The 7/11 on North Mays has been graciously selling cookies for TBCH every Monday in the month of August. Cookies are sold to customers who then donate them to TBCH. The cookies are then served with dinner at Family Care’s Monday night group for single mothers and their kids. With sweet smiles like Penny and Sue (pictured above) greeting customers moms and kids at TBCH will have dessert for weeks to come. We’re so thankful for donors like these who give so graciously.

As the children at STARRY head back to school tomorrow they are very thankful to have new backpacks and supplies thanks to groups like this one from Dell. These gracious donors came out to celebrate the start of school by throwing a party and providing backpacks to children from STARRY's Emergency Shelter and Foster Care Program last week.

On Friday, August 6, Miracle Farm celebrated the accomplishments of two residents, Marcus and Chauncey, who recently completed their high school requirements through the Farm’s on-site educational program. Both young men have reunited with their families and are slated to begin college this fall. View more photos!

Children from the TBCH Family Care Program are ready for school after receiving their backpacks filled with donated school supplies at the 2010 Family Care Backpack Bash. Moms also received special awards at the annual event and everyone enjoyed a special barbecue meal served by volunteers and staff.

Watch the slide show of our all-star performances!!!!

After spending two years in the Family Care Program at Texas Baptist Children’s Home, 42-year-old Elaine Rashid found the confidence to embrace her own happiness. But it took a few significant life changes and some self-examination before she learned the lessons to be taught by adversity. 

When Elaine’s marriage of 17 years began to crumble, she realized she could no longer subject her four children to the anguish she bore. After years of controlling and emotionally taxing behavior on the part of her husband, Elaine took the first steps to securing her family’s well-being.

 “I had to leave,” she said. “I thought long and hard about going back, but I knew I wasn’t doing my family any favors by being unhappy in my marriage.”

Living on her own, the Jamaican native realized quickly the journey would be challenging. Her shift began at 5 p.m. on Friday and didn’t end until 5 p.m. on Sunday, plus she usually pulled additional shifts during the week. That schedule, coupled with the pace of keeping up with her children, soon became taxing.   

“I decided I needed help,” Elaine admitted. “I wanted to go back to school and knew I couldn’t do that and keep working the way I was. It would be too much.”  

Elaine entered Family Care with well-thoughtout goals. She knew she wanted to go to school, that she wanted her children in a stable environment and that she wanted to become more independent. She took away so much more.

Read the rest of Elaine's story....

Middle school students from Bannockburn Baptist Church in Austin spent the day in mission at Texas Baptist Children's Home. Youth worked at painting a Family Care cottage, organizing the campus Clothes Closet, and painting in the Commissary. The young people are a true blessing to everyone in our ministry.

Check out more photos here.

The saying “you can never go home again” doesn’t apply to Texas Baptist Children’s Home alum Chris Sawey. In fact, he’s come home several times, each time welcomed with open arms and unwavering faith by those he calls family – the staff and kids at TBCH. 

Now, as he prepares to set out on his longest journey thus far, Chris is taking all the lessons and all the love he has acquired over the years with him – as well as a firm sense of God’s direction for his life.

Read the story...

                                                     

The Children are coming home!!!

A Miracle Farm alum is on top of the world!!!

Read those stories and more in the new digital edition of Turning Points, now available online.

The prestigious Texas Baptist All State Choir & Band will make its only Houston concert appearance on Friday, July 9, at 7:30 p.m. at Westbury Baptist Church. Admission is free and an offering will be taken to benefit Gracewood.

Gather your friends and hear talented young singers and musicians from throughout Texas singing and playing some of your favorite music. And it's for a great cause -- Gracewood's ministry to single mothers and their children.

Find out more....

Check out the new TBCH Video by clicking here!

Hope Tree Home Loans is partnering with Gracewood to designate a portion of each loan it originates to the ministry to single mothers in Houston.

Once borrowers close on their mortgage loan, Hope Tree will donate an amount equal to one-quarter of one percent of the loan to Gracewood, if the borrowers identify Gracewood as their charity of choice. A $200,000 mortgage loan would result in a $500 donation, for example.

“This is a wonderfully creative way to benefit our ministry,” said Gracewood Executive Director Debbie Rippstein. “We appreciate Hope Tree’s willingness to include Gracewood and we encourage anyone with mortgage needs to consider Hope Tree as a possible lender.”

Shown are three generations of Gracewood supporters. In front are grandparents Marinell and Jack Grimes; standing, from left, Russell Calvert, owner of Home Tree; his sister and Mortgage Consultant Stefanie Candelari; and their parents Lisa and Joe Calvert.

Read more...

The Miracle Farm boys and their horses were the hit of the Kruse Village Parade held Friday, May 28, 2010. The Brenham-based retirement and assisted living community held its first-ever parade for is senior residents and invited Miracle Farm to participate. Afterwards, the boys enjoyed chatting with residents who stopped by to pet their horses.

 
The Round Rock Noon Kiwanis Club presented a check for $3,625 to Texas Baptist Children's Home. The money was raised as part of the annual Kiwanis Pancake Feed held each fall on the TBCH campus in Round Rock. Shown are, from left, Kiwanis President Doug Laws, TBCH Executive Director Keith Dyer, and Kiwanis Pancake Chair Gregg Miller.

Don't start the Memorial Day Weekend with a dirty car! Stop by the new Mr. Clean Car Wash in Round Rock. Mention Children At Heart Ministries and $10 of your purchase will be donated to help kids, moms and families.

Get the details...

Gracewood has dedicated its newest residence for single mothers on the Wanda Lane campus in Southwest Houston.The 3,300 square foot building, which previously housed Gracewood’s offices, will house four families and a staff couple.

Known as “The House of Promise,” the project was the latest collaboration between Gracewood and HomeAid Houston, the charitable arm of the Greater Houston Builders Association. The name comes from Brothers Strong, the remodeling firm that was HomeAid’s builder captain on the project. The award-winning company prides itself on a philosophy of “Promises Made. Promises Kept.”

