(September 2026) ABILENE, TEXAS – During Child Welfare Workforce Month, 2INgage is recognizing the professionals whose experience, compassion and commitment strengthen Texas children and families. For Maggie Brennan, child welfare is more than a profession. It is a calling inspired by her own life story. Adopted at birth and raised in a family that welcomed and supported others without hesitation, Brennan grew up witnessing the power of compassion, community and showing up for people when they need it most. Today, those values continue to guide her work as a Community Engagement Manager in Abilene, Tex., where she has spent the past three years helping strengthen families and connect individuals with the support they need.
A Foundation Built on Compassion
“My mom was one of those people who was always willing to help,” Brennan said. “She ran an at home daycare, and from a young age I was surrounded by children and families. I watched her care and support them and create a safe space for whoever needed it. Through her, I developed that same love for working with children and families. That passion for people led me to a career in child welfare.”
Those lessons from her mother shaped her commitment to serving others and ultimately led her to a career dedicated to helping families navigate challenges and build stronger support systems.
Creating Connections That Last
For Brennan, the most rewarding part of her role is helping people feel less alone. Whether she is connecting families with community resources, introducing them to local partners or helping them navigate everyday challenges, she understands that a single connection can have a lasting impact.
One experience from her career continues to stand out. Brennan worked closely with a youth in foster care whose biological mother was working toward reunification. Through patience, trust and consistent support, Brennan helped develop stronger communication between the biological mother and the foster family. By providing transportation assistance, connecting the family with resources and encouraging collaboration, relationships began to grow and strengthen.
When reunification was achieved, the support did not end there. The foster family remained a source of encouragement and friendship for the biological mother, creating a lasting network of support that continued long after the case closed. What started as a professional partnership evolved into a meaningful community connection that helped strengthen the family’s future.
Moments like these remind Brennan why this work matters.
“I love being able to connect with people, learn about their lives and connect them with people and resources in the community that can make everyday challenges a little easier to handle and make them feel less alone,” said Brennan.
Her passion for building relationships and strengthening communities shines through in every interaction, helping ensure children and families have the support they need to thrive.
Building Stronger Families and Communities
“Maggie is a dynamic speaker and presenter, a fierce advocate for foster care and adoption shaped by personal experience, and a powerful connector who brings the community together. She makes an impact in every room she enters,” said Stacy Lee, VP of Permanency.
For Brennan, child welfare is rooted in a belief that every family deserves support, connection and someone willing to walk alongside them through life’s challenges. Her story of dedication and service is one of many that demonstrate the purpose and impact of child welfare professionals across Texas. Whether supporting families directly, building community partnerships or advocating for children, these child welfare professionals help create pathways toward safety, stability and hope. They change our communities for the better.
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2INgage is the Community-Based Care contractor serving children and families across Region 2. Through collaboration with community partners, foster and adoptive families and child welfare professionals, 2INgage works to ensure children are safe, connected and supported while helping families achieve stability and permanency.
