2011 children at heart ministries annual report

Gracewood Miracle Farm STARRY Texas Baptist Children’s Home Houston Brenham Round Rock, Waco, Temple Round Rock

2011 Annual Report

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Ecclesiastes states in the NIV that “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” The NASB version

adds a crucial word: “There is an appointed time for everything....” And in many ways, 2011 was an appointed time for Children At Heart Ministries, a year of great increase and a year of great loss.

We witnessed the loss of more than 50 years of leadership with the retirements of both our President and our Executive Vice President at the end of the year. But we entered 2012 with our vision and our mission as sharply in focus as ever and we saw the number of children and families helped by our ministries increase by 25 percent.

This Annual Report reflects the leadership of President Jerry T. Bradley, who retired after 21 years with CAHM and over 40 years in child care ministry, and Executive Vice President for Business Operations Loren “Buddy” West, who, after 33 years with our ministries, answered a godly call to start a family business and ministry to impact missions around the world. The work of both Jerry and Buddy will pay dividends for years to come at Children At Heart Ministries.

They would agree that the stories we share in this Annual Report of children and families who have been touched by your support for our work are just

snapshots in time. They are individual pictures of the more than 13,000 individuals who were served through residential or nonresidential services; the 92,000 days of residential care; and the nearly 15,000 hours of counseling services we provided.

The stories remind us that behind every number is the face of a child, a single mother, or a family whose life is better today and whose tomorrow is more hopeful because of God’s guidance, prayerful intervention and a dedicated staff. We strive to meet each individual where the need is greatest, to help them navigate through the turbulence that touches their lives.

We could not share these stories or achieve our vision of ending the generational cycle of child abuse and family crisis without the prayers and financial support from those who believe in the work we are doing to make Texas a better place to live, work and raise a family. On behalf of every child and family, and the staff that does so much, I am grateful for your support.

Todd Roberson

Children at heart ministries Todd Roberson, President/CEO

We are a family of Christian ministries that exists to honor God and build a better world by serving children and strengthening families.

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GRACEWOOD – HoustonGracewood serves single mothers and their children at two Houston campuses, the original campus in Southwest Houston and the newer Spring Branch location in Northwest Houston. Gracewood offers a residential home environment where mothers can plan a successful future filled with opportunities for themselves and their children. It’s not just a place to sleep, which sets it apart from the shelter environment. It isn’t a short-term solution. Gracewood addresses a single mom’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs in a holistic manner while keeping the family together. Gracewood provides exceptional, life-changing services to single-mother households.

MIRACLE FARM – BrenhamMiracle Farm gives teenage boys who have fallen into troubling patterns of behavior the Chance of a Lifetime to become young men of character and integrity, to restore their relationships with their families, and to make a fresh start through hard work and a strong scriptural foundation. Located on 325 acres of rolling hills in historic Washington County, Miracle Farm is a place where boys can escape negative influences, rebuild their lives and develop leadership and communications skills, self-confidence and self-discipline. An accredited public charter school, vocational education shops, an innovative horse program and dedicated staff combine to make Miracle Farm a place where young lives are changed and the path into adulthood is made smoother.

STARRY – Round Rock, Waco, TempleSTARRY provides a comprehensive approach to helping children, youth and families in crisis. It includes an Emergency Shelter for abused and neglected children who are removed from their homes because of life-threatening abuse or neglect; a Christian Foster Care and Foster-to-Adopt program for children needing long-term care; a Counseling Program for children, teens, parents and families in Round Rock, Waco and Temple; and SAFE, a program for runaway or homeless children and youth. STARRY also partners with local schools, state and local agencies, churches and other nonprofit organizations to prevent child abuse and promote positive parent-child communications. Thanks to STARRY, families are strengthened and children are safer.

TEXAS BAPTIST CHILDREN’S HOME – Round RockTBCH has been a landmark in Central Texas since 1950. Starting with just a few cottages, it has grown and adapted to meet changing social needs. Today, TBCH provides residential services through its Campus Life Program for children between the ages of 6 and 17 who need intermediate or long-term care outside of their homes. As well, since 1979 the Family Care Program has helped single mothers and their children find a path to independent living. TBCH also provides nonresidential services through HOPE (Healthy Opportunities that Protect and Empower), an outreach program that works with children and families in apartment complexes in the local community. In everything it does, children remain at the heart of the TBCH ministry.

