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

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P7viSion TriP 2015

P8oUr beeFMaSTer FrienDS

P9a HoMeSPUn CHriSTMaS

P10THe TaPeSTry oF a

MiniSTry

P11UneXPeCTeD giFTS

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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

Address Service Requested

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2015 goLF CLaSSiC

Save THe DaTe oCTober 26, 2015SAN ANTONIO, TExAS