Read more...

STARRY Mentor Jeanette Parker has been named Mentor of the Year for two Round Rock elementary schools.

For the past year, Jeanette has been dividing her time between Fern Bluff and Voight Elementary to continue a relationship she started with two third graders. She mentored them at Voight, but when one of the girls transferred to Fern Bluff she didn’t want to break the bond she had established with them both.

“Jeanette goes above and beyond in every way to show her dedication and loyalty to her mentees,” Fern Bluff said in nominating her. “She is actively involved in their lives and is determined to help pursue higher education.”

Jeanette and other mentors in the Round Rock ISD will be honored as a Recognition Breakfast on May 20 in the Performing Arts Center.

Read the story we told about Jeanette last year.

Marathon Day is Monday, April 19, but it's not too late to help.

Click here to sponsor your favorite golfer

The 2009 Children At Heart Ministries Annual Report is now available online.

Read how you are making a difference in the lives of children and families.

Twenty-one high school students from Fort Bend Baptist Academy donated their time last week to create and prepare new landscaping areas for Gracewood at Wanda Lane.

The students worked Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. removing grass and creating new flower beds, preparing soil, removing shrubs, trees, installing a metal barrier around beds and filling pot holes in the driveway.

This is part of "Eagle Week" for the school -- they send students on mission trips all over Houston and the U.S. for a week, to be of service. Gracewood was pleased to be part of their mission!

One of the reasons Gracewood moms are able to get a fresh start in life is because of the help of churches like Christ Evangelical Presbyterian Church (CEPC) in Houston, whose members see their support for Gracewood to be a continuation of the discipleship process, not just social actions. 

Christ Evangelical says its vision is to be “a growing family of believers being transformed to wholeness and joy by the power of Jesus Christ.” That vision is seen in its energetic assistance to families at Gracewood. 
 
“This is a continuation of the discipleship process, not just social action,” explains church member Roger Wernette.
  
The staff and members at CEPC first became acquainted with Gracewood in 2008 through “The Get Together” ministry, which connects Christian nonprofit organizations with Houston businesses. 
 
Gracewood Executive Director Debbie Rippstein attended a networking luncheon and met Rev. Albaugh, who was Gracewood’s “table host.” That initial meeting became a catalyst for ministry. 
 
“The support of Christ Evangelical Presbyterian Church has been phenomenal,” shares  Rippstein, who points to a wide variety of ways the church has supported Gracewood.

(In the photo, Gracewood Executive Director Debbie Rippstein, left, and Sandy Kampe of Christ Evangelical at a recent Friendship Brunch sponsored by the church to benefit Gracewood)

Read more....

Some of the most vulnerable of the children served through Children At Heart Ministries are found in the cottages that house the STARRY Emergency Shelter. 

Despite the abuse and neglect that have taken place in the lives of these youngsters, you can hear laughter spilling from the cottages on the days that Donna Clendennen and Carolyn Jerrells visit. 

 “Once the girls realize that we are not here to talk to them like a therapist, but to do fun things, they get into it,” said Donna, who initiated the idea. “We come in very positive and ready to have fun so we can be a good influence on these children.” 

 The women facilitate a program called “Uniquely Me,” originally developed by the Girl Scouts of America. Its goal is to help girls develop strong self-esteem by introducing them to healthy ways of managing pressure and stress. 

 “These girls have a lot of stress and a whole lot of anger with good reason,” said Donna, who works for the Lower Colorado River Authority. “We want to help them deal with that in a positive way.”

Read more... 

Texas Baptist Children's Home is serving as a local and regional collection site for the "Buckets of Hope for Haiti" relief efforts organized thorugh Texas Baptist Men, the Baptist General Convention of Texas and the North American Mission Board.

Local churches will be dropping off their buckets at the TBCH Commissary and other collection sites across the state in the upcoming weeks. TBCH staff, clients and volunteers will assist in preparing the buckets for transport to Miami and then to Haiti.

"TBCH and the Children At Heart Ministries family will be able to take an active role in the relief efforts in haiti as a result of our participation in this effort," said TBCH Executive Director Keith Dyer. "I invite you to join me in continuing to pray for the Haitian people and those sharing the love of Jesus and tangible aid in Haiti."

Read more....

A few members of the Texas Stars professional hockey team dropped by the Texas Baptist Children's Home this week, spending some time with the boys in Cottage 7. They delivered a signed Stars jersey, played with toys and hung out in their bedrooms. It took the boys away from their homework for a while, but they didn't appear to mind.

If nothin’ says lovin’ like something from the oven, generous volunteers at Texas Baptist Children’s Home have found the way to the hearts of children, cottage house parents and single mothers.

In the Campus Life Program for children ages 5 to 18, volunteers often bring meals that can take the pressure off busy house parents, while also sending a message of caring to children in the cottages.

That kind of personal ministry is also important in the Family Care program for single mothers and their children. Seeing a prepared meal waiting for them after a busy day of work or school can be a great comfort for moms in residence.

“It’s such a blessing,” said Volunteer Coordinator Brenda Gilbert. “House parents and single moms get a much-needed break and the volunteers have the opportunity to interact with staff, see the cottages and know they are making a huge difference in the lives of those in care."

Read more... 

Travis Black isn’t your average twenty-something. His heart for the Lord, commitment to his job and desire to serve his community has set him apart from many of his peers.

Two years ago, while searching for a community service event for his team at Dell, where he works, he came across Texas Baptist Children’s Home. Stirred by his desire to serve widows and orphans as scripture commands, Travis pursued TBCH.

“It never worked out for my team to serve at the Children’s Home,” he shared, “but I was convinced that TBCH was where I wanted to serve personally.”

Originally, Brenda Gilbert, TBCH Volunteer Coordinator, connected Travis with Cottage 8 because it included two specific boys that needed special attention. Little did she know that Travis’ relationship with the cottage would extend far beyond those two boys.