Children At Heart Leadership:Todd Roberson - President/CEODon Forrester - Vice President,

Programs and ServicesBob Symington - Vice President,

Business Operations

Children at heart ministries 1301 North Mays

Round Rock, TX 78664 (512) 255-3668

[email protected] www.Childrenatheartministries.org

Bill Harrison, Chair - Eagle LakeLinda Bebee - Austin

Charles Boyd - Valley MillsBarry Chinn - Del Valle

Julie Christianson - GeorgetownHector DeLeon - AustinBuddy Ferguson - Austin

Dan Gattis - HuttoGloria Gonzalez - Georgetown

Becky Guajardo - KatyHal Harris - Austin

Ruthie Herber - Round RockDavid Lykes - Georgetown

Dan Mohon - OrangeTom Norris - McGregorKristen Porter - Seguin

Ed Rogers - GeorgetownGinger Tew - Austin

Stephen Webb - AustinJay Williams - Houston

John Winder - College Station

A Children At Heart Ministry

CAHM Board of Trustees:

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Gracewood observed its tenth anniversary in 2011, offering proof that dreams can come true for single mothers and children in the Greater

Houston Area — in bigger and better ways than ever before.

In the four years since I came to Gracewood, we have grown from one cottage in Southwest Houston to four cottages in two locations. We have doubled the number of moms and children we serve and tripled the days of care we offer!

It is amazing what God can do, isn’t it? But we know He is just getting started at Gracewood.

We’ve broken ground on a new residential cottage on our Elmview Campus in the Spring Branch area of Northwest Houston. The need to serve single mothers and children is so great that we’ve already had people ask when we can bring our ministry to other areas of the city.

What started as a dream in 2001 is today a reality, thanks to God’s timing and God’s leadership. He has brought the resources to help us grow just when we needed them the most, enabling us to build partnerships with businesses, churches, volunteer

groups and individuals who are committed to improving the lives of families.

But to really understand Gracewood, you have to get beyond the numbers, to spend time with single moms like Rachel (who you can read about here) and children like Charlie, who can’t wait to greet every visitor with a firm handshake and show them the playroom in his cottage.

These are moms who were once on the verge of homelessness, who may have been living paycheck-to-paycheck, who worried constantly about their children. Today, thanks to Gracewood and the people who make it possible, they have packed away their worries. Instead, they are focused on a future that is brighter than ever.

On behalf of the single mothers, children and staff at Gracewood, we thank you for your continued prayers and support.

Debbie Rippstein

GraCeWOOd Debbie Rippstein, Executive Director

Gracewood 1617 Elmview

Houston, TX 77080 (713) 988-9757 phone [email protected]

www.gracewood.org

Larry Bertrand, Chair - HoustonSteve Adell - Missouri CityCathy Edwards - Houston

Becky Guajardo - KatyAnn Owen - Kingwood

Gracewood Board of TrusteesGracewood Leadership: Don Forrester - PresidentDebbie Rippstein - Executive Director

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Rachel Bromley was watching her dreams fall apart before her

eyes. Fortunately, she and her 4 and 6-year-old daughters found Gracewood.

While Rachel’s life and work experience were vast, she still did not have a degree, which limited her job opportunities.

“Gracewood has given me time to take a breath, process my divorce and figure out what to do next,” she said.

In just a few short months, Rachel proved herself to be a highly motivated single mother, willing to work as many jobs as possible to provide for her family.

But now, thanks to Gracewood, she doesn’t have to.

She is finishing her degree in anthropology at the University of Houston, with plans to pursue a Master’s in counseling. She is also working toward certification as a family life educator, hoping to help divorcing couples split more amicably and keep their children’s best interests as top priority.

“My ex-husband and I have made peace with each other and we are successfully learning to co-parent our girls. I only want to help other couples find the same peace and understanding we have been able to find,” said Rachel.

