Change is hard.  For most of us, anyway.  For children with histories of trauma, though, it’s beyond hard.  Most children in the foster care system have lost more relationships than many of us may ever have:  teachers, friends, coaches, neighbors, parents, you name it.  So, when change arrives in the form of seniors graduating, roommates leaving, child care staff changing jobs, it’s a little tough.

Thankfully, though, our children have hope in the middle of their hurt.  This is one of the reasons why I love working at Buckner.  The people here get it.  They get how hard this is for the children in our care, so they acknowledge that and work to create opportunities to express that frustration positively, rather than acting out their fear, anger, and sadness in unhealthy methods.

The Wells and Forman foster families lead in worship while Administrator Laura May and Child Care Specialist Webbie Belt kickoff the evening.

This month, we have nine graduates.  That’s nine friends who will be leaving.  We have employees who are moving towards new opportunities.  Those employees have been primary caregivers for our children, and now they will not serve in that role.  This has been a tough month.

So, we decided to acknowledge it.  Part worship, part group, part barbeque, we chose to talk about change and what it means for us.  Laura May, newly appointed Administrator for Buckner in Southeast Texas talked about how changes in life can work towards a higher purpose, and she did so by looking at Biblical heroes in a new light:

Moses.  An adopted child who lived with a family whose culture was completely different than his own.  Had serious self-doubt and ran away from his problems.  He ultimately led his people out of slavery.

David.  The runt of the family.  Overlooked by everyone.  Slayed the giant and became king.

Joseph.  Abused.  Sold into slavery by his brothers.  Spent some time in jail.  Eventually became a leader and was reunited with his family.

These are stories and heroes with whom our children can relate.  Change is tough, yes.  But the results can sometimes be incredible.

So we sang, and prayed, and ate together.  We did what good families do, and we supported each other through the challenging times.   I hope you’ll pray for our children during the coming weeks.  Pray that they’ll see past the hurt to the possibilities and opportunities that wait in their future.

Like any proud parent, we at Buckner are happy to share the stories of current and former residents who accomplish goals.  Below is the story of a Buckner alumna, recent Lamar University honor graduate.  She wrote her story and is gracious to allow us to share it here.

My name is Anastacia.  I am a former resident of Buckner Children’s Village, where I moved in 1998 and lived for a year and a half.  From there I was placed in the first of several foster homes.  At sixteen years old, I became pregnant, and went to live with an aunt and uncle in order to keep my baby.  This, however, is not the end of my story.

          I recently graduated with honors from Lamar University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, which was preceded by an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science in Homeland Security Crime Scene Technician. I chose Criminal Justice because my heart is in law, and I thought that Criminal Justice was a good starting point for a future attorney.  (more…)

What makes a family?  How is it defined?  This makes for an interesting and often lengthy discussion, with many varied points of view.  At Buckner, we would argue that a family can be defined in many ways.  It is not constrained to biology, necessarily.  Families come in all sizes and can be both intimate and structured, the source of frustration and the source of healing.  Family, in most instances, is a place to belong.

Bob and Kim Forman

Which brings us to the concept of foster families.  More specifically, foster group care families.  Most easily and generally defined as a home with more than six children, a foster group family is a fun place to be, full of activity, laughter and noise.  We’re reorganizing three of our homes on the Campus of Buckner Children’s Village into foster group homes and have recruited three couples to move in and parent kids.  To be a family, in other words.  We’ve done this before, to great success.  Bob and Kim Forman have been foster parents for the past eleven years, and have parented untold numbers children.  In a few days, they’ll watch proudly as three of their kids become high school graduates.  A while back, a story was written about them which gives a glimpse into the wonderful world of foster group care, and we’re presenting it again here.  

Fourteen Makes a Family

By Jenny Pope,  Buckner International

ORANGE, Texas – It’s 7 a.m. and the Forman residence looks like Grand Central Station. Teenagers of all ages and races, 12 in all, race from room to room in search of backpacks, breakfast, clean laundry, medication and more. Kim Forman sits in the Lazy-Boy in the living room and watches the chaos unfold. (more…)

     At Buckner, it is always a privilege to tell our story:  stories of heartbreak and success; stories of hope and healing; and stories of people changing lives, one child at a time. In this new web-based forum, we’ll have a chance to tell you more about the ministries of Buckner and about ways you can engage with us to serve our community.

     In this new blog for Buckner in Southeast Texas, you’ll read about our efforts to take care of children through residential and foster care services.  You’ll read about adoptions and transitional services to alumni of the foster care system.  And you will read about lives transformed through our community programs, geared towards abuse prevention and family preservation.

     You’ll also read about changes headed our way.  Growth.  Responsive change;  exciting change that will place Buckner in a position to better respond to children in need.

     We hope you’ll engage in the discussion, and let us know what you think.  If our years serving children has taught us anything, it’s that we can certainly do more together than we can separately.  At Buckner, we are always looking for opportunities to work together, whether the work is found across the globe, throughout the state of Texas, or right here in the Golden Triangle.

Our theme at Buckner is Go. Be. Do.

Go Somewhere.

Be a Family.

Do Something.

Maybe you could host an informational meeting for our foster care and adoption ministries; or you might consider participating in our “adopt-a-room” program, decorating one of our children’s bedrooms on campus.  Perhaps your church would be interested in taking a mission trip to one of the many countries served by Buckner.  Regardless of your gifts or interests, Buckner can help turn an interest in missions into an opportunity.