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messengerWINTER 2015
Standing firm in her faith, Nicolle is ready to embrace her gift. – Page 4
Grace Is a Gift
In the fall 2012 issue of the
Messenger I spoke on the topic of
Vision. I want to take this opportunity to reexamine this
topic in the context of South Texas Children’s Home
Ministries, as well to encourage you to do the same
in your own personal life. “The only thing worse than
being blind is having sight but no vision,” Helen Keller.
A vision can be defined as the ability to think about and
plan for the future, using intelligence, imagination, and
faith. At the beginning of every year I like to sit down
and not only look forward to see what the next year
might bring, but also see what the past year brought.
In 2014 STCHM served 36,346 children and families in
need through our many programs which set an all-time
record for the impact of our ministry! It has been said
that numbers numb, so in this magazine you will get to
see and read about some of those 36,346.
We have seen the footprint of our ministry grow in
tremendous ways, and we have been more innovative
and more efficient in our operation. Through our Vision Eron Green, President and CEO
2015 planning strategy we were able to identify areas
of opportunity and we have taken full advantage of our
findings. We have grown each and every program we
operate with not only more children and families served
but also through stronger relationships with those we
serve. Leroy Hood said, “Do not underestimate the
power of your vision to change the world. Whether that
world is your office, your community, an industry or a
global movement, you need to have a core belief that
what you contribute can fundamentally change the
paradigm or way of thinking about problems.”
Please visit www.stchm.org/mission to view our core
values, mission, and vision statements. Thank you for
taking the time to read our Messenger and I challenge
you to develop a vision for your life.
A Vision for the Future- Reexamined
STCHM is a Texas Baptist agency affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.2 Winter 2015
Family Counseling - Rockport 361.575.5151
Family Counseling - Stockdale 361.575.5151
Family Counseling - Victoria 361.575.5151
Jobs for Life - Corpus Christi 361.452.3046
International Ministry - Corpus Christi 361.994.0940
President’s Office and Development 361.375.2417
Homes for Children - Beeville 361.375.2101
Homes for Families - Goliad 361.575.5151
Family Counseling - Corpus Christi 361.991.8680
Family Counseling - Gonzales 361.575.5151
Join us on www.STCHM.org STCHM@stchm.org
Jess Lunsford Chapel – Boothe Campus
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in
all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
Warrior WiveSWarrior Wives is a support group for
women of veterans, any branch and
any era! The group started back in
2012 with a focus on the importance
of serving veteran’s wives as much
as serving veterans. The group has
been meeting at the STCHM Family
Counseling office in Victoria for over
two years, every 4th Saturday of
the month. Lorraine Turner, Family
Therapist provides leadership in
the monthly discussions that can
range from silly movie quotes to the
seriousness of a crumbling marriage.
Several women come faithfully and
have created a warm, inviting place
where honesty is at the heart of
their conversations. Newcomers are
always welcomed and are quickly
made to feel like part of the group.
It is a time where the women can
each express their feelings, share
their frustrations, and laugh about
their idiosyncrasies without fear of
judgment. “I just love working with
these ladies,” shared Lorraine.
contentsSTCHM Snapshots
Family Counseling
DayCare Training
Since 2013, the STCHM Family
Counseling office in Victoria has
provided a free training for daycare
workers in the area. The first few
training sessions were for a small
group of workers and then it grew to
a consistent 70+ in attendance each
month. “We saw a need in our area, so
we decided to make it available to as
many daycare workers that wanted to
come,” stated Brenda Whitfield, Director
of Counseling Victoria. Each month the
training focuses on a different subject
such as: discipline, trauma and abuse,
caring for the caregiver-stress relief, love
languages, and birth order. Christi Quan,
Family Therapist, presented on early
child development in January. During
the instruction part of the training
session, Christi focused on the different
developmental stages of children
from ages 2 months to 5 years. The
participants were given the opportunity
to partake in sharing time, small group
discussion and role-playing activities.
www.STCHM.org 3
viSiT STCHM on FaCebookConnect with us on Facebook for an up-to-date, as it happens, snapshot of what we are doing daily. There is always
something post-worthy. We encourage you to share what we are doing with your Facebook friends, so check us
out and tell others about us, www.facebook.com/stchm.
P3STCHM SnaPSHoTS
P4graCe iS a giFT
P6oPPorTUniTieS
P7viSion TriP 2015
P8oUr beeFMaSTer FrienDS
P9a HoMeSPUn CHriSTMaS
P10THe TaPeSTry oF a
MiniSTry
P11UneXPeCTeD giFTS
P12a neW HoMe
P14in THe MiDDLe
P15SToCk SHoW
race is a gift,” declared Nicolle Polanco, recent graduate
of Jobs for Life, a ministry of South Texas Children’s Home
Ministries (STCHM). “I can receive the gift but put it on the
shelf and never use it. Never truly experience the fullness
of the gift.” To understand where Nicolle is today, you must
first experience the grace she has been given throughout
her journey to get to this point.
