Face of Fortress: Olivia Argote

Olivia sought out Fortress after having her son and hearing about it from other family members whose children were enrolled. She's now a Fortress Preschool teacher whose great rapport with parents, staff, and students has had a major impact.

"There's nothing else like this. I haven't heard of any other place that allows your children to attend tuition-free so that you can get another chance. It's a safe place."

How did you find out about Fortress?

My nephew and niece went here. I started as a babysitter [for staff development days and parent classes] and then I got asked to be an assistant teacher. I went to college to be a teacher and wasn’t sure if I wanted to be one at that time. I took a break, got married, had my son, and now I’m more sure than ever that I want to go back and teach. 

What’s one thing you love about Fortress?

Ms. Olivia playfully engaging students on our natural playground

They really help families and community. I’ve grown up in this community and it needs more help than others. I’ve built a community with Fortress; there’s things that I wouldn’t share with anyone else, but my coworkers know. 

How do you enjoy it as a Fortress parent?

The preschool setting has been so helpful to my son. My baby didn’t talk when he came here. He now he knows his alphabet and numbers. He’s more social here. Things I could’ve tried to teach him on my own, he picked up here from others and it’s been great. 

Where do you see yourself in the next year?

I’d love to switch classrooms and have more experience with other ages. I’d love to be a lead teacher.

What’s one thing that people don’t know about you?

I love to read on my off time. I love to spend time by myself and reflect on the world. I love to talk to God. 

Anything else? 

This is a good foundation and would help any family regardless of where they’re from. Because of this, I’ve been able to be close to my son. It’s a safe place.

Fortress Family Spotlight: Kamyron, Camri, and Kayden

Our families are the pinnacle of our "why", and oftentimes, we're blessed enough that they go from being a family at Fortress to a part of the Fortress family.

Meet Kamyron, a Fortress mom turned assistant teacher who credits a lot of the progression that's taken place in her and her children's life to getting much needed assistance from Fortress. From major milestones to an adjusted schedule that allows for her to spend quality time with her family, she's one of so many women who prove that if one has support, they can go so much further.

Both personally and professionally, Kamyron is more hopeful than ever. She realizes just how much she's capable of accomplishing with Fortress now a part of her village. She has two beautiful children who’ve been enrolled in Fortress Preschool since they were tiny. Kamryon has a story of resilience and persistence as she soon hopes to get her degree in Business Administration and work in healthcare. Let’s hear her story:

How did you find out about Fortress? 

I found out about Fortress from a family member. Camri was 6 weeks and Kayden was one years old. He actually started walking two days before he started school. It’s been the best move for my family. My kids have grown so much from being in this program.  

What’s been your experience as a Fortress parent? 

I love it. It’s been the assistance that I never knew I could have. I love being able to communicate with the teachers and seeing how my kids are doing. The hours are extremely helpful for the working parent. The pantry with fresh produce and shelf stable groceries is also a blessing.

What’s been your experience as an employee?

As a parent, I used to drop my kids off and never too much chat with the teachers. Since working here, I’ve met great people and have built relationships with my coworkers outside of Fortress. There’s been some tough moments. I’ve even grown as a parent and gained a lot of grace when it comes to interacting with different children. I’ve grown to have a different level of patience.

Working here also gave me a sense of relief when it came down to maintaining my schedule. Sometimes pickup and drop off got hard with my previous work schedule. I would stress out about a babysitter and now my day is aligned with my children.

What’s been the most impactful thing about being at Fortress?

I was once in a really tough spot and was able to reach out to a Fortress employee and get a referral for help that changed my life. At that time, I really didn’t know who to turn to, but I’m so glad I asked. To this very day, that call made a difference that I can’t explain and gave me an opportunity that I’m thankful for.

What’s something that most people wouldn’t know about you?

I love to sing. I love to worship in the church choir. I’m one of those people that will hum along throughout the day and not even know it, but someone around me will pick up on it.

What’s next after this?

While I’m in Fortress, I plan on finishing my degree and getting my Bachelor’s. I only have two years left. I’m really helpful and organized so I plan on getting my business degree and assisting in healthcare administration.

Anything else?

I would want the community to know that this is a great resource and a great opportunity to get help while you build yourself up. Since I started Fortress, I’ve been having blessings on blessings .