Read more...

 
Thanks to a generous 11-year-old, the boys at Texas Baptist Children’s Home started the New Year with all the right stuff for sports.

A December birthday baby, Patch Pape has been sharing his birthday by giving back to others since he was 4 years old. This time, he wanted to share it with Texas Baptist Children’s Home.

“We decided to have a sports extreme birthday party for Patch when he decided to enlist his friends to give the sports equipment to boys at TBCH instead,” said mom Judy Pape.

The timing for his desire to give to others could not have been better, since normal wear and tear had depleted the sporting good inventory on campus. Thanks to Patch, that is no longer the case.

Read more...

Smiles were large as Gracewood mom Vivian Takeh graduated with her degree as an Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy from San Jacinto College, making for a blessed Christmas for everyone.

Vivian, shown in the photo with her son Ryan and daughter, Emmaliza, is a classic story of overcoming adversity in life. Like many Gracewood mothers, she found strength, purpose and a sense of self at Gracewood.

“We could not be more proud of Vivian and all she has accomplished,” said Gracewood Executive Director Debbie Rippstein. “Her determination to make a better life for herself and her children is a wonderful example for all of our moms.”

Read more of Vivian's story....

When Jesse Barrera was a little boy, Christmas didn’t have much meaning to him. He never had a Christmas tree, no lights adorned his home and Santa never visited.

It wasn’t until he came to Texas Baptist Children’s Home at age 12 that he experienced his first real taste of the season, but it would take him many more Christmases to fully appreciate all TBCH brought to his life. Now, as an adult and a husband, he says it’s his turn to serve.

During his first Christmas at TBCH, Jesse remembers having mixed emotions, despite being surrounded by that loving environment.

“I was thankful for everything, the presents and the excitement,” he said. “But, I also remember feeling like I was being pitied. It took me a long time to realize just how special those times were and how blessed I was to have them.”

Since exiting the Campus LifeProgram at TBCH, Jesse has moved on successfully in his life. Married for a year-and-a-half to his wife, Mandy, he attends Texas State University as a TBCH scholarship recipient. He will graduate with a business degree in computer information systems next year.

Jesse and Mandy were on hand this year to help serve the meals at the TBCH staff Christmas party, and Jesse shared with the staff a message about what they mean to the children.

Read more about Jesse.

It was never Drew and Jennifer Altom’s intent to actually become foster parents. They attended a STARRY Foster Care informational meeting as a favor to their friend Stacy Grant, at that time the Foster Care Coordinator.

But by the time the meeting was over, they had changed their minds. Months later, they received a gift named Katelyn and they haven’t looked back.

“There was something about that meeting,” remembers Jennifer, already a mom to two adopted boys, Isaac and Caleb. “Something just stirred in us and we knew we had to do our part.”

Read the rest of the Altom's story....

Connie Bellows remembers the uncertainty of having little to call her own. That's why she started Project Care Case, whicih has benefitted the STARRY Foster Care program this Christmas.

Connie lived in more than 16 foster homes from the age of 12 through the age of 18. She remembers going into care with no clothing or personal belongings. And when she moved, what she had was carried in a trash bag.

Now she hopes to make a difference in the lives of STARRY Foster Care children by giving them suitcases filled with two sets of clothing, socks, underclothing, blankets, teddy bears, child-friendly Bibles and personal items.

This week, she delivered more than 30 new, personalized suitcases -- each with wheels and a pull handle -- to STARRY, from which they will be distributed to children in the Foster Care program.

Some of the suitcases were donated and Connie raised the money for others and to fill them through fundraisers in the Round Rock area. To learn more about her project, visit the Project Care Case Web site.

More than 70 children in the Round Rock area are enjoying a special Christmas, thanks to the HOPE (Healthy Opportunities that Protect and Empower) program at Texas Baptist Children’s Home.

The reason is that HOPE has shifted its Christmas-time focus to more directly help children whose parents have fallen on hard times.

 “In the past, we have helped about 10 families in the area at Christmas based on need,” said Cara Kyle, HOPE's Community Outreach Coordinator. “This year, we wanted to spend our resources on the children we see every week.” 

Each week, two area apartment complexes play host to HOPE’s after-school program, while HOPE visits a third apartment complex every other week. During that time, school-age children gather for educational and fun activities with Cara, HOPE Program Supervisor Sarah Kuykendall, and volunteers. 

“For a lot of these children, this is the highlight of their week,” said Sarah. “We try to make a real impact in their lives for the short time we are with them.” 

“We know these kids and their families, we are familiar with their struggles,” Cara added. “And this is one way we know we can bring more joy to their Christmas.” 

Gracewood residents celebrated Christmas together with a meal, caroling, a cookie exchange and more. Hosted by Kiki Carey, Gracewood's Program Coordinator, the event, held in the new Elmview residence, included activities for mothers and kids. While c

This fabulous Christmas party, enjoyed by all, would not have been a success without the help of fabulous volunteers: Kristen and Taylor Brown, Cathy Edwards, Lee Gladney and Trustee Larry Bertrand.

For nearly two decades the Taylor Jaycees have sponsored a special shopping spree for the very youngest Texas Baptist Children’s Home residents.

But it’s who the children buy for that has most endeared them in the hearts of the Jaycees. “I don’t know a single Taylor Jaycee that will tell you this isn’t their favorite event of the year,” said Shawn Jonas, President of the organization. 

In his 17 years of being involved, Shawn has developed a certain appreciation for children at the ministry.  “We give these kids money to go into Wal-Mart and buy whatever they want with it,” he said. “But a lot of times, they don’t spend the money on themselves. They spend it on family or friends. That places them high in my book. It shows they care more about others than they do themselves. Given what they have been through, that means a lot.”

Read the full story...

The joy of the Christmas season was everywhere when STARRY hosted its annual Christmas party for Foster Care parents and children.