Nicolle was a quiet and shy little girl who grew up in a
Christian home with two loving parents. She attended
church regularly and attended a private Christian school,
Nicolle had been taught the truths of the Bible, but still
was willing to compromise herself for the approval of the
opposite sex. At 12, she got drunk for the first time. Tequila
and orange juice introduced her to the power alcohol has
on one’s inhibitions. The summer before she started the
ninth grade and public school, Nicolle became friends with
a boy on her street. At the time she didn’t realize that he
had a reputation and this friendship would ruin hers. High
school proved less than desirable and she couldn’t wait
for it to be over.
Nicolle’s desire to end her misery at school fueled her
ambition to graduate early, which she did at age 16.
Nonetheless, this brought her more pain and suffering
than she could have imagined.
Not long after graduation, she
moved in with a drug dealer. She
smoked marijuana and drank every
single day, eventually beginning a
relationship with him. In the numb
state that the drugs and alcohol
had allowed her to stay in, she found herself pregnant and
not able to fully comprehend her choices. She ended up
having an abortion. “It was at that moment that I realized
I wasn’t doing the right thing,” confessed Nicolle. “I had
dreams and ambition, but I didn’t know how to go back.”
So, she turned again to alcohol which now replaced the
need in her heart for a man. She continued to drink daily.
After two DWIs and another unhealthy relationship, Nicolle
was ready for something different.
Daniel, was very quiet and wasn’t like the other guys she
knew. They quickly became close and moved in together.
Almost immediately she saw a different side of Daniel.
He began to physically abuse her, which she was willing
to put up with because he put up with her drinking. “I
would antagonize him, verbally abuse him and when he
had enough, he would start hitting me. As soon as it
was over, we would go get drunk.” A year after Nicolle
and Daniel were married, they had their first baby boy,
followed by a second, third, and fourth. “Daniel’s and
my relationship stayed the same. He was a functioning
alcoholic, where I would get up in the morning and start
drinking, fooling myself that I was more creative when
I was drinking. Most people drink to avoid their lives; I
thought it enhanced mine.”
Shortly after Nicolle’s third DWI, she found herself in
jail and facing a room full of people. Her youngest boy,
Jayden had died. He was only 23 months old and there
was no known cause for his death. He had gone down for
4 Winter 2015
Grace Is a Gift
“G
Nicolle’s mom, Lynn, is encouraged by the focus she has seen in her daughter.
Continued on page 5
I feel the arms of a loving, forgiving, gracious Father full
of mercy. His grace drew me into the light again and
breathed new life into me.”
Nicolle continues to work on her relationship with her
husband. She refuses to go back to their old relationship
or force him to change. “He has to make that decision
on his own and meet me where I am now.” Meanwhile,
she is staying with her parents and is finally reunited with
her three oldest boys: Jacob,
Noah, and Eli. She takes a bus
to Corpus Christi to continue
her classes two days a week.
The rest of the week, she
works at her sons’ school in
the cafeteria, now walking
the very same halls she did
as a student. She can keep an
eye on her boys and they can
keep an eye on her. Nicolle’s
children attend a private
Christian school where she
has shared her testimony with the youth. “As I was talking
to the students, I realized they were at that same age I was
when I was at that pivotal moment. He has put me back
in this school for a reason.”
Nicolle’s story is intense. It is heartbreaking and yet
inspiring. Every choice Nicolle made has brought her to
where she is today. “I should have been dead several times
and when I was at the lowest point, I was spiritually dead.
The story of the prodigal son, it was me. I felt God run to
greet me. Amazing! I know and trust the Word of God
because I have experienced what it talks about. I knew
the truths of God and chose to still do things my way. I
lived for the instant gratification of this life and traded
my blessings for earthly pleasures. But God loved me so
much that He did not turn His back on me in anger. He
didn’t leave me in my mess. Instead, he made me face the
mess. Clean it up. Walk through it while He was there every
step of the way. I have finally taken the gift He has given
me off the shelf and opened it and used it the way it was
intended. I do not take grace in vain anymore.”
www.STCHM.org 5
a nap and didn’t wake up. “It broke me.” After Nicolle was
released from jail she had moments of sobriety, but mostly
continued on her path of familiarity. Throughout Nicolle’s
life she had done things she wasn’t proud of, but there
were certain things she wouldn’t do. When she realized
she was at a pivotal moment where she was about to cross
that line, she became broken. It was different this time
though. “I was broken for Him. I was finally ready to allow
Him to work in me.”