Face of Fortress: Evelin Vazquez, Assistant Teacher

Evelin is a blossoming educator who joined the Fortress team roughly 6 months ago. Her love for family, willingness to be a helping hand, and determination to grow as a teacher leads her and shows up in her day-to-day work.

“She’s always willing to help. She never complains about quick changes and she’s grown so much,” our Student Programs Coordinator, Katie Young shares.

Evelin recently shared with us about her experience at Fortress as both a Fortress Parent, and more recently, as an Assistant Teacher. 

Q: As a Fortress parent, what made you enroll your child?
Evelin: I heard about Fortress because of a family member. My son, Perfecto, started coming last year. I’ve really enjoyed the program. 

Q: How long have you been working here? 
Evelin: Almost 6 months

Q: What do you like most about working at Fortress?
Evelin: I get to be with my son. I can see him anytime I want to instead of waiting to get off of work. My time feels well spent here. It amazes me how much people here are willing to help you overcome yourself.

Q: What’s an average day look like for you?
 Evelin: I can go from preschool to after school, and vice versa. Some days, I could be everywhere.  I come from fast food so I know how to multitask and adjust. In the back of my mind, I know the main thing. We have to learn how to cope with our kids. They’re kids, they’re children. They really don’t know what’s going on.

I’ve gotten a chance to grow with the after school kids. They didn’t accept me right away, but after our consistent interactions, we got a chance to connect and form a bond.

Q: What ways, if any, has this organization helped you?
Evelin: Fortress has helped me understand balance. Before working here, I was working 65 hours a week at Chick-Fil-A. Since I’ve started here, I’ve gotten a chance to spend 10x more time with my family. 

Q: Anything else you want to add?
Evelin: I thank Fortress for allowing me the opportunity to grow with the little experience that I have. I’ve always wanted to go into education. That’s my main goal. Being here makes sense.







Volunteer Spotlight: Cindy Tosta

Born and raised in Southern California, Cindy Tosta moved to Fort Worth to be near her son and his family. The friendliness of the people she met in Texas made her transition easy, but something was still missing. Cindy yearned to be involved in her new community and as a former educator with “teaching in my soul,” she knew she wanted to work with kids. An internet search for volunteer opportunities introduced this former middle school English teacher to Fortress.

“When the opportunity presented itself, I was very excited,” Tosta said, and “when I came to Fortress for my interview with Miss Remy and saw the facility, I knew it was going to be a perfect match.”

Cindy is now a regular volunteer tutor in Fortress After School, where she meets weekly with a group of four elementary students. She describes the boys and girls she tutors as wonderful children who are sweet, polite and respectful.

But the tutoring sessions aren’t all work! Tosta says her students are “expert Connect Four players.”

“We do a little reading or a little math, but we always end our time together playing Connect Four. These four really keep me on my toes!”

When asked what she would tell someone considering volunteering at Fortress, Cindy said, “I would say, if you have a passion for helping children grow and reach their potential, Fortress is the place for you. The positive attitude that I see from the entire faculty assures me that the children who attend Fortress are in good hands.”

“I couldn’t ask for a better place to volunteer!”

***

Want to learn more about volunteering at Fortress? Follow Cindy’s example and visit us online! You can also contact Fortress Volunteer Coordinator, Remy Bucknor at remy@fortressfw.org to find the perfect place for you to make a difference in the lives of kids and families in Historic Southside.

Faces of Fortress: the Angwenyi Family

“I love it here,” says Patrice Angwenyi, a Fortress parent, former educator, and entrepreneur. “The colors, logo, messaging… it all feels very intentional. And Ms. Leticia? She is a Godsend.” A self-proclaimed “mama bear”, Patrice is very particular about who cares for her babies; two-year old Preston is in Ms. Leticia’s Foxes class, and 8-month old Titan is in our Baby Bears class. “The last three years have been full of change,” she describes. “I quit my full-time teaching job, dove into entrepreneur mode, and had two babies. Through all of that, I realized what I can and can’t do. I learned to ask for help.”

