At Youth Rise Texas, we believe the most powerful catalyst for systemic change in Austin is the voice of our youth. Every day, we meet young people carrying heavy burdens created by systemic failures. These challenges range from mass incarceration and deportation to deep inequities in local infrastructure.
This is the story of Mateo (name changed to protect privacy), a high school junior whose journey embodies our core belief: when we prioritize youth leadership, entire communities transform.
The Weight of the System
Two years ago, Mateo’s family faced a breaking point. His father had just returned home after a prolonged detention. However, the transition brought new hardships.
Severe medical issues had worsened during his time away. As a result, Mateo stepped into an adult role far too soon. He navigated endless paperwork while supporting his father, whose vision rapidly declined due to newly diagnosed glaucoma.
The breaking point came when their family’s insurance arbitrarily refused to cover a crucial, sight-saving treatment. Mateo felt isolated, angry, and completely powerless. He didn’t know the first thing about what to do when a family member is denied health care?
Finding a Voice at Youth Rise Texas
Mateo was introduced to Youth Rise Texas through a community forum at his school. He initially joined one of our educational workshops just looking for a safe space to process his frustration.
What he found was a community.
Through our grassroots organizing and leadership training, Mateo learned a crucial truth: his family’s struggle was not unique. In fact, many families impacted by incarceration face similar healthcare barriers. We equipped him with the tools to advocate for his father’s health rights. He learned how to demand written denials, file formal appeals, and navigate complex healthcare systems. Step by step, his confidence grew.
The Ripple Effect of Youth Leadership
Empowered by his success in securing his father’s medical treatment, Mateo didn’t stop there. He recognized that the skills he learned could be used to protect others.
Embracing our commitment to innovation and youth-first initiatives, Mateo launched a peer-led support group at his high school for students with incarcerated or deported parents. He realized that getting youths involved in local advocacy was the key to breaking the cycle of marginalization.
Today, Mateo works alongside our experienced organizers. Together, they run campaigns demanding better healthcare access for formerly incarcerated individuals in Travis County.
What began as personal trauma has become collective power.
Now, Mateo stands not only as a high school student navigating crisis, but as a confident, informed community leader shaping a better future for Texas.