Nicolle reflected on her life and all the ups and downs she
had experienced. How was it that God continued to deliver
her time and time again? It was by His grace. Comforted by
that, Nicolle knew she needed a place that could remove
the things that she continued to use in an effort to fill
the empty place inside her. She knew what the scriptures
said, but they lived in her mind not in her heart. Coastal
Bend Grace House, a transitional home, had an opening
and Nicolle was determined to make a real change. Now
in a structured and safe place, she became interested in
learning as much as she could about the Bible, eventually
this new passion inspired her to enroll in the South Texas
School of Christian Studies.
As Nicolle began her exit plan at Grace House, she realized
she needed to start thinking about enhancing her job skills.
Introduced to the Jobs for Life ministry, Nicolle found
the perfect fit. This program helps women to become
more confident by building self-esteem in developing a
vocational plan, learning effective interviewing skills, and
developing relationships with God, others, and self. Nicolle
realized during these classes as the ladies prayed together
and shared their growing faith with each other that she
was blessed by the relationships building between them.
She found herself healing more every time she shared her
story. “They reminded me every time we met for class, I am
worthy of His grace.” Nicolle started to take responsibility
for her addictions and realized that she must keep herself
in a safe place. “I have left some collateral damage in my
past and hurt numerous people. Nonetheless, I had to get
to a place where I wasn’t just sorry I had hurt them, but
that I had also become broken hearted that I had hurt
God. Godly sorrow leads to repentance. As heavy as that
is to bear, it is not a place of shame or guilt. It is the place
oPPorTUniTieS
6 Winter 2015
FAMILY COUNSELING
to get counseling as well and after
a few sessions it was suggested
again that Kassandra be placed with
the Children’s Home. Lorena and
Kassandra went to visit the Boothe
Campus of the Homes for Children
ministry. Although they liked what
they saw, they are extremely close
and wanted to stay together. Leslee
talked to the staff at the Homes for
Families ministry to see what options
were available. This ministry is focused
on mothers who do not have a job and
are in need of more spiritual healing
than what Lorena appeared to need.
However, our vision at STCHM is to
show the love of Christ to each and
every child and family we minister to
each day by creating a culture where
the needs of families are seen and
met in creative and innovative ways.
Knowing Lorena wanted to help her
daughter and stay together, they
decided to alter the program for her.
Lorena could continue working and
have the freedom to come and go as
she needed.
Lorena and her two daughters,
Kassandra and Skarlet, moved to
Goliad to live at Marshall Ranch. They
share a home with other moms and
their children. While her girls are at
school, Lorena works and participates
in the Bible study classes at the
campus when her schedule allows. “We
are enjoying being out here. The quiet
has been such a blessing, because we
spend more time just being together.”
Lorena continues to go to counseling
and prays for her relationship with her
husband. “I didn’t leave him, I just left
the situation. Surprisingly, being apart
has actually helped our relationship;
it has allowed us time and room to
recognize where we need to work on
ourselves.”
In the meantime,
Lorena continues
to grow in her
faith. “We didn’t
really know God
before, but we
are so blessed
to find Him now.
I am learning
t o b e m o r e
honest with my
d a u g h te r s . I
share scripture
with them and remind them every day
how much God loves them.” South
Texas Children’s Home Ministries is
dedicated to meeting the needs of
the children and families it serves.
Often each one of our ministries flows
into the next, providing a unique
opportunity to meet each family where
and how they need us to.
The Family Counseling offices of South Texas Children’s Home Ministries (STCHM) offer a unique service
with licensed Christian Family Therapists. The therapists on staff offer marriage, family, and individual
counseling services. The Christian aspect they provide allows the therapist to get to the root of the issue
the client is dealing with, which makes for a bigger impact and an opportunity for a greater change.
L orena had been troubled for quite
a while with the constant fighting
happening in her house. Her husband
and daughter, Kassandra, seemed
to always be arguing with each
other. Lorena sought out our Family
Counseling office and soon began
counseling with Leslee O’Neal, Family
Therapist and Director of Education.
“God revealed that the problem wasn’t
between my daughter and husband, it
was between me and my husband. We
were always fighting,” shared Lorena.
“Kassandra would stick up for me or
get in the middle which started issues
between her and her father.” As Lorena
continued going to counseling, Leslee
suggested that she place Kassandra in
the care of STCHM. Lorena refused.
At a loss on how to deal with the
situation, she brought Kassandra
“We didn’t really know God before,
but we are so blessed to find Him now. I am learning to be
more honest with my daughters. I share
scripture with them and remind them
every day how much God loves them.”
www.STCHM.org 7
INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY
Raquel’s School –Wednesday morning we headed to Raquel’s school to deliver school supplies. The
transformation of her school was amazing to see in person. Gone are the thin, failing walls. Now stands a secure building that keeps the kids out of the heat and rain. Raquel shared her beautiful testimony with
us, it was amazing to hear how passionate she was about her calling to start her school!