Assisted by volunteers from the Sigma Phi Lambda Christian sorority at Southwest University, STARRY staff provided everything from games, music and food to visits from Santa Claus and "Santa Cow" (courtesy of our friends at Chick-Fil-A) and presents donated by generous donors.

    Watch a slide show of the party

Volunteers from Dell and from Lakeline Church helped wrap hundreds of donated presents and gifts for the STARRY Foster Care Christmas Party, which was held on Saturday.

Thanks for giving up your day to help our Foster families and kids feel special!

Visit Children At Heart Ministries on Facebook to see more photos.

Volunteers from Austin's "ChickTime" organization gave of their time to help kids from Texas Baptist Children's Home Campus Life Program work on special craft gifts. ChickTime spent an entire morning sharing skills and snacks with campus residents.
 
Top photo: Grayson and Rob
Middle photo: Callie and Mom Sherburne
Bottom photo: Cheyenne

Customers at all area Wag-A-Bag Food Stores will have an opportunity beginning on Saturday, November 20, to purchase special Christmas stars to benefit STARRY programs that combat child abuse in Central Texas.

The red and green stars will be sold through Saturday, December 5 for $1 and $5. Purchasers of $5 stars also will receive a 2010 Children At Heart Ministries calendar.  

Customers buy a star, put their name on it, then it is posted in the Wag-A-Bag store window. The stars will be available at all Wag-A-Bag stores in Round Rock, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Hutto, Liberty Hill and Northwest Austin.

This is fifth year that Wag-A-Bag employees have sold the stars to help STARRY, with sales held during the Christmas season and again in April in conjunction with Child Abuse Prevention Month. The program has raised nearly $45,000 to help prevent child abuse and neglect.

“We so much appreciate the partnership we have with Wag-A-Bag, whose employees at all level really get behind the star sales because they can help make a difference for children,” said Dawson Clark, Senior Director of Development for Children At Heart.

STARRY programs include an Emergency Shelter and Foster Care programs in Round Rock and a Counseling program that serves Williamson, Coryell, Lampasas, Bell and McLennan Counties. STARRY is part of Children At Heart Ministries, which also includes Texas Baptist Children’s Home in Round Rock, Miracle Farm in Brenham and Gracewood in Houston.

To find a Wag-A-Bag Food Store near you, go to www.wagabag.com. For more information about STARRY, visit www.starryonline.org.

When Lisa Kaminski began sorting through her children’s clothes in preparation for the upcoming school year, she had no way of knowing she would become a fairy godmother in another child’s eyes.

It started last year when Lisa, working as a preschool teacher at Round Rock Christian Academy, struck up a conversation with Barachel Toner, daughter of longtime TBCH House Parents Brenda and John Toner.

“She asked me if TBCH could ever use donated items, and I said, ‘Absolutely!’” Barachel recalled. “Her first donation was actually a large set of books, CDs and computer games that were in pristine condition.”

Then, when she was going through her daughter’s clothes, Lisa decided to donate outfits that were too small for her to wear.

Meanwhile, 9-year-old Veronique, a TBCH Campus Life resident, had returned to her cottage from a visit with her mother a bit discouraged. When she told her mother that she needed some school clothes, all that her mom could afford were some socks.

Read more...

It's a great day to plant a tree at Texas Baptist Children's Home! A group of 4 and 5 year olds from Homegrown Learners, a home-school co-op, planted a tree in front of Cottage 8 (with some help from their parents, of course).

See more photos at www.facebook.com/childrenatheartministries

There's a taste of Christmas in the air at Texas Baptist Children's Home. Dell volunteers are on campus hanging Christmas lights on the cottages. Drive by anytime between now and Christmas and enjoy a beautiful display of lights. Thanks Dell!

See more pictures on the Children At Heart Ministries page on Facebook.

Gracewood’s new 6,800 square foot residence of single mothers and children was officially dedicated on Tuesday in Houston.
 
Among those taking part in the ceremonies was Kimberly Wallace, who with her 12-year-old son Trey became the first to live at the new campus.

"Gracewood has been my answered prayer, the color back in may rainbow," she told the dedication crowd. "The broken pieces of my dream have been restored. The minute I unpacked my bags, I felt my spirit say to me, relax. God is leading me beside still waters right here at Gracewood." 

Located in the Spring Branch area of Northwest Houston, the home opened in late September, joining the original Gracewood campus opened in 2001 on three acres on Wanda Lane in Southwest Houston.

“Gracewood Elmview has been made possible by the generosity and support of hundreds of donors and the prayers of thousands of supporters throughout Texas,” said Gracewood Executive Director Debbie Rippstein.  “Because of them, families and children will find hope for the future.”

“We were shocked,” said her mother, Donna. “She came up with the idea all by herself with no prompting from us whatsoever. It was quite a moment.”

Mary Beth, eager to begin planning her September birthday party early, sprung her idea on her parents while they were on vacation in August.

“I don’t want presents this year for my birthday,” she said. “I want to give presents to kids who don’t have any.” 




Read More . . .

Want to remind friends and business associates just how much there is to be thankful for in a year that has been filled with uncertainty and change? Send them a Children At Heart Thanksgiving e-Card!

At Children At Heart Ministries, we are thankful for the sounds of children, the quiet moments of mothers in prayer, teenagers finding direction in their lives, the smile on the face of a child in care, and so much more.

Are there people in your life you would like to thank? Maybe it was someone who was there when you needed them? Or perhaps you just want to tell someone in your personal or professional life that you care. 

Children At Heart Ministries is offering a series of Thanksgiving e-Cards that will let you tell someone thank you while at the same time providing support for children, youth and families at Gracewood, Miracle Farm, STARRY and Texas Baptist Children’s Home. 

Read more...

For the past five years, the HOPE Program at Texas Baptist Children’s Home has been providing elementary school students who are struggling to read with a unique learning opportunity.

Through its “Reader’s Theater” program, HOPE has paved the way for kids to become more confident, not in just their reading abilities, but in themselves as well.