Fortress was right here in her neighborhood when she needed that help. A product of Historic Southside, she found her way back as an adult. She and husband Tweeti are the co-founders and owners of local neighborhood coffee shop “HustleBlendz”, located just blocks from Fortress. Touted as “the first cold brew bar in Texas”, their tiny shop has already made a giant impression on the local coffee landscape, having been honored as September’s 2023 TCU Small Business Spotlight Winner. Even more recently, HustleBlendz won two categories in FW Weekly’s Best of 2023 issue: Best Coffee and Best Place to Buy Coffee.

“My husband is my coach and my teammate,” she says. “We’ve built a lot together. He walks out the life that he talks. He celebrates people, gets in the dirt with people. I’ve never heard him raise his voice.” Patrice is a people person, too. “God has called me into sisterhood,” she says. “I’m an iron-sharpener, a champion of change.” In her years as a public school teacher, she often met teens who had given up, or worse, who had been given up on. “Who are we to evaluate worthiness? We don’t know who this kid is gonna be. We have to keep pouring in. Getting kids who say they can’t write… to write? That was my “why” as a teacher.”

And that’s one of the things she loves about Fortress - the why. “I feel safe here. I cannot serve anybody until I give myself to the Lord. I’m not performative, but it’s always just there. I feel that here, too. There’s an authenticity.” When asked where she sees herself in five years, outside still being a mama bear and Tweeti’s partner in life and business, Patrice answered with conviction. “Growing something, wherever he puts me.”

We whole-heartedly suggest the Southside Double Shot or the Million Dollar White Mocha. When you visit HustleBlendz, tell them Fortress sent ya!

Leaving a Legacy of Love – Part 2

Last month, we introduced the importance of establishing a legacy by leaving a gift in your Will to a meaningful organization or cause. Givers are often motivated to do so for four primary reasons: (1) it impacts lives for good beyond their own lifetime, (2) it brings their life a deeper sense of meaning, (3) it models generosity and compassion for their children or grandchildren, and (4) financial considerations and tax benefits. 

Even though most of us know a Will is important, less than half of adults in the US have one in place. For some, it just doesn’t come to mind while others are hesitant to create or update their Will for a variety of reasons. Here are a few of those reasons and a different way to think about each one!

  1. My estate won’t be big enough to make an impact. You don’t need to be wealthy to have an impact! Sources suggest that the average size of an estate gift is around $50,000. And it’s not all about money! Estate gifts can include real estate, stocks, or even naming an organization as the beneficiary of an insurance policy. Regardless of your gift’s size or type, it can make a big difference for the cause(s) you care about.

  2. I can’t leave an estate gift before knowing what the final value of my assets will be. Some people leave specific dollar amounts in their Will, but others choose to leave a percentage of their estate known as a “residual gift” after other commitments are settled. Even a small percentage can make a big difference!  

  3. Estate plans are just for older people. The average age for a first Will is only 44. Anyone getting married, becoming a parent, traveling, or buying a house should consider a Will. Not only will it protect your assets and provide security for your loved ones, but conversations about a charitable gift in your Will are great opportunities to express your most deeply held values. It’s also a powerful way to model generosity to children and grandchildren.You might even allow them to share the joy of giving by helping pick the charity and the gift’s structure!

  4. Creating a will is complicated. It doesn’t have to be! A trusted lawyer or financial planner can help make the process simple. Depending on the complexity of your estate, there are even a number of easy and inexpensive online options for creating a legal will. 

  5. I can’t take care of my loved ones and leave a legacy gift. This is the most common barrier to leaving a gift in a Will. It’s a natural concern, and we fully support the notion that your loved ones come first. Most likely, however, after working through the numbers with a financial advisor, you will find that you can leave a percentage of your estate to charity while still having enough to support your loved ones.

Finally, some people put off their Will because they would rather not think about death at all! While this is natural and completely understandable, the reality is that a Will is much more about actively choosing what matters to us in life! In fact, Russell James, Professor of Charitable Financial Planning at Texas Tech University, compares the consideration of one’s Will to “visualizing the final chapter in one’s own biography.” What an empowering way to think about life and what really matters! 

A beautiful example of this manner of thinking is reflected in this testimonial from a longtime Friend of Fortress:

“My mom and I sat down recently to work out the details of her estate planning.  At 72, she's clear on how she'd like to distribute her assets, and that includes Fortress!  With help from her attorneys, she was able to choose how to leave a legacy of support.  She's included instructions in her will allocating specific funds to be given tax-free.  It was easy to do and she feels much better knowing she had control of the process.” 