La Romana Orphanage –Thursday we were on our way to the Betesda Boys home in La Romana. Our first stop was to buy groceries with World Hunger Funds. We loaded up our bus with bright pink bags full of groceries! Af ter
lunch and time for fellowship with the boys, we headed to the site of what will become their new home. We all prayed together for blessings on the property.
Rosa Elena’s School –That af ternoon, we visited Rosa Elena’s school. What a sight! The school is built on different tiers carved into a crevice, making a unique looking school. We enjoyed lunch and hearing Rosa Elena’s testimony.
It was wonderful to help finish a few little projects for her while we were there, such as hanging ceiling fans and curtains.
Villa Altagracia School –
On Friday, we visited the Villa Altagracia
school. It is in desperate need, with many children all
packed in a small area. However, seeing what people have
joined STCHM to help do at Rosa Elena’s and Raquel’s
schools, the future is promising for this new site.
Santiago Orphanages –In the af ternoon, we traveled to a couple of orphanages in Santiago. We enjoyed playing
games with the children at both locations and seeing their sweet smiles.
Glenys’ Bible Class –Sunday we enjoyed worship together followed by a lunch. Then we headed to Glenys’. There are so many children in the small area. They are all smiles as they sit on the benches, reciting verses and singing songs.
Vision Trip 2015
IBQ –Sunday night the Quisqueyana Baptist Church treated us to a special STCHM Day banquet. There were so many people there to show their love and appreciation for what STCHM has done for their community and those that surround them. It was beautiful!
Monte Plata Children’s Home –Saturday, we traveled by bus to Monte Plata. We stopped to pick up groceries to “Stock their cupboards” with World Hunger Funds. It is similar to the STCHM Boothe Campus in Pettus, with several homes and houseparents for
each. We had the opportunity to finish up some projects and eat lunch with the children.
Our Beefmaster Friendsin the care of STCHM. For the past several years, Tim
and Debbie Chapman of Rockport have been the top
bidder for the auction item. This year they had the treat
of acquiring Mary’s artwork with a winning bid of $10,000.
Mary is a freshman at
Pettus High School.
She is enjoying her
first year of public
school and is getting
ready for the stock
show coming up. Mary
was at the auction on
Saturday and was
very overwhelmed
by the experience.
The auction kicked
off with the STCHM
artwork piece as the first
item up for bid. Auctioneer
and long-time friend of
STCHM, Anthony Mihalski
introduced Mary and gave
a short history of the
relationship the Children’s
Home has with LOBBA and
then started the bidding
at $1,000. It quickly went up and Mary’s face showed
her disbelief as the amount rose. Mrs. Chapman said
afterwards, “I was watching her face the entire time!” The
Chapmans have been great supporters of the Children’s
Home for years. They have hauled STCHM cattle to many
sales for us and have been longtime cottage sponsors.
“The agriculture community has been very supportive of
STCHM,” said Jones. “The children in our care at Boothe
Campus live in an agricultural setting and are involved in
4H and FFA.” At South Texas Children’s Home Ministries,
part of our mission is to enable others to join us in our
ministry. This is a great example of people who have a
heart for our ministry, getting involved however they can
and helping make a difference in the lives of children and
families of South Texas and worldwide.
T
8 Winter 2015
he Live Oak Beefmaster Breeders Association (LOBBA)
held their annual Beefmaster Bull Sale in Three Rivers
on Saturday, January 10. This association has been
contributing to the needs of children and families by
supporting the mission of South Texas Children’s Home
Ministries (STCHM) in many ways since the late 1970s.
From the very beginning STCHM leadership decided to
not accept any government funding and to incur no debt.
With the Children’s Home relying solely on donations,
the gift of cattle had a direct impact on the children and
families we serve from the earliest days of the home. It all
started with a generous donation of cattle that were kept
on the very land donated by Laura Boothe Overby back in
1952 to start the Children’s Home. These cattle provided
beef for each of the cottages on the Boothe Campus
outside of Pettus. As the relationship between cattlemen
and STCHM grew, so did the role cattle would play in
the future of STCHM. In the 1970s, A.J. “Jack” Green,
President and CEO at the time, understood the value of
raising and selling cattle. “Robert Armstrong, Beefmaster
breeder donated 33 Beefmaster cows and two bulls to us”
shared Gary Jones, Vice President of Land Management.
“This helped us jump start a herd that was second to
none.” From then on, LOBBA members and affiliates have
continued to support the ministry of STCHM. Between
1980 and 1998, STCHM’s Kattle for Kids Beefmaster Sale
was held out at the Boothe Campus. “The children were
very involved with every aspect of those sales,” said Mark
Childs, Vice President of Homes for Children.