And peaceful is the perfect description for Rachel’s youngest daughter, Isabelle, who celebrated her fifth birthday opening presents and eating cake in the midst of women and children who have quickly earned the title of friends at Gracewood.

Although Gracewood was not part of their original plan, Rachel and her girls are being given an opportunity to start over. She will not be working three part-time jobs just to put food on the table. Instead, Rachel has earned the opportunity to do what she loves with a degree she is passionate about so that she can give her girls the life she always hoped for.

RACHEL’S PLAN B

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GraCeWOOd2011 MINISTRY SuMMARY

FAMILY CARETotal Served 67

Mothers Served 24

Children Served 43

Total Days of Care 13,764

Average Length of Stay (in months) 8

Average Age of Child (in years) 7.6

Average Age of Mom (in years) 35

Racial Heritage of Clients:

Black - 54% | Caucasian - 25% | Hispanic - 21%

Individuals Receiving Information/Referral Services 264

Applications for Placement 83

Family Life Education/Skills Training Hours 37

Individual Therapy Hours 221

Group Therapy Hours 73

After Care/Community Case Management

Clients Served 286

Contact Hours 318

After Care/Charitable Assistance

Clients Served 230

Contact Hours 79

2011 MINISTRY TOTALTotal Served 583

Counseling Hours 304

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revenues

Individual Gifts $304,135 29%

Church Gifts 68,950 7%

Texas Baptists Cooperative Program 43,625 4%

Foundations & Corporate Gifts 107,802 10%

Children At Heart Foundation 414,955 40%

Other Revenues 105,402 10%

tOtal $1,044,869 100.0%

expenses

Family Care 756,937 90%

Management & General* 88,263 10%

Fundraising* 0 0%

tOtal $845,200 100.0%

GraCeWOOd 2011 Operating Statement

SOWING SEEDS OF HOPE UnAUdITed YeAR endInG deCeMBeR 31, 2011

Family Care - 90%

Management & General - 10%

Fundraising - 0%

Revenues

Expenses

Individual Gifts - 29%

Church Gifts - 7%

Texas Baptists Cooperative Program - 4%

Foundations & Corporate Gifts - 10%

Children At Heart Foundation - 40%

Other Revenues - 10%

*The Children At Heart Foundation provides funding for all Fundraising and Management & General Expenses, allowing 100 percent of current donations to support direct program services to children and families.

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Miracle Farm Board of Trustees:

Gregg Appel, Chair - BrenhamMike Aldredge - Bellville

Maury Dennis - College StationRon Leps - Weir

Diane Williams - Houston

miraCle Farm Alex Hamilton, Executive Director

Miracle Farm isn’t the last stop for wayward boys and distraught parents. But by

the time a boy arrives at our 325-acre ranch near Brenham, there’s little doubt both boys and parents are pretty close to the end of the line. Communications have broken down, boys have become even more headstrong than is normal for teenagers, and parents often have spent a lot of time on their knees in prayer.

We spent most of 2011 at full capacity, and opened an additional cottage that increased our capacity to 22. We expanded our service area in Texas and it has been encouraging to see that family involvement, a key component of our ministry, isn’t something that is limited to a 100- mile radius of the Farm.

In looking at our Annual Report, you will note that the average length of time a boy stays at Miracle Farm was a full year in 2011, up from nine months in 2010. Boys and their parents are committing to the program for longer periods of time and Miracle Farm is willing to invest its resources in building permanent, lifelong change in young men. We know that staying committed to our boys until they are ready to move improves their chance of success in life.

More great things are coming. In 2011, we expanded our vocational education program and it will grow exponentially as we prepare boys for life after Miracle Farm. We have laid the groundwork for an Independent Living Program for boys who want to continue their education at area schools, but still need the support system they relied on at the Farm.

So how long does it take to resolve the personal and family issues of a teenage boy before he becomes a young man of integrity and strength? How long before a light comes on inside an immature brain and a boy decides that there’s more to life than bad grades and a bad attitude?

Our answer at Miracle Farm is “however long it takes,” thanks to a committed staff, parental involvement, willing volunteers, the boys themselves, a lot of prayer, generous donors, and our ability to meet the needs of teenagers in crisis.

