Spring 2024 Newsletter

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Virginia Knight

Last year, PCHAS celebrated its 120th anniversary! Two key people who played essential roles are former president Ed Knight and his wife, Virginia Knight, former director of education. Over fifty years ago, Ed and Virginia first visited the Itasca Foster Care Village, where Ed would serve as a case manager. On January 1, 2018, Ed and Virginia Knight retired from their long-term positions with PCHAS. In September 2023, PCHAS Foster Care Village staff members in Itasca planted a tree in loving memory of Virginia next to the education building.

“We’re grateful to honor Virginia’s life, commitment, and service to Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services,” shared David Thompson, president, at the tree dedication.

A Message From Our President

Become a Prayer Partner!

Are you willing to “stand in the gap” in prayer for a child or family in need?

We want you to become a prayer partner! As a prayer partner, you will receive a monthly prayer request email for a child or family in our care.

If you want to volunteer as a prayer partner, please email info@pchas.org.

BUNDLE O F JOY!

What’s new with the Growing Together program?

“It’s a warm hug to mothers. We want mothers to know we are here for them, and they can reach out for support,” said Ashley Pruitt, a supervisor in the Growing Together

So far, the Growing Together program staff has delivered 150 boxes to support 150 mothers and fathers in the Navarro Regional Hospital. The program staff aims to distribute 500 boxes and hopes to continue the initiative indefinitely. In addition to Bundles of Joy, the Growing Together program offers several resources and classes to parents with a child of 0-5 years old.

For more information about Growing Together, visit www.pchas.org/what-we-do/growing-together or call

Around the Agency

The support team, called Child & Family Specialists, will accept case referrals from internal staff and partner agencies. These specialists help prevent placement disruptions by gathering resources to keep youth in foster homes. Additionally, the specialist provides resources such as Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), inhome therapy, and coping skills.

While continuing its current Child & Family in-home, preservation services in Farmington, this new funding will enable PCHAS to expand its support of Missouri foster families in St. Louis, Columbia, Kansas City, Poplar Bluff, and Springfield. The goal is to meet the community’s needs in these communities and help children reach permanency in a timely manner.

In 2024, PCHAS plans to expand its Child & Family program in Austin, Texas, by starting one that will focus on families at risk of breaking apart in South Austin. Its current location at the First Presbyterian Church of Austin will continue to focus on serving at-risk families in North Austin.

First Presbyterian Church of Sealy

Children’s Playroom

A HUGE thank you to First Presbyterian Church of Sealy!

We wish to thank the First Presbyterian Church of Sealy for their generous donation. Charles Stigall, a member of the church, has been an active PCHAS donor for the past fifteen years. After the church was closed and sold in August 2023, the session of the church voted to make a special donation to PCHAS and other nonprofit organizations.

In recognition of the church’s generous donation, PCHAS has renamed and dedicated its Cypress-based child therapy playroom the “First Presbyterian Church of Sealy Children’s Playroom.”

In the playroom, new signage commemorates the faithful legacy of the church.

Interested in Volunteering?

We have several short and long-term volunteer opportunities in Texas, Louisiana, and Missouri! As a PCHAS volunteer, you can join our mission to help children and families in your community. Our volunteer program offers several opportunities for individuals and groups. There’s an opportunity for everyone!

To learn more about how to apply, visit pchas.org or call 1.800.888.1904.

Interested in Foster Care or Adoption?

At Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services, we believe every child deserves a loving family. Thousands of Texas children are waiting for foster parents, and the need is ever-growing. By choosing to foster or adopt, you become a part of PCHAS’ mission to provide Christ-centered care and support for children and families in need.

Want to learn more about the Foster Care & Adoption program? Join our online info session at pchas.org/fosteradoptevents or call 512.212.5700.

Welcome New Trustees!

PCHAS is pleased to welcome new board members in 2024!

New Trustees

New Emeritus Trustees

• William Parker (Former Board Chair)

• Rev. Scott Simpson

• Jesse C. Swanigan

• Keith Whittemore

*Each board member serves 1-2 three-year terms. For a full list of our 18-member board of trustees, visit pchas.org/who-we-are/trustees.

Joyce Addison Dan Bautista

Chris Bouchard

Tony Laurence

Rev. Dr. Robyn Michalove

Gene Trevino

To

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