The relationship with LOBBA remains as they continue
to support our ministry and the children we serve. For
many years a piece of artwork has been auctioned off
at the Beefmaster Bull Sale in Three Rivers. The artwork
is the Christmas card art drawn and colored by a child
We are truly blessed at South Texas Children’s
Home Ministries (STCHM) by the support and
love we receive throughout the year from
generous donors, volunteers, and prayer
warriors. Our 2nd Annual A Homespun Christmas
event is an opportunity for us to open our doors
and give back to our community.
The children and families we serve, as well as,
staff were excited to share some Christmas
cheer with old and new friends. With the entire Boothe
Campus decorated for the holiday season and perfect
weather, approximately 500 guests were able to walk
around our beautiful ranch and take a tour of the chapel
and cottages. Families were entertained by wagon
rides, train rides, two petting zoos, pony rides, and a
photo booth. Some dared to ride the mechanical bull,
while others looked on
enjoying popcorn and
balloon animals. Ben
Farias provided live
music and Charles Ellis
entertained with his
cowboy storytelling.
Before enjoying a BBQ
dinner together, all the
guests gathered under the
trees outside the chapel for a
special presentation. Guests
were blessed by the beautiful
handbell performance by
the First Baptist Church of
Kenedy, followed by a Live
Nativity performance by our
STCHM children. As Emerald
and Ivan, in the role of Mary
and Joseph, looked down at the baby who was
portraying Jesus, we were reminded that Jesus
is the greatest gift of all!
“Homespun Christmas allows others to truly
see the Children’s Home and how God has
blessed the combined efforts of so many,”
expressed Mark Childs, Vice President of
Homes for Children. “It was a beautiful day and we had
numerous volunteers to help make it a success. But then,
that’s exactly what STCHM does on a daily basis, invite
others to join us in our ministry.”
www.STCHM.org 9
A Homespun Christmas
A special presentation of the artwork winners for the 2015 Kids Calendar was a wonderful addition to the festivities of the day. During dinner the chosen artwork drawn by children from both our Homes for Children and Homes for Families ministries were announced. Each child was called up to receive a framed copy of their artwork. Congratulations to all of this year’s chosen artists! Boothe Campus artists: Joshua, Jasmine, Ruby, Edna, Judy (pictured left), Haley, and Mary; Marshall Ranch Campus artist: Gabriel.
Samuel’s Fund sponsored children from our International Ministry were also participants in the calendar project. Chosen artists were presented their framed artwork during the Vision Trip in January (see page 7). Dominican Republic artists from Villa Mella: Lessy, Leticia, Jose, and Randy; artist from La Romana: Roven
mission trip. Once they arrived in the
Dominican Republic, the staff there
helped them prepare make shift rooms
and a triage area with benches, sheets,
and salon chairs. It was not ideal,
but they made it work. However, as
Liane started to screen the children,
she was devastated by what she was
witnessing. The children’s teeth were
absolutely unbelievable. Combine that
with the unbearable heat and having
to pack up, load, haul, and then set
back up the next day…they were both
physically and emotionally exhausted
by the end of the week.
At the end of the mission trip, the
Shuttlesworths became very reflective.
Dr. Bill expressed that he had a feeling
of hopelessness, “we saw about 300
children within just a few days, but
there were so many more…too many!
I couldn’t imagine how I was going to
help them all. Then I remembered the
story about the starfish. If I helped at
least one of those children, then
I made a difference to that one.” Liane
had her own moment while sitting in
the nursery, holding a baby. “I thought
if we can just teach the babies.”
It has been almost seven years since
the Shuttlesworths first mission trip to
the Dominican Republic. In that time,
they have gone several times each
year and had the opportunity to show
their investment in the people they
serve alongside STCHM. They have
personally helped with the addition of
the new dental clinic at the IBQ site,
which was dedicated in their name this
past fall. “It has been life changing,”
expressed Liane. “As we come back
each time, they know that we truly
t is easy to be awestruck when you sit
back and really look at how God has
blessed South Texas Children’s Home
Ministries (STCHM). As each story
unfolds, it intersects with another one,
each person weaving into and around
another person’s story; creating a
beautiful tapestry of our ministry. Dr.
Bill Shuttlesworth, pediatric dentist in
Victoria, was in the first grade when he
came to live at Boothe Campus. It was
1957 and his father had just become
Assistant Administrator. This was just
the beginning of Dr. Bill’s relationship
with STCHM.
After several years of practicing
dentistry in Victoria, Dr. Bill mentioned
to a friend that he felt led to contact
STCHM in hopes that his talent would
serve the children. Turns out this friend
was Dr. Chuck Rader, board member
at the time; he unknowingly had just
volunteered. Dr. Bill, along with his
wife, Liane, have been serving the
children at Boothe Campus ever since.
