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Hello! I'm Traci Allen, the proud mother of a beautiful son named Austin. Born and raised on the northeast side of San Antonio, I have been serving my community as a Registered Nurse for 15+ years. I have a strong passion for nursing and helping all people, especially the HIV/AIDS community, homeless, and women battling cancer. I have been an infectious disease nurse for for the incarcerated for 10+ years and presently still do. Helping and advocating for inmates has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.
In early 2021, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was caught early so I had had a couple major surgeries and now am cancer-free. I could have never imagined the emotions that come with cancer. Even after it was removed, the mental battle continued. Living thru this, pushed me more to help young women and tell my story about early detection. Bernice's Room was unofficially formed four years ago. I would do homeless events/drives with a couple of my friends and head downtown. I would express my needs for items on social media and the response was always overwhelming. Growing bigger and bigger every year. We collected clothes, hygiene items, blankets, money, and food. We then would drive around and target areas of poverty, specifically "tent cities", looking for people in need of help. That sparked me to go bigger and expand my efforts; therefore, forming Bernices Room in October 2021. I named it after the person that motivated me the most in life, my mother. |
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My organization Bernice’s Room, was named after my mother, Bernice Allen, whom I lost in September of 2022. She moved to San Antonio, TX from Honduras and settled on the east side before moving to northeast side of town with my father, EW Allen (retired Air Force, deceased). In our home, she had a converted garage/sewing room that served as an unofficial landmark in San Antonio. Women and men came to her room for alterations, custom garments, food…and therapy. She helped EVERYONE before her debilitating stroke in 2012. My son and her continue to motivate me daily. I am just a strong, motivated person that wants to help my community in any way plus make my family proud.
Thank you for taking the time out to hear my story.
Thank you for taking the time out to hear my story.