Fortress would be grateful should you choose to leave a gift to our ministry in your estate plan. This “gift of a lifetime” is a beautiful way to lovingly impact lives in Historic Southside and to equip kids and families with the tools needed to build their own bridge from poverty to promise. If you do remember Fortress in your Will, we would be grateful if you would let us know (although doing so is not required). While it would be an honor to recognize your generosity, we promise to be respectful of your privacy, and will only do so with your permission and in a way that is meaningful to you and your family.

If you have further questions about an estate gift to Fortress, please don’t hesitate to contact our Executive Director Stacy Agee Martin (stacy@fortressfw.org) or Development Coordinator, Mike Skaggs (mike@fortressfw.org). Thanks for reading, and thanks for remembering Fortress as you consider the gift of a lifetime!

IS YOUR WILL UP TO DATE? Many people allow their Will to become out of date and inapplicable to their situation in life. Perhaps you made your Will when your children were born…and then left it untouched for many years. As time passes, circumstances change, so it is a good idea to review your Will every three to four years to make sure it’s up to date. 

DO YOU NEED ADVICE? We encourage you to seek professional advice when preparing your Will. Estate planning may be a straightforward process for some, but it can be more complex for others. Your financial advisor or lawyer can help you navigate this process with ease. There are also tax considerations for you and your loved ones when making a Will, so it’s always a good idea to take full advantage of expert advice!

Faces of Fortress: Remy Bucknor, Community Relations & Volunteer Coordinator

Remy Bucknor is rebuilding our volunteer program from the ground up after the pandemic shut it down three years ago. Almost a year into her role here, we sat down and “talked shop”.

“What drew you to apply for this job at Fortress?”
Honestly, the mission and seeing everything that Fortress represents. I was looking for anything in child advocacy or anything community-centered, and I thought that Fortress fit both of those things.

“Had you ever considered a career in volunteer management specifically?”
Not really. In college, I discovered a passion for volunteering. I mostly got involved because I was missing home and needed to be a part of something that was more than just volleyball and school. And I just love kids, so volunteering at the nearby elementary school was a good fit. It was a great experience. After college, I thought I wanted to be a coach, but five years into coaching [at a private school], something clicked in me that I really wasn’t reaching anyone in a meaningful way, and I began looking for something - anything, really - that would satisify that need.

“Is it everything you expected it to be?”
No, I’d say it’s different, but in a good way. It's more than I could've expected. It's so collaborative. We all work together to achieve one goal. So I’m not just working in volunteer management, but in programs as well.

“What is the favorite thing outside of your job description that you get to do?”
One of my favorite things is when the After School kids are asking, "Is [volunteer] Blake coming today, is Blake coming today?” and it happens to be the day he’s coming and I get to tell them yes." My least favorite would be having to change a diaper, but so far, so good.

“Looking back over the last year, what is a lesson you’ve learned about volunteer management?”
I want to reach back out to the connections I made early on. I pigeon-holed people into the specific jobs they volunteered to do, and now I think more broadly about how they can be plugged in all year. On the Community Relations side, it's cool to know that Fortress only had one connection [Historic Southside Neighborhood Association] when I started, and now I'm a part of so many groups and clubs to get Fortress's name out there: DOVIA Tarrant County (Directors of Volunteers in Agencies), Fort Worth’s Black Chamber of Commerce, and Fort Worth Climate Safe Neighborhood Coalition to name a few.

“What goals do you have as you enter your second year?”
My community goal is be more active, and less of a passive participant. To not just attend meetings, but to network more, especially at DOVIA. On the volunteer side, I’m working to define deeper aspects of each volunteer job. I want to create very distinct volunteer groups and individual volunteers and have lots of numbers. That's never a bad problem to have.

“What do you look for in new volunteers?”
What I’m looking for most is someone who is dependable, and who not only understands our mission but wants to join us in helping apply it in every way that they can.

“What do you feel is your personal responsibility to our mission of ‘building bridges from poverty to promise’?”
To try and further the promise part - bringing in resources and people and trying to put Fortress out there in any way we can so that the promise is actually there. I feel like I have the most fulfilling job here - getting to connect people to our mission who want to help meet it, and to see it be followed through.