After many years of service, the
Shuttlesworths began expressing their
wish to serve through our International
Ministry program in a dental focused
10 Winter 2015
I care. Honestly, I just fell in love with
them and their faith.” Dr. Bill agreed,
“I just felt blessed and a calmness to
help more people,
even he re a t
home. God rained
down a spiritual
blessing and it
permeated our
office. We have
witnessed more
and been more
vocal about our
beliefs due to our
involvement with STCHM.”
As the Shuttlesworths have continued
their faithful service with us for a
total of 25 years, they have seen our
ministry grow over the years. “I am
just amazed how STCHM has created
their ministry, so that each of the
programs intersects each other. It
is like a tapestry.” Liane continued,
“I left my heart in the Dominican
Republic, but my passion is with all
of STCHM.” Liane has been on the
STCHM Board of Directors for a year
now. She and her husband continue
to share their passion for service with
others, continuing to weave their story
into the lives of others and helping
to create a beautiful masterpiece of
God’s blessings.
Plaque
dedicating
the dental
clinic at IBQ
in honor of
Dr. Bill and
Liane
e do not always realize the gifts we receive are indeed gifts. For Scott Leighton, former
child in the care of our Homes for Children ministry at South Texas Children’s Home Ministries
(STCHM), the gift was not always found in the item given.
Scott’s parents had just moved
their family of five to Beeville
after his father was stationed
at the military base there at the
time. Not long after the move,
Scott’s mother passed away.
Scott’s dad struggled to take
care of his children on his own
and then someone suggested
he visit the Children’s Home.
Scott was in the 2nd grade when
he, along with his older brother,
Eddie and his younger sister,
Becky were placed in the care
of STCHM. Scott remembers
fondly of holiday visits with
sponsors and the annual
Blanco Baptist Association’s
Christmas parties. “One of
my first sponsors introduced
me to WWII aviation models,”
Scott shared. This sparked a passion in Scott for WWII
era aircraft. These gifts also planted the seed in Scott to
eventually come back as a sponsor himself. “I know what
an impact my sponsors had on me as a kid, now I want
to give back in some way.”
Scott, who lives in San Antonio and works for HOLT
Caterpillar is a very polite and unassuming guy. One
would never guess that at age 16 he was given the
ALUMNI UpdATE
W
gift of life for a second time. Scott had proved himself
responsible enough to be on transitional living,
which meant he could leave campus unattended.
On his first night out, he decided to go driving on the
back roads between Kenedy and Runge. What followed
was a Houseparent’s worst nightmare. Scott was in an
accident. Brian and Nancy Simon, Houseparents at
Foster Cottage, rushed to Brooke Army Medical Center
(BAMC) in San Antonio. Along the way they received
call after call, saying Scott’s heart had stopped,
followed by another saying he had been revived. Scott
died and was revived eight times before ever reaching
BAMC. Scott remained in ICU for a month and a half.
When he was finally released to come home, STCHM
staff had already been busy remodeling Foster Cottage
to accommodate the equipment Scott would need.
“We really didn’t think he was going to make it. We
could just see the hand of God,” reflected Brian. “Not
only that, the change in our cottage with the boys
we had and we had some hard cases, we could see
God working in their lives and in Scott’s. The way the
staff all came together for him, it was just amazing.”
Many people impacted Scott on his journey of who he is
today. “Ultimately we have to decide which path we are
going to choose, but people come into your life at the
right time to help shape you into a better person.” Scott
takes the lessons he has learned, the unexpected gifts
that he has received and now he chooses to give back.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above,” James 1:17.
UNEXPECTED GIFTS
www.STCHM.org 11
More information to be mailed out soon!Do we have your current address? Contact us at 361.375.2417 or stchm@stchm.org
Saturday, June 13 SavE ThE DaTESTCHM FaMiLy reUnion
HOMES FOR FAMILIES
omes for Families of South Texas Children’s Home
Ministries (STCHM) is located outside of Goliad at our
Marshall Ranch Campus. The picturesque setting serves
as a cocoon for the families that call it home. As each
mom transitions from one phase to the next, growing in
her faith and independence, she prepares to eventually
spread her wings. As unique as each mom’s story is, so is
her experience within the program.
For Sofia, she embraced her new found courage and
opportunity to make a new life. She had grown up in the
church. Her dad preached on occasion, until he was caught
molesting one of Sofia’s sisters. Even so, Sofia’s foundation
in Christ was strong and so was her willingness to follow
God’s lead.
“I knew something was going on but I wasn’t sure what it
was.” For seven years, Sofia had shared a home with her
children’s father and his family, including twin boys that were
cousins to her children. Sofia knew the environment she was
living in wasn’t ideal, but she felt stuck. Until the moment
she realized what she had feared was true, she caught one
of the boys touching one of her girls inappropriately. “It was
a horrible situation, but it gave me the courage to do what
I knew I should have done a long time ago.”
