My background made the concept of a nonprofit organization to support foster children all the more important to me. I also wanted a career that would reflect the importance of family and home. I’m grateful to have created an organization and a career that help both children and families move forward in life.

Children Matter. That’s more than an empty sentiment or hollow platitude to me. It’s the name I chose for my nonprofit. The aim of my organization has always been to help foster children reconnect with their families. It was personal to me as a child of adoption that kids be given a voice.

DNA testing has become a multi-million-dollar industry, but there is a certain disconnect for the children raised by families that aren’t their biological ones.

I was blessed to be adopted. I’ll never take that for granted, but that didn’t stop me from wondering about the other family I had out there. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I realized how much that had weighed on me. Yes, my biological parents felt like what they were doing was best for me, but that doesn’t erase the trauma that comes with the decision. As an adult, I saw the opportunity to give back to children in my community.

Of course, dreaming of starting a nonprofit is different from actually getting one going. My husband and I were always very active in ministry, particularly with children and youth. In addition, for a period of time, I was also an administrator for a private school. The urge to help kids has always been a driving force for me.

The two of us connected with an already established family reunification nonprofit in Georgia. We liked their business model and knew that Texas families could benefit from this service, so we expanded to San Antonio. We asked if they would be okay with us duplicating the model. They said “absolutely,” and Children Matter was born.

It was during this time I also began looking for a new career. While my husband and I had enjoyed our time in ministry, we were looking for work that would better sustain us. That meant he had to build his career from the ground up with an entry-level position, and I had to find a new industry to join.

Our agent that suggested I consider real estate. She had helped us sell three of our houses, and I soaked up the vocabulary she used. This always really impressed her. I only hoped that the career would allow me to work with people who shared my values.

Though the industry proved to have some cutthroat members who didn’t mind taking advantage of new agents, I found a brokerage that was perfect for me. They put faith and family first. After that, I moved to Magnolia Realty, where I again saw my values reflected. I made the move with a friend and mentor of mine. Being so new to the industry, I didn’t yet have the qualifications that I needed but they made an exception, knowing I’d have my mentor with me.

My career and nonprofit organization have had an incredible way of feeding into each other. This community is beautiful. Agents I’ve worked with, and even clients, have donated their time and money to helping Children Matter, and I couldn't be more grateful.

I’m also lucky to be in a role I enjoy so much. On my off days, I sometimes still visit open houses with my daughter just for fun. Education has always been important to me, and having a job where I can act as a guide is a dream come true. It’s also given me the flexibility I need for my family and organization. I look forward to working with you!

I once worked with an elderly couple who had never owned a home before. They had worked hard their entire lives and even put their kids through college. They had a low price point, which had kept them from achieving their dream. Colleagues suggested I let this transaction go, but I just couldn’t do that to them.

We eventually found the right house for them and made it to the closing table. Their faces beamed with pride. Then, right as we thought we were through the woods, an issue came up. Of all things, it was a simple matter of the back door needing to be replaced. I assumed this would mean returning to the sellers and insisting the repair be made before the sale was finalized. Instead, my buyer said, “I’m a homeowner now! I can replace my own back door!”

These are the stories that make this job worthwhile. I look forward to being a part of your story!

Sincerely,

Cynthia McGee
REALTOR®, GRI, ABR, MRP
(210) 454-7768
cynthiamcgee@magnoliarealty.com
www.RealEstatebyCynthiaMcGee.com