Alex Hamilton

miracle Farm10802 FM 2621

Brenham, TX 77833(979) 836-0901 [email protected]

www.miraclefarm.org

Miracle Farm Leadership: Don Forrester - PresidentAlex Hamilton - Executive Director

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Brad’s parents wanted something better for their son. They knew he needed a change of pace.

“We knew there had to be a place for kids who walk to a different beat, and we found that at Miracle Farm,” said his mom, Cari.

Before coming to Miracle Farm, Brad had only ridden a horse once or twice, but he quickly fell in love with roping. The calmness he found with the horses and country living proved to be just what he needed.

“The small number of kids at the Farm allows Brad to be a leader, where at home he found himself lost in the crowd,” said his dad, Darren. “At Miracle Farm, Brad gets to be who he is and not who everyone thinks he should be.”

In the two years that Brad has been at the Farm, his entire family has gotten involved. They’ve helped with campus clean-up, folded tee shirts and made signs. His grandparents have hosted the boys and staff for a deep sea fishing trip, and his mom puts together the annual Miracle Farm scrapbook.

“Much of Brad’s success can be attributed to his family’s commitment to partner in his progress, which is a great example for other boys’ families,”

said Alex Hamilton, Executive Director.

Brad has transformed into a young man backed by quiet strength, wisdom and natural leadership. He sticks up for the underdog when conflict arises among the other boys and is known as the peace maker among the group.

What sets this family apart? According to david and Gayla Jones, Brad’s house parents at the Farm, it’s the fact that they’re “all in.” This allows Brad the opportunity to be successful long-term. “They never back off. They’re believers and prayer warriors, and are 100 percent involved in Brad’s life,” said David.

They are a one-of-a-kind family making a one-of-a-kind difference!

ONE-OF-A-KIND FAMILY

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residential CareBoys Served 27

Total Days of Care 6,264

Average Length of Stay (in months) 12

Average Age of Boy (in years) 16

Racial Heritage of Clients:

Black - 18% | Caucasian - 78% | Hispanic - 4%

Family liFe eduCatiOn/skills traininGTotal Served 62

Family Life Education/Skills Training (Hours)

25

2011 ministry tOtalTotal Served 1,042

Residential 27

Non-residential 62

Retreat Center 702

Information/Referral Services 251

Religious Decisions 9

miraCle Farm2011 MINISTRY SuMMARY

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revenues







tOtal $1,420,456 100.0%

expenses

Residential Care 1,155,673 89%


Fundraising* 0 0%

tOtal $1,306,240 100.0%


Church Gifts - 2%





Residential Care - 89%


Fundraising - 0%

Expenses

Revenues


miraCle Farm 2011 Operating Statement

CHANCE OF A LIFETIME UnAUdITed YeAR endInG deCeMBeR 31, 2011

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There’s a temptation to build an annual report around a lot of numbers — and STARRY has

plenty of those. We provided services to almost 10,000 children and families during 2011, including more than 13,000 hours of Counseling and a remarkable 20,000 days of Foster Care. Our SAFE program for runaway and homeless teens helped almost 400 families navigate through true crisis situations and the Emergency Shelter provided nearly 4,000 days of care, many for children who had been removed from their homes because their lives were threatened by abuse and neglect.

That’s a lot of work from a staff of less than 50 and we are consistently amazed and blessed by their dedication, professionalism and compassion for those who come to

us for help. You can’t be a counselor or a caseworker or an administrative assistant at STARRY without caring deeply about each child and each family that faces problems ranging from bullying to uncertain parenting skills to lack of motivation.

Yes, it’s easy to get lost in numbers. But each number has a name and a face and an all-too-real problem. Like Joshua, age 3, who wound up in Foster Care because his parents were habitual drug abusers. Or Aimee, just 9 months old, who came to us in dirty clothes, undernourished and with a black eye. Or 14-year-old Jessica and her mother, who had lost the ability to communicate with each other. Or Scherrie, a remarkable adoptive mother whose story you can read here.

Helping children and families like these is our mission. It gives us the privilege of being the hands of Jesus in their lives, touching them in ways that make their lives better and giving them hope for the future.