YOU can be part of the mission! https://fortressfw.org/volunteer

Time Flies: Jaidah Then and Now

Jaidah is not the oldest student we have at Fortress - that honor belongs to Ja’Nautyca who is a few months older than her - but she has been here the longest, and that’s a fact that Jaidah is very proud of. Jaidah is bright, energetic, bold, and a natural leader. Ms. Stacy sat down for a quick chat to learn more about this future world changer. (Stacy sat. While she answered questions, Jaidah bounced around, did cartwheels and headstands, and managed to paint someone’s nails between all the action.)

Ms. Melissa & Jaidah, ca. 2017

Ms. Stacy: So Jaidah, what do think is special about being the Fortress Kid who’s been here the longest?
Jaidah: It’s cool because Ms. Melissa has known me longer than anyone else.
MsS: That’s right! Ms. Melissa used to be your teacher. Do you remember preschool? What did you like about it?
J: It was fun. We got to play all the time.
MsS: Right. Do you still like Fortress?
J: Sometimes.
MsS: The other day when you got on the bus, you said to Ms Kim, “Just so you know, everybody on this bus hates Fortress.” What was that about?
J: I do hate it when y’all try to teach us boring stuff. But I really don’t REALLY hate it.
Ms S: I don’t think you’d keep coming if you really hated it.

MsS: So what DO you like about Fortress?
J: The only thing I like is Ms. Stacy.
MsS: (laughing) I know that’s not true. You barely even see me.
J: But you gave me candy one time, so….
MsS: As a 5th grader, what’s your favorite thing now?
J: I love helping in the younger kids’ classes.
MsS: What do you like about it?
J: {shrug}
MsS: Do you get to boss them around? I bet you like that.
J: It’s fun to play with the little kids, but I also just like helping.

MsS: If you could spend the day at Fortress doing anything, what would it be?
J: Stay on my phone.
MsS: What do you want to be when you grow up?
J: A makeup artist! Or a hair artist.
MsS: How would your best friends describe you?
J: Weird. Fun.
MsS: And how would you describe yourself?
J: Weird. Mean. But not mean. More tomboyish.
MsS: What do you want the world to know about Jaidah?
J: People been sayin’ I’m bad, but I’m not. Also, I had a fight with a boy and I WON.

Leave a Legacy of Love

Beginning with the work of Fortress Church in the late 1990s, Fortress programs have a rich history of equipping children and parents who are working hard to build bridges out of generational poverty and into the promise of a better life. This work is possible only through the prayers, volunteer service, and donations of generous supporters who have opened their hearts to vulnerable families across Historic Southside.

For most people, providing for their family is a top priority in estate planning, and we agree! Loved ones should always be a major consideration, but it’s also important to consider causes that mean the most to you. Remembering an organization (like Fortress) in your Will is a beautiful act that will positively impact the lives of others well into the future.

Supporters leave a gift in their Will for many reasons. Here are four main motives: 

  1. It impacts lives for good beyond their own lifetime. Some feel a calling to do so out of their faith in God. Others do so out of gratitude and a desire to bless others as they have been blessed.

  2. It brings a deeper sense of meaning to their own life. Donors who leave a gift in a Will often experience a feeling of wholeness and completion out of a gift with such deep purpose.

  3. It is a striking model of generosity and compassion for their own children or grandchildren. Children follow actions more than words, and this type of benevolent and caring act provides powerful footprints to follow in their own lives.

  4. There are financial considerations and tax benefits. We strongly encourage you to consult with your financial or legal advisors about this decision. While a gift in your Will is a gesture of your love and an expression of your values, it’s good to know you’re being financially savvy too!

We know, however, that even though most people know a Will is important, some are still hesitant to create or update their Will because, “there’s always time to do it later.” Others might not consider a legacy gift because “that sort of thing is just for rich people” while some would like to leave an estate gift but worry about doing so due to the uncertainty of the size of their estate when they pass on. 

The next edition of the Fortress Focus will address these perceptions and concerns. For now, thanks for reading, and thanks for remembering Fortress as you consider the gift of a lifetime!