When Michelle Calleros first arrived at Upbring New Life Children’s Center (New Life), she couldn’t imagine the future waiting for her. But today, Michelle stands tall as a college graduate, a youth advocate and an inspiration for others who have experienced the foster care system.
Michelle recently earned her degree in Business Administration from Texas A&M University–San Antonio. Her journey—marked by instability, loss, and resilience—began in Houston, where she spent years running away from placements, navigating homelessness and feeling disconnected from her family.
“It’s crazy, it feels like it was just yesterday,” Michelle recalled. “I didn’t ever think I would get out and be in the real world.”
That all began to change when she arrived at New Life.
“Looking back, New Life was a turning point for me. I really think it was because of the staff there,” Michelle said. “New Life is the only Residential Treatment Center that really poured into us.”
At New Life, Michelle rediscovered her confidence. With the help of supportive staff and structured activities like morning runs, basketball drills and even 5Ks, Michelle began to heal. As one of the older girls, she became a role model—embracing responsibility, earning trust and beginning to believe in her own potential.
Today, Michelle is more than someone who navigated the challenges of foster care—she is a thriving leader. At Texas A&M–San Antonio, she leads a campus organization that connects students from foster care with resources like housing, mental health services and peer support. She also volunteers to give campus tours to high schoolers in foster care and helps coordinate holiday events for students who may not have families to return to.
“I feel like I’ve helped many foster youth with the idea of college,” Michelle said. “When you’re young, you don’t always have someone to motivate you and tell you this is possible.”
Michelle now serves as an Upbring Ambassador, using her voice to advocate for change and hope. She was a special guest at the 2024 Upbring Austin Gala, where her story was featured in a moving video presentation and she personally connected with donors whose generosity makes journeys like hers possible.
This summer, Michelle returned to New Life—not as a resident, but as a mentor. She shared her story with the current girls at the center, offering advice on everything from setting boundaries to applying for college.
Her presence lit a spark.
“It’s not every day we get to see the full circle of our work,” said Lisa Brown, Director of Volunteer Services at New Life. “Michelle is proof that healing and growth are possible. She’s living proof of what we hope for every girl who walks through our doors.”
From a teenager struggling to find her way to a leader helping others do the same, Michelle’s story is one of courage, connection and transformation.
Watch Michelle’s full story featured at the Upbring Austin Gala here.