None of our work would be possible without the prayers of individuals, families, churches and organizations who support what we do. As we minister to those who are emotionally and sometimes even physically broken, whose hearts are aching, and who seem lost in a world so much bigger than they are, we are blessed to provide help where it is needed most and hope where it does the most good.

Richard Singleton

starry Richard Singleton, Executive Director

starry

1300 North MaysRound Rock, TX 78664(512) 246-4288 Phone [email protected]

www.starryonline.org

STARRY Leadership Don Forrester - PresidentRichard Singleton - Executive Director

: STARRY Board of TrusteesMike Martin, Chair - Georgetown

Pat Berryman - GeorgetownDebbie Halbert - Georgetown

Bob Herber - Round RockJohnny Hugghins - HuttoStephen Webb - Austin

:

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Scherrie Jones always knew she would work with kids. “But I had no idea it would look like it has,” she explained.

eight years ago, Scherrie opened a home day care in Waco. Her very first infant at the day care was 12-week-old Britany.

“Britany’s mother was very involved in the beginning,” Scherrie said, “but when Britany’s dad got out of prison everything changed. Mom became less involved, and the baby became more and more neglected.” The birth of Britany’s younger sister, Catye, was only step two in the parents’ downward spiral. Eventually, their mother had two more children and their living situation only became worse and worse.

Scherrie became a staple in the girls’ lives. Soon after Catye’s birth, the sisters were removed from their home and placed with their stable caretaker… Miss Scherrie. This would be the first of many times the children would shift back and forth between the custody of their biological parents and Miss Scherrie.

After she moved to Leander, Scherrie traveled frequently to Waco to see the children until their parents chose to relinquish their rights rather than clean up their lives.

With help from STARRY, Scherrie became a foster parent and applied to adopt the children. Last summer, Miss Scherrie became “Mom” when she adopted Britany (8), Catye (5), Ben (3), and Brianna (1). Today she is raising four beautiful blond-haired children in a loving, well-kept home.

“All of this is normal to my kids,” Scherrie shared. “Going to court didn’t change anything for us. We’ve been a family their whole lives.”

NO PLACE LIKE HOME

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COunselinGChildren served 1,747Average Age of Child (in years) 12.5Racial Heritage of Clients:

Asian - 1% | Black - 15% | Caucasian - 52% | Hispanic - 25% | Other - 3% | Unreported - 4%

Information/Referral Services 1,351individual Casework CounselingYouth and Children 947Number of Hours 4,688Family CounselingIndividuals Participating 4,834Number of Hours 6,609specialized GroupsIndividuals Participating 135Number of Hours 1,071

emerGenCy shelterChildren Served 133Total Days of Care 3,921Average Age of Child (in years) 11Average Length of Stay (in days) 43Clients Receiving Counseling 89Counseling Hours 505Racial Heritage of Clients:

Asian - 1% | Black - 33% | Caucasian - 33% | Hispanic - 29% | Unknown - 4%

FOster Carenew Foster Homes Verified 19Total Foster Homes Licensed 52Children Served 130Adoptions 21Total Days of Care 20,071Average Age of Child (in years) 6Average Length of Care (in months) 8Racial Heritage of Clients:

Black - 24% | Caucasian - 32% | Hispanic - 25% | Mixed - 16% | Other - 3%

saFe (shelter alternatives & Family empowerment)Residential Case Management 38Community Case Management 431

2011 ministry tOtal Total served 9,708

Emergency Shelter Care 133 Foster Care 130 Counseling 7,663 SAFE Community 431 Information/Referral 1,351

Total Counseling Hours 12,873 Religious Decisions 48

starry2011 MINISTRY SuMMARY

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starry 2011 OperatinG statementHelP In lIFe’S dARkeST HoURS UnAUdITed YeAR endInG deCeMBeR 31, 2011

revenues

Individual Gifts $25,624 <1%

Church Gifts 13,939 <1%

Reimbursement for Care 2,215,303 70%




tOtal $3,158,585 100.0%

expenses

Emergency Shelter/SAFE 864,257 29%

Counseling/Non-Residential Services 999,401 33%

Foster Care/Adopton 835,362 28%


Fundraising* 0 0%

tOtal $2,998,077 100.0%

Individual Gifts - <1%

Church Gifts - <1%

Reimbursement for Care - 70%




Emergency Shelter/SAFE - 29%

Counseling - 33%

Foster Care/Adoption - 28%


Fundraising - 0%

Expenses

Revenues

STARRY is partially funded by the Texas department of Family and Protective Services and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Administration on Children, Youth and Families.