Sofia and her three children: Makayla, Larissa, and Jaydon
were provided a police escort from the house and taken
to a shelter. The next morning a police officer gave her a
brochure about the Homes for Families ministry offered by
STCHM. “I was ready! I knew God was going to take me to
a safe place. Since coming here, I have learned something
new every day. Church is every day!” Sofia’s eyes sparkle, “I
am looking forward to what God has planned for me. I am
ready for God to use me for His glory. I share what I have
learned from the Bible with anyone I can. I know they see
the change it has had in my life.” Sofia is fearless in her quest
for more spiritual knowledge. Theresa Klacman, Program
Coordinator has enjoyed watching Sofia’s transformation, “I
am overwhelmed by her quiet strength and new found love
in Jesus. I am amazed by her.” Sofia is eager to begin Phase
II, to begin learning even more truths the Bible holds for
her. The finance classes
are of a great interest to
her as well, as she starts
to think about life after
Marshall Ranch. Sofia
has taken her future and
put it in God’s hands, not
only changing direction
of her path, but that of
her children’s as well.
SoFia
H
12 Winter 2015
PHaSe ii:eqUiPPing PHaSe
a neW HoMe
Continued on page 13
www.STCHM.org 13
ictoria, on the other hand, felt God pursuing her to make
a huge change in her life and she was fighting it every
step of the way. She remembers at age 6, sneaking her
grandmother’s pain medication, eventually causing her to
become addicted. As a teenager, she started drinking and
partying and at 18, she found herself pregnant. The birth of
her daughter, Ameriee, didn’t change the course Victoria
was on, but it did begin a slow change in her heart. Victoria
started to attend church and became more comfortable
with praying. Then her second daughter came, Arinna.
Thoughts of giving her up for adoption crossed her mind,
but Victoria had a strong sense that God didn’t want her to.
Victoria’s priority was still alcohol, along with depression
and pain medications. “The moment I knew I needed to
change my life was the night I was almost raped.” Child
Protection Services (CPS) was aware of her situation,
forcing her to reflect about where she was in her life
at that moment. Victoria had done a Bible study on
generational curses and how a parent can pass down
their addictions to their children. “I thought about how my
mom died from an overdose and my sisters have battled
addiction. Then I thought about my daughters and I just
broke.” Victoria continued, “I just started praying, calling
out to God. Asking
Him to help me figure
out how to change this
for my girls.” Victoria
was completely taken
by surpr ise when
she called her CPS
caseworker and was
given Theresa’s phone
number. “I know now
that it was God.”
Marshall Ranch Campus gives Victoria the encouragement
and support she needs, as well as, provides a safe place
for her to live. However, it has not been easy for Victoria.
“Theresa encouraged me daily, telling me to make an effort
for my girls. I fought it and I would leave and come back
again and again.” Victoria realized that she was surrounded
by people who wanted the best for her. Theresa shared,
“Victoria showed strong leadership qualities. I believe if
she allows this program to help her develop that, she will
be a strong leader in the community one day.” Victoria has
learned to put her trust and faith in God. “We love it here
and I am not taking any moment for granted.” Victoria is
excited about transitioning into Phase II. “I just want to
absorb as much as I can.” Victoria is seeking God every
day and building a foundation in Christ for her children.
She has stopped the generational curse she feared for her
girls and sets an example of a Christ-like life.
viCToria
The Homes for Families ministry is a twelve month program, with three phases. The second phase is when the process begins to equip the women for life after Marshall Ranch Campus. Each mom will begin working individually on their personal needs, such as getting their diplomas, unsettled court issues, license suspensions, community service, and so on. They will also begin collectively developing their computer skills, communication skills, as well as, finance and budget planning and leadership development.
v
Continued on from page 12
14 Winter 2015
vonne Williams was responsible for taking care of her five
grandchildren. In 2009, she contacted STCHM about the
placement of her middle grandchild, Jonathon. She wanted
something more for him. So, she brought Jonathon all the
way from Houston herself. As they got closer, Jonathon was
getting very concerned. They had turned
onto a back road and were winding their
way through the country surrounded by
brush and pastures. Finally they pulled up
to the Boothe Campus of STCHM. Jonathon
wasn’t impressed. He thought to himself,
“I have to live here?” He was used to the
big city of Houston. He didn’t want to live
out in the middle of nowhere
on some ranch. “Honestly,
I thought it was weird. I
decided I would give it a try
though because my grandma
wanted me to.”
STCHM staff immediately
developed a close relationship
with Grandma Yvonne.