“Most of the kids we help are challenged readers,” said Sarah Kukendahl, HOPE Program Supervisor. “They just need some practice and encouragement to reach the next level in their reading abilities.”

Which is why, every Tuesday, for two-and-a-half hours after school, Sarah and her assistant, Cara Kyle, lead a class of 10 kids selected by Gattis Elementary School counselor, Kristal Shanahan, in the reading and acting out of skits.

Read more about Reader's Theater...

Lisa McCormick, owner of Final Touch Salon, located on 620 across from Round Rock High School, partnered with Children At Heart Ministries on October 18th for a Cut-A-Thon event.

Her staff offered cuts and waxing at discounted prices and all proceeds were donated to CAHM. John Tomlinson of Johnny T’s BBQ, located next door to the salon, provided delicious wraps and tea for the event.

Children At Heart is so blessed to have such great partners in our community and thank Final Touch Salon and Johnny T’s BBQ and their staffs for their efforts in helping the children and families served by Children At Heart. 

Pictured with Lisa McCormick, second from right, are Final Touch staff members Lindsey Nguyen, Mandy Fincher, Royce Otto, Shellie Otto, Vanna Nguyen and Brooke Gonzales, with Amanda Keeter of the Children At Heart Foundation (far right).

“I’ve been in the same position at work, with no advancement opportunities,” said Monica Martin, a Family Care mother of two who recently received her GED.

Melinda McElhaney’s life hasn’t been filled with a lot of celebration. Much of it has been fraught with strife and struggle. At least it was until Bill and Margo Harrison came into it.      “They are like the parents I never had,” said Melinda. “They are angels on earth.”

Bill has been a Children At Heart Ministries Trustee for more than 30 years. He and his wife had heard many success stories surrounding the single mothers in the Family Care Program at Texas Baptist Children’s Home in Round Rock. But until he met Melinda, he hadn’t been exposed to the raw reality of life as an abused, poverty-stricken wife and mother. 

“Since my wife and I have been involved in Melinda’s journey, I have a whole new perspective and a new sense of empathy for Family Care moms,” said Bill. “I’ve learned that there are many people involved in helping a woman get out of that kind of situation.”  

Like many single mothers who enter Family Care’s residential program, Melinda spent most of her years struggling. She became pregnant with her first child when she was just 13. Two years later, anotherchild was born. By the time she was 19, she was the mother of four.

Read the rest of Melinda's story...

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday at Corley Funeral Home. in Corsicana. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13, at First Baptist Church Corsicana. Interment will be in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Georgetown, Texas.

Dr. Edwards died Friday when another vehicle crossed over the center line and struck his SUV head on on State Highway 31 west of Hubbard.  

Read more....

Dr. David Edwards, pastor Corsicana’s First Baptist Church and a member of the Children At Heart Ministries Board of Trustees, died Friday from injuries suffered in an automobile accident near Hubbard.

“This is tragic news and a shock to our family,” said Jerry T. Bradley, President of CAHM. “David was a great friend and loyal Trustee for Children At Heart Ministries. I grieve for his wife and children and pray that God will comfort them during these days.”

Dr. Edwards was involved in a two-car collision on State Highway 31 west of Hubbard. According to the Department of Public Safety, another vehicle crossed over the center line and stuck his SUV head on.

Dr. Edwards had been with First Baptist Corsicana since March 2006. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts from Wayland Baptist University.

David is survived by his wife, Lyndy, and three children: Kate, Emily, and Evan. Kate is attending Southwestern Seminary, Emily is a student at Baylor University, and Evan is a student of Corsicana ISD. 

A steady stream of well-fed customers were on hand Saturday for the annual all-you-can eat Pancake fest sponsored by the Round Rock Kiwanis Club at Texas Baptist Children's Home.

Kiwanians use proceed from the annual event to support a number of local charities, including TBCH and STARRY.

For two decades, TBCH has geen hosting a dinner for the teachers of children in the Campus Life Program. After dinner, prepared and served by the Chaparral Women's Club of Round Rock, the teachers enjoyed a tour of campus.

The 2009 Families At Heart Conference began on Thursday, sponsored by the Family Care ministry at Texas Baptist Children's Home. Family Care Program Supervisor Melanie Martinez welcomed individuals involved in helping families from as far away as New Mexico and Louisiana.

The theme of the two-day conference is "Entering Our Clients' World," with a focus on exploring ways to partner with families in need. Sessions explored how people view poverty and the influence of poverty and socioeconomic status on parenting and parent-child relationships. This is the third year that Family Care has hosted the conference.

STARRY has an exciting opportunity to participate in a ground-breaking awareness campaign for Texas foster care. The “Walk Me Home” 5K event is part of a National Campaign that is being brought to Texas by the Texas Association of Child Placing Agencies and Texas Foster Family Association. The Walk will be held on October 24, 2009 on the Texas Baptist Children’s Home campus from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. After the Walk, there will be many fun events for the whole family so be sure to bring your kids out!

Visit the website www.walkmehome.org to create your team today. Click on Find a Walk, then Austin. Although the money raised does not go directly to STARRY, the organizations being supported help us to advocate for our children and bring awareness to foster care within the area.

If you need additional information, email STARRY Foster Care Recruitment Specialist Stefanie Miller. Thank you for supporting STARRY Foster Care!

Barbara Hawkins, left, of Angels' Alliance of Texas presents a $300 check to STARRY Foster Care Recruiter Stefanie Miller. The funds were raised as part of a "Bunko for Blessings" event sponsored by Angels Alliance at Promiseland Church in July. The STARRY Foster Care Program, which places children who need long term care in Christian homes, is grateful for the support and recognition. Angels' Alliance also provides "Life Books" for children in the Foster Care program. A Life book gives each child something of their own, a place for keepsake pictures and events. It is a place to begin what for some will be the first happy memories of their lives.