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One of the touchstones of Texas Baptist Children’s Home throughout its history has been its willingness to evolve to meet the changing needs

of society. For children, single mothers and struggling families, TBCH has been there to provide help and prayer when it is needed the most.

When we began in 1950, we pioneered a new kind of children’s home, where children lived in cottages with house parents. No longer would young boys and girls be forced to live dormitory-style in sterile environments. Cottage life is commonplace today, but it was pretty revolutionary back then.

In 1979, TBCH was one of the first ministries in the country to start a program where single mothers could live with their children while they worked on getting an education and a better job. Since then, the Family Care model has been copied with our blessing by many other service agencies.

The evidence is clear that these programs continue to fill a crucial need in the communities we serve. TBCH’s original Campus Life Program provided 12,931 days of care for children and teenagers last year and Family Care counted 35,990 days of care for single mothers and children.

It’s a remarkable tribute to a dream that the Henna family had when it gave 112 acres of land and five newly constructed buildings to begin our ministry to children. And it is a tribute to the vision of TBCH administrators who saw the needs of single mothers and children in a changing society.

Together with the HOPE Program, which ministers to children and families in area apartment complexes, TBCH is continuing to keep children at heart. Our mission is clear, whether it is the child from a broken home who comes to Campus Life, the child who lives with his single mother in Family Care, or the child needing positive intervention in an apartment complex.

We will continue working every day to provide services based on Christian values and to give children, youth and families the opportunity to reach their God-given potential.

And we will always remember that nothing could be accomplished without God’s provision and guidance, without compassionate and committed staff, and without our many community and church partners who pray for our children and provide the funding that makes it possible.

Keith Dyer

texas Baptist Children’s home1101 North Mays

Round Rock, TX 78664(512) 255-3682 phoneEmail: [email protected]

www.tbch.org

texas Baptist Children’s hOme Keith Dyer, Executive Director

TBCH Leadership: Don Forrester - PresidentKeith Dyer - Executive Director

TBCH Board of Trustees:Steve Abalos, Chair - Round Rock

Kevin Karschnik - Round RockJerry Mullins - Georgetown

David Smith - AustinPam Westerfield - Round Rock

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On the surface, 13-year-old Kenneth looks like any other kid his age. But he’s had a pretty rough life. expelled from school and ejected from home, kenneth spent years trying to find solid footing on an unsteady path.

Eventually he came to TBCH’s Campus Life Program and was placed in the home of house parents Keith and Debra Stone.

“We were pretty new at this, so we weren’t sure what to expect,” said Debra. “But we just really bonded with him. I love him like he was my birth child.”

Kenneth had been attending an alternative school before coming to TBCH. Initially, the transition into mainstream school was a bit rough. However, Kenneth is now a star student and his grades have improved significantly. Teachers are constantly singing his praises.

“We get phone calls from teachers telling us what a delight he is,” said Debra.

For Campus Life Supervisor Jason Schmidt, seeing Kenneth’s transformation from a shy pre-teen to a lively, outgoing young man has been a blessing.

“This is one of those situations where you’re just so blessed to be put in the child’s life,” he said.

Since coming to TBCH, Kenneth also has a much closer relationship with Christ, and that has made all the difference.

“I know now that He died for my sins,” Kenneth says about what he’s learned. “If He didn’t do that, then all the stuff I did before would have left me with no hope. Now I have hope. [TBCH] is a good place to start a new life or to get a second start. Now someone’s watching over me.”

