements. A journey filled with fear, abuse, shame and abandonment. A journey that could have had an entirely different ending, had I not decided to enter a group facility after my ninth placement at the age of 15. A decision that led me to Russ Hansen, the group home therapist. I told him I wanted to be legally emancipated and take care of myself because no one else would. Russ who saw me not for what I was, but for what I could be. He supported my decision, encouraged me and gave me the tools I needed for success. He introduced me to, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens,” a book that taught me the importance of goal-setting and taking responsibility for my own choices and actions. I first saw both of those lessons come to life when I achieved my goal and was declared a legal adult by the state of California at the age of 16. I was free. That day I told myself that when I grew up I would help other foster kids the way Russ helped me. After finding success in sales for over ten years, I decided to follow that dream. A lot of hard work, a TON of support from my community and two or three miracles later, I opened Central Texas Table of Grace in less than 1 year. CTTG is a 13-bed emergency shelter for foster children between the ages of 6-17. We take boys and girls, so siblings aren’t separated. As I watch miracle after miracle unfold in my life, I have been inspired to share my story. How a story of suffering, abuse, and abandonment turned into a story of resilience, faith, love, and connection…beauty for ashes. If my mission speaks to you, you can help CTTG in the following ways: 1. Help spread our message by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and share with friends! Choose CTTG as your preferred charity on AmazonSmile 3. Contribute to our cause via our website.