When their planned mission trip to Honduras was cancelled due to unrest in that country, four young women decided to commit themselves to Texas Baptist Children's Home. Left to right, Courtney Nowakowski, Ronne Rock, Ashley Maleen and Alicia Carter, all from the Austin area,said they were led by Jesus to to spend what would have been a mission week out of the country working with children and moms at Texas Baptist Children's Home. The women helped fill gift bags for Family Care's annual back-to-school Backpack Bash and organized activities for children in the Family Care Program and for Family Care cottages. They were a blessing for the entire TBCH family!

Youth from TBCH’s Campus Life Program are filling their last few weeks of summer to the brim with activity. This week guys and girls from TBCH Cottages enjoyed a tour of Michael Angelo’s Gourmet Foods in Round Rock. In the plant that produces thousands of frozen entrees every hour, these teens gained a new appreciation for the fresh taste of Michael Angelo’s Italian meals. Greeted by friendly employees and an enlightening tour of the plant that makes it all happen, the experience was educational for each youth. Learning the history of this successful company was inspiring for this group of young adults, and the tasty sample of pepperoni mini calzones was an outstanding bonus.

More than 200 moms and children, all past and present residents of the Family Care Program at TBCH, gathered to celebrate program’s the 30th anniversary on Saturday, July 25.

For the moms, it was a chance to renew old friendships and remember the difference Family Care made in their lives. Families shared a meal, heard testimonies from alums and posed for family pictures, while the children enjoyed a day of face-painting, water games and bounce houses.

For three decades, Family Care has been changing lives and the appreciation for the difference it has made was on full display on the TBCH campus.  

See the slide show. 

The youth group from Round Rock Church of Christ graciously gave their time and energy this week to  complete a new playground behind Family Care’s Independent Living Suites. After having driven by TBCH for years, Youth Leader Elijah Godfrey (far right) was anxious to get his group of middle and high school students involved at TBCH. The group spent a day assembling a fort that had been donated by faithful TBCH supporters. When that task was complete, this hardworking crew learned to assemble a chain link fence. By the end of the day children living in the Gospel Suites greatly enjoyed their new outdoor toy! It’s groups like these that help TBCH run smoothly and with excellence.

Success in the classroom doesn’t come easy for some children. Burdened by lowered expectations, they believe that failure is an acceptable option. Showing them a better way requires having someone in their lives who cares. 

Too many children come to Children At Heart Ministries believing that not doing well in school is acceptable. Many are from families where educational achievement isn’t a priority and where little attention is paid to homework and study. Others come from homes where the best efforts of moms and dads to motivate them to do well in school are met with indifference and rebellion.

Is your family one of the many that doesn't have a will or estate plan? Isn't it time you did something about that? The Children At Heart Foundation can help, with its new 48-page booklet: "Planning Your Legacy: A Christian Guide to Wills & Trusts." It helps you get organized and includes everything you need to help you find the peace of mind of knowing that your family has the security of an estate plan.

Download Your Copy Today

When Julia Moore and Shelby Herber, Hutto Middle School students, joined their classmates to pick up trash on TBCH’s campus last year, they had no idea the lasting affect it would leave on them.

“Although we didn’t know a whole lot about TBCH, we gained interest in the kids immediately. We knew we wanted to do a project the following year to help the kids somehow,” shared Julia.

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Trashy Roots Salon & Spa in Round Rock is hosting a Cut-A-Thon to benefit Children At Heart Ministries on Sunday, August 2, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

All afternoon, there will be $15 haircuts for men, women and kids, plus $5 lip and eyebrow waxing. All proceeds will benefit Children At Heart Ministries. To learn more about Trashy Roots, visit www.trashyroots.com and click on the News link.

Trashy Roots is located at 117 Louis Henna Boulevard, Suite 150 (behind Jason's Deli). School supply donations will also be collected here to benefit childrenin care. Services will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. No appointments will be made. Call (512) 388-4247 for more information.

Nicola Duffin, owner of Organics Hair & Beauty Centre in Round Rock, presents a check for $1,200 to Dawson Clark, Senior Director of Development for Children At Heart Ministries.

Joining her are employees, from left to right, Kelli, Irum, Laura, Alla, Rebecca, Ariane and Rachel.

Organics, located at 2051 Gattis School Road, raised the money during a "cut a thon," dedicating a full day of proceeds from hair cutting and styling, coloring, threading, facials and waxing to benefit single mothers and children service by Texas Baptist Children's Home and Children At Heart Ministries.

To learn more about Organics, visit Organics Salon on the Web. 

During two years in the Family Care program at Texas Baptist Children’s Home, Christina rebuilt her finances, her faith and her trust in people. As a result, the next thing she will build is her new Habitat For Humanity home in Georgetown. Christina has described her life as filled with hills and valleys, cliffs and curves. Now she can see the road ahead more clearly. “There’s a small pinhole of light at the end of my tunnel,” she said. “And every day it grows a little bit brighter and a little bit bigger.”

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There are now even more ways to help Gracewood's expansion to meet the needs of single mothers and their children in Houston. With the opening of the new Elmview campus in the Spring Branch area of Northwest Houston in August and the completion of the expanded Wanda Lane campus in thefall, one of the biggest needs is for furnishings for the homes.

With that in mind, Gracewood has established gift registries at Target, JCPenneys and Bed, Bath & Beyond to make it even easier and more convenient for you to help. Even better, when you shop at Target through the GoodShop Web site, Target will make a donation to Gracewood, an amount equivalent to 1.5 percent of the purchase price for electronics and and video games and 3.5 percent for all other merchandise.

Read how to do it...

Diane Klucznik didn’t get a chance to be a Family Care mom, but now she’s making sure other single mothers find help in their time of need.  

 “I wish I had known about Family Care when I was struggling as a single mom,” Diane said. “It’s just amazing to know there is a place that helps moms get on their feet again.” 

For more than 20 years, Diane drove by Texas Baptist Children’s Home, never dreaming it could have been her saving grace. Today the single mother, the general manager of Schlotzsky’s in Round Rock, now has the opportunity to complete an inspiring full-circle journey. 