MAKING HIS WAY

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Campus liFeTotal Number Served 48Independent Living 5Total Days of Care 12,931 Average Age of Child 13Average Length of Stay (in days) 652Racial Heritage of Clients:

Black - 13% | Caucasian - 60% | Hispanic - 13% | Other 14%Individuals Receiving Information/Referral Services 124Applications for Placement Received 78Individual Therapy Hours 458Family Therapy Hours 19Group Therapy Hours 1Aftercare Contact Hours 595

Family CareNumber of Mothers Served 74Number of Children Served 156Total Days of Care 35,990Average Age of Mother 36Average Age of Child 6Average Length of Stay (in days) 201Racial Heritage of Clients:

Black - 28% | Caucasian - 35% | Hispanic - 28% | Other - 9%Individuals Receiving Information/Referral Services 843Applications for Placement Received 242Family Life Education/Skills Training Hours 120Individuals Receiving Family Assistance 26 Individual Therapy Hours 1,032Family Therapy Hours 186Group Therapy Hours 22Aftercare Clients Served 190Aftercare Contact Hours 145

hOpe (healthy Opportunities that protect and empower)Adults Served 5Children Served 142Average Age of Adult 37Average Age of Child 9Individuals Receiving Information/Referral Services 206Family Life Education/Skills Training Hours 454 Individuals Receiving Family Assistance 102 Racial Heritage of Clients:

Black - 42% | Caucasian - 18% | Hispanic - 39% | Other - 1%

2011 ministry tOtalTotal Served in 2011 1,938

Residential Programs 283Non-Residential Programs 1,655

Total Counseling Hours 1,699Individuals Receiving College/Vocational Assistance 17Religious Decisions 14

texas Baptist Children‘s hOme2011 MINISTRY SuMMARY

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texas Baptist Children’s hOme 2011 OperatinG statementKEEPING CHILDREN AT HEART UnAUdITed YeAR endInG deCeMBeR 31, 2011

revenues





Children At Heart Foundation 1,444,931 46%


tOtal $3,173,892 100.0%

expenses

Campus Life 1,527,859 49%

Family Care 1,100,268 35%

HOPE 156,294 5%


Fundraising* 0 0%

tOtal $3,126,052 100.0%


Church Gifts - 4%





Campus Life - 49%

Family Care - 35%

HOPE - 5%


Fundraising - 0%

Expenses

RevenuesKeeping Children At Heart


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I am often asked how much it costs to take care of a child in our ministries. The cost varies dramatically across our residential programs and is much less for non-residential services, but it is expensive to provide quality, life-changing care. We are certain that every child and family, made in the image of God and loved by Him, is worth every penny.

The mission of the Children At Heart Foundation is to ensure the long-term financial stability of the Children At Heart family of ministries through professional fundraising, fund management and communications. In addition to raising funds for current operating, capital and special needs of each of our ministries, we encourage our donors to include Children At Heart in their estate plans in order to meet future needs. We pray that we will never have to turn children and families away because we can’t afford to serve them.

God has richly blessed Children At Heart Ministries, and we continue to maintain a debt-free policy. As the financial charts in this Annual Report reveal, most of our funding comes from individuals, churches, businesses, foundations and other sources of private funding.

The Children At Heart Foundation provides its services at no cost to Children At Heart Ministries, Gracewood, Miracle Farm, STARRY and Texas Baptist Children’s Home. This means that your donations to support these ministries do not include any fundraising costs and very little administrative costs – what we normally think of in the for-profit world as “overhead.”

One of many blessings that has been mine, and has been shared by countless others over 30-plus years, is to have worked with and been mentored by Don Cramer. In March 2012, he requested a transition from VP/COO of the Foundation to the part-time position of director of Gift Planning. don’s fingerprints are visible in virtually every mighty work the Lord has accomplished across our family of ministries since he came to Round Rock in 1978. We are so grateful that he will continue as a valuable member of our staff!

We thank God for His amazing grace and His blessing on our ministries and those we are privileged to serve. We thank our many partners, whether volunteer, financial or prayer, for their compassion and generosity as together we provide help, hope and healing to children and families in crisis.

Our prayer is that God will bless every gift in its stewardship of ministry and every giver in their stewardship of caring.

