We were lucky to catch up with Christa Colomb recently and have shared our conversation below.
Christa, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I didn’t find my purpose. It found me.
As an undergraduate in college, I completed an internship at a foster care facility for girls. It was then that I learned that once teens age out of foster care, many of them risk being homeless or living in shelters. What began as a requirement quickly became a calling. Building relationships with the girls, listening to their stories, and simply showing up taught me the power of consistency and care. I immediately became burdened to find a way to house this population and create a better transition for them.
That experience laid the foundation for FUEL Mission TLC and our endeavors, which reflects the same values I first learned working in foster care: commitment, presence, and belief in people even when circumstances are difficult. Through FUEL Mission, I’ve strengthened my resilience and leadership, facing challenges not as deterrents but as confirmation of my purpose.
FUEL isn’t just my passion, it’s the continuation of a calling that began nearly two decades ago, rooted in building connections and sustained by continuously showing up, no matter what.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am the founder of the 501(c)(3) F.U.E.L Mission TLC, a nonprofit supporting young women ages 18–26 who are aging out of foster care and those experiencing hidden homelessness. We provide transitional housing, life-skills development, educational and faith-based support.
This year, after years of fund raising, praying and planning, we proudly opened our doors, offering a safe and stable alternative for young women who are often overlooked. Opening was a huge milestone which brought its own challenges. F.U.E.L. is currently completely funded by donations and fundraising and that has not affected our commitment to the work. It’s actually strengthened our commitment! Seeing how God place people in our path with a heart to help FUEL the Mission is encouraging and inspiring. We move forward knowing that God is with us every step of the way, guiding our path and opening doors for more opportunities.
F.U.E.L Mission TLC is newly opened and still growing. What excites me most is the opportunity ahead to expand our impact and help more young women move from instability into confidence, safety, and independence. We are seeking community partnerships and corporate donors to assist with expanding our reach.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, three qualities that were most impactful in my journey:
First: Consistency- Showing up, especially when it’s inconvenient or emotionally hard is what builds trust and leads to real impact. Early on, I learned that presence often mattered more than having all the answers. My advice is to commit before you feel fully ready or you’ll never do it.
Second: Adaptability- Working in this space means plans change, doors close, and new challenges appear without warning. Staying flexible while remaining rooted in purpose allowed me to keep moving forward. Learning how to pivot without losing your passion is essential to staying focused on the mission.
Third: Relationship-building- The connections formed along the way have been foundational. Relationships create longevity, support, and accountability, and they often open doors you didn’t even realize were there. Some of my biggest support came from relationships outside of my daily interactions.
For anyone just starting out, know that every journey looks different. I watched others launch quickly and expected my path to unfold the same way, but mine was untraditional. God led me down a road that required patience, trust, and learning to depend on Him alone. This process continues to shape, not only the work I do, but who I become in the process. Don’t rush the path, learn to trust the preparation happening along the way.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
The book that has played the most important role in my development is the Bible. It has been my foundation in both faith and leadership.
From the moment we stepped out on faith to move forward with signing a lease, furnishing the property and publicly announced we were NOW OPEN, took only 12 days. That timing wasn’t lost on me. Since then, God has continued to use the number 12 as a reminder that He is with us and guiding me in this process. From a reference to the 12 Tribes, and 12 stones in the book of Joshua, to an unexpected $1200 donation, and significant events happening on the 12th day of the month, I’m encouraged to JUST KEEP WALKING!!!
I’m often reminded of Joshua leading the children of Israel through the Jordan River (Joshua 3:12 – 17). The water didn’t part for them to walk on dry ground until they first stepped in. That passage continues to guide me and remind me that faith requires movement before certainty. You keep walking even when the path isn’t fully visible yet.
That lesson has shaped how I lead and how I move forward: trusting God, staying obedient, and taking the next step even when it feels uncomfortable. It’s a constant reminder that purpose unfolds through faith in action.
If you would like to join us in creating lasting change, visit us at http://www.fuelmissiontlc.org and click the donate button. The return on your investment is life changing!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fuelmissiontlc.org/
- Instagram: f.u.e.l._mission_tlc
- Facebook: FUEL Mission TLC
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