They kept her informed on
Jonathon’s progress in school
and his activities. “Jonathon’s grandmother has the respect
and admiration of our staff. She is a woman of character
and expects the best from Jonathon,” shared Mark Childs,
Vice President of Homes for Children. The love Grandma
Yvonne has for Jonathon was demonstrated by the act of
her putting his needs before her wants. It was difficult for
her to let someone else take care of her grandson, but she
knew it was in his best interest to allow STCHM to help her.
“When Jonathon had the opportunity to go visit his
grandmother, we often met her in the middle. She was
always most appreciative,” recalled Mark. In 2013, Grandma
Yvonne passed away unexpectedly. Jonathon honors her
memory by aiming to become the young man she would
be proud of. “He has really grown and matured,” said
Victoria Gordon, Jonathon’s Housemom. “Not long after
his grandma passed, he wanted to leave.” After talking
to his Houseparents and knowing that this is where his
grandmother wanted him to be, he decided to stay and
focus on his responsibilities. Jonathan stays busy with
football, basketball, and powerlifting. He is focused on his
school work and plans to be a veterinarian. He is comforted
by the memory of his grandma, “I know my grandma is
happy with me here. I miss her, but she is still with me.”
Jonathon is thankful for STCHM and for his houseparents.
He has expressed that he is glad the Gordons are family
first, friends second. At only 18, Jonathon demonstrates
the maturity and wisdom of a young man with a good
foundation. With the love of his grandmother and with
STCHM still meeting in the middle, he will continue on his
successful journey. Mark explained the role STCHM plays in
the lives of the children and families we serve, “Meet in the
middle - it really sums up our relationship with grandparents
and parents who have placed their children into our care. It’s
a partnership where we step in and help with the care and
education of the child.” He continued, “We intend to honor
the memory of Grandma Yvonne and her love for Jonathon
by continuing to meet in the middle to guide him to be the
kind of young man she intended him to be.” At South Texas
Children’s Home Ministries, we don’t replace a child’s family;
we become part of their family.
HOMES FOR CHILdREN
There are many reasons why parents or grandparents willingly choose to place their children in the
care of South Texas Children’s Home Ministries (STCHM). Whatever their reasoning is, it is an expression
of love and it is always harder than we realize. Part of our purpose is to meet them in the middle to
help when they need us to.
IN ThE MIDDlE
Y
www.STCHM.org 15
prove difficult at times. However, we
operate as one big family, so there
is always someone willing to pitch in
where there is a need.
S ix of the young ladies that
participated in the stock show this
year made it to the sale. They were
extremely excited to be a part of the
action. They enjoyed watching the
exchange of the bidders and the ring
men, as well as, what some kids would
do to help their bids go higher…like one
boy who did the chicken dance to get
a better bid for his box full of chickens.
No doubt, our kids are coming up with
ways to entertain the crowd next year.
Marvin Kinnamon, Project Animal
Coordinator, is a great blessing to these
kids. Originally serving as a houseparent
with his wife, Patty, for 16 years before
they both assumed new positions at the
Boothe Campus, he provides a unique
and seasoned leadership for our kids as
well as other houseparents; serving as
a mentor to each of them. He is right
by their side every step of
the way, from choosing the
animals for their projects
to helping them learn what
they need to do to care for
their animals and prepare
for the show. Seasoned
and new housepops are a
huge part of these projects
as well. Serving alongside
Marvin, they help to create lasting
memories for our kids and teach
them about responsibility in a fun and
unique way. Thank you to Marvin and
the houseparents who helped along
the way.
HOMES FOR CHILdREN
Marvin Kinnamon
he 2015 Bee County Junior Livestock
& Homemakers Show was enjoyed by
several children that live at the Boothe
Campus of South Texas Children’s
Home Ministries (STCHM). This show
was the first time several of our kids
had the opportunity to experience
raising and showing animals.
At STCHM, we want to provide children
in our care with the same opportunities
that other children their age get to
experience. The Boothe Campus
located just outside of Pettus provides
the children with enough space and
the facilities to raise their lambs, goats,
and hogs for the show. Each child is
expected to go to the barn daily to
help tend to the needs of their animals,
which includes exercising and feeding
them. With sports schedules, this can
Livestock Show: Allison – goat Andrew – hog Anna – goat Ariel – goat Delia – hog Ivan – lamb
Jasmine – lamb Joshua – lamb Kailey – goat Marisol – hog Mary – lamb & goat
Homemakers Show: Jasmine – quick bread & salsa John – metal art Mateo – photograph
Jasmine, 1st Runner Up2015 Jr Livestock & Homemakers Show, Queen’s Contest
Stock ShowT
Kids that participated…
Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage
PAIDPermit No. 3656San Antonio, TXP.O. Box 759
Beeville, Texas 78104-0759
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2015 goLF CLaSSiC
Save THe DaTe oCTober 26, 2015SAN ANTONIO, TExAS