Dawson Clark

Children At Heart Foundation Leadership:

Todd Roberson - PresidentDawson Clark - Vice President/COO

Children at heart Foundation

1301 North MaysRound Rock TX 78664(512) 255-3668 phone

[email protected]

CAHF Board of Trustees:

Jay Williams, Chair - HoustonCharles Boyd - Valley Mills

Hector DeLeon - AustinDoak Fling - Round RockBill Harrison - Eagle LakeDon Hart - Liberty Hill

David Lykes - Georgetown

Texas Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services Leadership:

Todd Roberson - PresidentBob Symington - Vice President

TBCHFS Board of TrusteesBob Avery, Chair - Temple

Richard Crow - Round RockDavid Hays - Georgetown

Children at heart FOundatiOn Dawson Clark, Vice President/COO

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todd roberson became President and CEO of Children At Heart Ministries on January 1, 2012, as well as President of the Children At Heart Foundation and Texas Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services. He succeeded Jerry Bradley, who retired after 21 years in the positions. Previously Todd was President and CEO of South Texas Children’s Home Ministries in Beeville, Texas. He served at STCHM in several capacities over nearly two decades, including Chief operating officer, Vice President-Development, and Vice President-Business Administration.

A native Texan who grew up in Lubbock and Houston, Roberson holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Baylor University and a Master of Arts in Religious education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Jill, have two children, daughter Lindsey, 16, and son Parker, 14. The Robersons attend First Baptist Church in Round Rock.

dawson Clark became Vice President and Chief Operating officer of the Children At Heart Foundation in March 2012. The Foundation provides development and communications services to Children At Heart Ministries. Dawson succeeded Don Cramer, who requested a change that would allow him to focus on his passion of assisting donors with estate planning matters. Mr. Cramer continues to serve the Foundation as Director of Gift Planning in a part-time capacity.

Dawson joined the Children At Heart Foundation in 2003. He previously served as a public relations and human resources professional with the U. S. department of Veterans Affairs and a privately-held manufacturing company in Temple. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Texas A&M University and is a Certified Fund Raising executive and Credentialed Christian nonprofit leader. He and his wife, leanne, attend Hill Country Bible Church Northwest in Austin. They are the parents of two college-age children, Drew and Amy.

don Forrester, Vice President of Programs and Services for Children at Heart Ministries, has 42 years experience providing child welfare services in both the public and private sector. Don began as a Child Protective Services worker for Texas Department of Public Welfare in 1970 and served in several key roles within the state child welfare system for 17 years.

He came to Texas Baptist Children’s Home in 1989, and transferred to Midland to lead the agency’s Hearthstone program. When Buckner Children and Family Services assumed responsibility for Hearthstone in 1996, Don remained with Buckner, eventually serving as Compliance officer at Buckner’s Dallas headquarters. In 2001, Don returned to Round Rock as the Vice President for Programs and Services, and today also serves as the President/CEO for Gracewood, Miracle Farm, STARRY, and Texas Baptist Children’s Home.

Don is a native of Odessa, Texas, and a graduate of Hardin-Simmons University. He also attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and St. edward’s University. He has been the pastor of Henly Baptist Church for 32 years. He and his wife, Treva, have two grown children, Craig and Andrea, and three grandchildren. Don also serves as granddad to his niece’s daughter since Don’s twin brother has been MIA since 1972.

Bob symington has been Vice President of Business Operations since January 2012, supervising all accounting, human resources and technology resources for the family of Children At Heart Ministries. He succeeded Loren “Buddy” West, who, after 33 years with CAHM, answered a Godly call to start a family business and ministry to impact missions around the world.

Bob joined Children At Heart Ministries as Controller in 2009. He previously held a similar position with eRCoT. Bob is a Certified Public Accountant and has a Master of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance from Baylor University. He and his wife, Debbie, have one daughter, Shannon. Their family attends First United Methodist Church Round Rock.

leadership team Children At heArt Ministries

L to R, Bob Symington, Don Forrester, Dawson Clark and Todd Roberson

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it’s easy to donate Online!

We thAnk You forYour support!

under God’s leadership, we will break the generationalcycle of child abuse and family crisis.

2011 children at heart ministries annual report

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