Hello! I'm Traci Allen, the proud mother of a beautiful, 6-year-old son named Austin. Born and raised in the northeast side of San Antonio, I have been serving my community as a Registered Nurse for the past ten plus years. I have a strong passion for nursing and helping all people, especially the HIV/AIDS community, the homeless, and women battling cancer.

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, and even after it was removed. Living thru this, pushed me more to help young women. So, if obtaining my Masters, working full-time, and running around with an active little boy wasn’t enough, I continued my community service and homeless drives.

For the last four years, I have formed homeless events/drives with a couple of my friends. I would express my needs for items on social media and the response has always been overwhelming. Growing bigger every single year.  I have collected clothes, hygiene items, blankets, money, and food.  I then would drive around and target areas of poverty, specifically "tent cities", looking for people in need of help. Recently I decided to go bigger!! I put my money, time, and efforts to starting a nonprofit organization. I named it after the person that motivated me the most in life, my mother.

My organization is named Bernice’s Room, named after my mother, Bernice Allen, whom is currently on hospice. She came here from Honduras and settled on the east side before moving to northeast side of town with my father, EW Allen (retired Air Force). 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 she 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.

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