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Gracewood's success in meeting the needs of single mothers and children in the Houston area has been recognized by TexasNonProfits.org, which links nonprofit organizations in Texas with thousands of charitable foundations,  philanthropic corporations and major donors. TXNP's current online newsletter profiles Gracewood's expansion and the support it is receiving in the Houston area. Here's a link to the story.

Gracewood hosted the Board of Directors of HomeAid Houston at Wanda Lane this week. HomeAid has been a major partner in reconstruction at the original Gracewood campus in Southwest Houston and in building the new Elmview campus in the Spring Branch area of Northwest Houston.

In the top photo, Michael Strong, at right, of Strong Brothers Remodeling leads a tour of the construction his firm is doing at Wanda Lane, where his company is the lead builder for HomeAid. In the bottom photo, Hope, a Gracewood mom, shares her testimony.

The luncheon was an opportunity for new HomeAid Board members to see the work that its organization is doing with Gracewood to help moms and children and to meet the Gracewood staff.

Children At Heart Ministries has been certified as a 2009 Best Christian Workplace by the Best Christian Workplaces Institute (BCWI).

“Our commitment to serving children and strengthening families begins with the more than 140 employees who bring care, compassion and Christian understanding to those in crisis,” said Jerry T. Bradley, President/CEO of Children At Heart Ministries. “It is because of them that the children and families we serve find hope in a time of need.”

Certification required Children At Heart to meet predetermined standards of excellence, including job satisfaction, organizational commitment, Christian witness, management effectiveness, personal growth and development, customer satisfaction, teamwork, communications, and pay and benefits. 

Children At Heart Ministries employees at Gracewood in Houston, Miracle Farm in Brenham, and STARRY and Texas Baptist Children Home in Round Rock completed an Employee Engagement Survey that ranked the ministry especially high for its retirement and health plans and its ability to retain highly qualified employees.

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Wag-A-Bag Food Stores raised $5,700 by selling $1 and $5 stars during Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. All proceeds for the sale benefiting STARRY’s child abuse prevention activities and its Emergency Shelter Program for abused and neglected children. Wag-A-Bag employees gave every customer the opportunity to write their name on the star they purchased, then the stars were displayed all around the store.

Pictured from left: STARRY Executive Director Rhonda Dyer, Store Manager Jim Weesner, Supervisor Renee Sunday, Customer Service Associate Marcio Gutierrez, Store Manager Becky Kennard, Customer Service Associate Joy Dean, President Cary Rabb, Children At Heart Foundation Senior Director of Development Dawson Clark and Supervisor Anthony Deluca

Homebuilders Darling Homes and Plantation Homes helped organize a community-wide event at Stillwater Village, a small development of about 90 home in Cypress, to collect new or gently used household goods to furnish new residences under construction at Gracewood in Houston. In addition, a large toy chest was decorated and filled by residents to be donated to Gracewood.

Pictured at Stillwater Village are, left to right, Laurie Wilson of New Home Guide, Trish Roberts of Re/Max, Debbie McKellar of Gracewood, and Bette Moser of HomeAid Houston.

Darling Homes also has donated a complete kitchen package for the new Gracewood campus at Spring Branch residence, where MHI, the parent company of Plantation Homes, is the lead HomeAid builder. The homebuilders feel a special connection to Gracewood and all of the challenges the moms face.

Construction of new homes on the original Gracewood campus on Wanda Lane in Southeast Houston and on Elmview Drive in Northeast Houston are being led by HomeAid Houston, a nonprofit arm of the Greater Houston Builders Association. The project had led to a number of partnerships with individual homebuilders and affiliates who are helping furnish the homes and are finding other creative ways to support Gracewood.

For information about how you can help the Gracewood ministry to single mothers and their children, visit Gracewood on the web.

Houston Endowment has awarded a $100,000 grant to help Gracewood build another residence for single mothers and children.

The grant means the Children At Heart Foundation has almost fully funded a $275,000 challenge grant from the Leroy and Merle Weir Charitable Trust for construction of a second residence on the new Gracewood campus in the Spring Branch area of Northwest Houston. Construction will begin later this year.

Earlier important support included a $60,000 in-kind gift from HomeAid Houston, a $52,000 gift from an anonymous donor in honor of his mother, and the generosity of many individual donors.

“We are grateful to Houston Endowment for realizing the enormous impact that Gracewood’s ministry to single mothers and children can have on the quality of life in the Houston community,” said Debbie Rippstein, Gracewood Executive Director. “The impact of this grant will be felt for generations.”

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The "Friday Folks" group from First Baptist Church in Georgetown surprised Miracle Farm with items from the cottage wish list, ranging from blankets and housewares to new fishing poles. The presentation was made afte the FBC Missions Banquet on Friday, May 15. Miracle Farm Executive Director Jack Meeker, far left, was the guest speaker at the Banquet and brought several of boys from the Farm, kneeling in front, with him. We are blessed to have such a faithful support group!

Community members gathered at Hankamer-Fleming Chapel on the campus of Texas Baptist Children’s Home on Thursday, May 7 to bow their heads as part of National Day of Prayer.

Round Rock Mayor Alan McGraw was among the crowd and opened the gathering with a prayer for the community and the nation. Those in attendance joined together with prayers of adoration, confession, thanksgiving and supplication. Specifically they lifted up the military, the police, educators and others thanking God for how he has blessed Round Rock.

Following the service, sponsors Chick-fil-A, HEB Plus and Wag-A-Bag provided a free meal for all in attendance.

Family Care staff volunteered at the Angel House Soup Kitchen in Austin on Wednesday, April 29, helping prepare and serve meals at the ministry of the Austin Baptist Chapel. Among those taking part were, left to right, Sara Gillian, Lori Wiste, Jennifer Albro, Marie Schmidt, Monica Brown, Christy Ragland, Julie Robinson, Carrie Downie, and Family Care Program Supervisor Melanie Martinez.

