Boys and Girls Country of Houston

As mentioned in my last post.... I am now a teaching parent at Boys and Girls Country (BGC). I am about to reach my two month anniversary here and so far love it. This job is a really good fit for me. Some would say I am in the honeymoon face and I still like everyone. Perhaps this is true. However, I know the Lord has brought me here and I look forward to the next few years here as I get to invest in this community.

I figured I would take a moment to tell you a little about BGC. Lots of people have asked questions. Hopefully this post answers some, if not most, of those questions. Apologies in advance for the length.

First a video.

Boys and Girls Country provides a Christian home – a place to live for a few years, or a place to grow up – for 48 boys and 40 girls, ages 5 to 18, a total of 88 children at any one time.  Children are not candidates for adoption, though many sibling groups get the chance to grow up together at our Home.  Children typically are able to attend public school and can function in a family environment.  

Boys and Girls Country helps families (mothers, fathers, grandparents, guardians) who realize they need help in raising their children. Families are often in conflict; they face issues ranging from alcohol or drug abuse, violence, serious illness, abuse, incarceration, abandonment, or the death of a family member. They need help, but their children are not in the custody of the state, and they do not have money for places that require expensive fees or tuition. 

The family situation requires time apart for the child and family member in order for the child to be safe, to get the most from school, and to grow up. Children often grow in their love and appreciation for family members while they live at Boys and Girls Country, and family members learn how to better love and care for their children.

Boys and Girls Country focuses on education; most students are two to three years behind their peers in school.  We are also committed to long term success for our graduates, so that they will be both ‘self supporting and contributing’ to their community as an adult. Therefore, we do request long-term placement for children and teens. Historically, some children return to a family member after two or three years, but many make the choice to remain, graduate from high school, and enter the College and Career program.

Whatever the reason children come, we are committed to fulfilling our ministry of providing a Christian home. No child is turned away because of race, sex, religion, national origin, or because their family does not have money to pay for care.

Our Mission:  To change the lives of children from families in crisis by loving and nurturing them in a Christian environment, raising them to become self-sustaining and contributing adults.

Our Vision: That every child has a place to grow up and a sense of being home.

A Little History....Boys and Girls Country was established in 1971 as a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit charitable Home. Our children are primarily from the greater Houston area. We are located 35 miles northwest of Houston. Boys and Girls Country has capacity to serve 48 boys and 40 girls, ages 5-18, a total of 88 children at any one time. Not included in this number are 85 others each year who are still a part of our Home after they have graduated from high school and gone on to college, trade school, the military, or first jobs. We have been home for over 1,300 children during our history. 

Boys and Girls Country provides a warm, loving, family-like Christian atmosphere where children have the opportunity to grow up safe and secure and develop to their full potential. Residents live on campus in cottages with trained houseparents and attend public school. They also participate in outside activities, such as church, band, sports, summer camps, etc.

Boys and Girls Country does not rely on federal or state grants for ongoing support and is not a United Way member agency. We look to caring individuals, businesses, civic groups, churches, and foundations in the community for annual funding and volunteer support. We are committed to serve children who need our Home. No child is turned away because their family does not have money to pay for them.

There are more questions that I have not yet answered....I will take the time to answer them all now, however, I will address one. The rest I will save for another post! I am often asked if I have been assigned a cottage. The answer is no. Right now, I work where ever there is a need. I do not live in a cottage with kids, but in Staff House (a house I share with 3 other singles). I will share more about this in another post. However, I believe that is plenty for now!