Organics Hair and Beauty Centre of Round Rock has scheduled a special day of pampering on Monday, May 18, to benefit single mothers and children served by Texas Baptist Children’s Home and Children At Heart Ministries.

All proceeds from hair cutting and styling, coloring, threading, facials and waxing, for women and for men, will be donated, said Organics owner Nicola Duffin.

“So many single mothers and children in the community have been helped by TBCH through its Family Care program that we wanted to give something back,” said Nicola. “Success often begins with the confidence that comes from a good appearance, so there is a strong connection between what we offer and what single mothers are working so hard to achieve.”

The salon will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on May 18. To schedule an appointment, call (512) 255-6763. To learn more about Organics, visit the Organics Web site.  

Nearly 200 friends, donors, staff, residents and former residents were on hand for the re-dedication of the historic Hankamer-Fleming Chapel on the Texas Baptist Children's Home campus on Friday, April 24. The Chapel, which opened in 1950, was recently refurbished with new carpeting, paint, pew cushions and other updates. The re-dedication services included remembrances by former TBCH Trustee Don Hart, whose marriage to his wife, Ginger, was one of the first held in chapel; and former TBCH Resident Dena Ransom. Current resident Michael Gardiner also shared why the chapel is important in the lives of campus residents today. Shown at left are Don Hart with TBCH founder Billie Sue Henna Cariker. To read more about the Hankamer-Fleming Chapel, click here.

Bright sunshine and high hopes greeted nearly 100 golfers who took part in the 2009 Children At Heart Golf Marathon at Star Ranch on April 20. By the time they were finished – in many cases more than 12 hours after they started – the golfers had taken a collective 18,500 strokes. More importantly, they raised about $175,000 for children and families served by Children At Heart Ministries. Watch the slide show…

Approximately fifty kids from Montelena Apartments in Round Rock joined Texas Baptist Children’s Home’s HOPE program for a fun-filled afternoon Easter Egg Hunt. The hunt was split into three age groups. After a short toddler hunt, the elementary school kids took turns playing outdoor games and hunting for candy-filled, colorful eggs. The event was made possible by a group of volunteers from Dell. HOPE provides weekly after school activities for kids at Montelena, Henna Townhomes and Red Hills Apartments. They were thankful to have help from volunteers who hid eggs, led games and played with the group of kids.

Gina Bradshaw didn’t realize that the five-hour drive to visit her daughter at the University of Texas in Austin would lead to a community-wide effort to help Texas Baptist Children’s Home, but she’s glad it did. Sixteen high school students and two teachers from Garrison, a small East Texas town (population 850, more or less) made the 250-mile trek to deliver much-needed food items as well as some good-hearted hard labor. 

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Miracle Farm hosted A Day In The Country on Saturday, April 4. The event was a hit. With a petting zoo, lunch, games, tours of Miracle Farm, and more guests enjoyed the great outdoors and the great Central Texas weather.

Click here to view photos from the event.

Volunteers from ZOI, a community-service sorority at Round Rock High School, sponsored an Easter egg hunt for children at Texas Baptist Children's Home on Sunday, April 5. The girls hid over 400 eggs...but it didn't take long for the excited children to find them! The ZOI group, which volunteers frequently at TBCH, is sponsored by Sertoma.

It was with great faith that Shawn and Stephanie Stewart made the decision in January 2007 to pursue adoption through foster parenting. After having one healthy daughter, Stephanie discovered that for medical reasons little Hannah would be their only biological child.

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STARRY has placed almost a thousand gold stars at the corner of North Mays and U.S. 79 in Round Rock, symbolizing the 966 confirmed victims of child abuse and neglect in Williamson County in 2008.

Volunteers from Y.O.U. (Youth Opportunity United), sponsored by the Round Rock Volunteer Center, helped place the stars to mark National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April.

To read more about the problem of child abuse in Williamson County, click here.

We recently held our annual Texas A&M Vet Day at Miracle Farm. Our boys and staff joined 21 vet students and four veterinarians who worked the entire day giving vaccinations, worming and floating teeth for 46 horses. One of the veterinarians in attendance, Dr. Glenn Gaines, a former board member and founder of the event, brought a friend who is a Mongolian vet who helped out as well. Dr. Gaines and his wife currently serve as missionaries to Mongolia. This special event started several years ago and gives the vet students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and provides our horses with important routine preventative care. The services provided including donated medicines and the expertise of the vets are truly a significant financial blessing to this ministry. The boys gain insight also as they assist our guests and experience first hand what it takes to keep the horses that they ride healthy. We greatly appreciate the faithfulness and generosity of Dr. Dan Posey from A&M’s Vet school, and Dr. Gaines, who have been instrumental in planning this day for the past several years. View photos.

Construction is in the home stretch at the new Elmview campus for Gracewood in northwest Houston. Getting a first-hand look at the progress are, from left, Bette Moser, Executive Director of HomeAid Houston; Laurie Wilson, senior account executive for the New Home Guide and a member of the HomeAid Sales & Marketing Council; Leslie Searle, Development Director for the Children At Heart Foundation in Houston; Debbie Rippstein, Executive Director of HomeAid; and Beth Avalos, of Floors Inc., who has taken a leadership role in helping furnish the new home for single mothers and their children. To find out how you can help, visit the Gracewood Expansion Web page. Construction is expected to be completed in June.

From left: Bette Moser, Leslie Searle, Beth Avalos,
Laurie Wilson, Debbie Rippstein.  

Teenagers from the HOPE Youth Leadership program at Texas Baptist Children's Home gave up a portion of their Spring Break to help those less fortunate, volunteering to make and serve meals at the Angel House Soup Kitchen in Austin. They helped make nearly 400 sandwiches, then served sandwiches and homemade soup to the poor, who had been waiting for more than two hours for a hot meal. “This is a chance for the kids to give back to those less fortunate, even though many of them are from economically challenged homes,” said Sarah Kuykendall, Program Supervisor for HOPE.

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