2023 Summer Newsletter

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Father’s Day Reflection

By Randy Spencer, VP of Organizational Impact

I am a father, and on Father’s Day, I contemplate and honor all of the courageous and loving fathers I have had the privilege to know and support. Whether in my personal life or professional one, most of the father’s I know are bound by a commitment to do the best they can for their children. At Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services, we serve some heroic dads, like Samuel. He was thrust back into parenting after losing his child. You see, Samuel’s adult daughter and her husband were killed in a car accident. The couple left behind two devastated children. With no other options, Samuel immediately became a “father figure” to his orphaned grandsons. He was forced to deal with the trauma of losing a child and raising two young boys simultaneously! It was difficult! The transition proved to be more than Samuel believed he could handle. He knew he needed help and contacted PCHAS. A PCHAS Child and Family Specialist worked with Samuel to guide him along as he faced this new challenge. Samuel focused on learning new parenting skills and developed the tools he needed to help his grandsons heal from their trauma. Today, Samuel and “his children” are thriving!

This story highlights the challenge of equipping parents (and grandparents) with attitudes and skills needed to help them cope with and resolve trauma in their lives and in the lives of their children. Fairly recent breakthroughs in our understanding of trauma and the impact it has on the brain, body and subsequent behaviors in children, has accelerated our ability to assist them to heal their minds and change the trajectory of their lives. That is the work of PCHAS.

When I began working at PCHAS, fifteen years ago, my twin sons were five years old. My PCHAS journey has interwoven with my own growth as a father. For decades I have taught others to be better parents but having my twin boys, has driven the lessons much deeper. Now I better understand the depth of love that a parent feels and the pain and anger that can spring up in any given moment. If you ask me, “What is the most important work you do at PCHAS,” I would answer, unequivocally, that it is teaching and empowering parents.

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Dear Friends,

In this year’s summer newsletter, you’ll read how families dealing with trauma find strength and encouragement after interacting with our dedicated program staff. You’ll get a peek inside our hope-filled luncheons where mindful donors pledged support to us, thus ensuring our programs and initiatives remain strong. In addition, there are new beginnings for us in Houston and Farmington, and so much more!

Our ministry was created in 1903 during the pandemic of tuberculosis and that pandemic, which once seemed so long ago and hard to imagine, now seems very relatable. As we look back at the past 120 years of service, I am reminded that PCHAS’ services continue to evolve and meet the needs of each generation. Today is no different. It remains committed to helping children and families at risk of breaking apart and healing those that have already broken.

A message from our president

In Texas, Missouri, and Louisiana, PCHAS is able to meet the needs of children and families because of the giving hearts of loyal supporters and volunteers. The bible teaches us in Job 11:18, “And you will have confidence because there is hope; you will be protected and take your rest in safety.” This speaks to the core of our unwavering belief (and theme of this year’s luncheons) that Hope Grows Here.

As we look to the future, I am reminded of Romans 12:10 which states “Love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor.” Thank you for heeding God’s word and loving the children and families PCHAS serves.

Striving to serve like Jesus,

David Thompson President

If you would like to volunteer your time to pray for the children and families still in our care, please email info@pchas.org and let us know that you would like to receive a monthly prayer request email.

A Father’s Day Reflection

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Our parents must be empowered to give the love and support required by their children so they can overcome the ravages of trauma. This love and support positions children to receive nurture and understand healthy familial relationships for the rest of their lives.

As I reflect on Father’s Day, I hold a confidence in the critical role I play in the lives of my sons and I pray for every father, that they will lean into that same responsibility and great privilege. Our families will be better for it.

Helping Families find Health & Happiness

The Growing Together program located in Corsicana, TX, was just awarded an additional $200,000 per year until 2025 to support Early Childhood Systems Building in Navarro County, TX. These federal dollars were awarded to HOPES and other home visiting programs who are making a difference across the state of Texas. With the awarded dollars, the Growing Together team will expand the Parent support groups from one a month to three per month and offer new parenting groups such as Circle of Security Parenting on a regular basis.

In addition, PCHAS will hire a Parent Groups Coordinator to oversee parent groups and the Parent Advisory Council that is currently made up of 10 parents and caregivers who give consistent feedback on Growing Together’s programming. These funds will also allow for PCHAS to expand the work of the Navarro County Early Childhood

Coalition by offering consistent Child Safety and Child Development Days as well as expand Little Free Libraries and Childcare provider support activities. Finally, and most excitingly, the GT program will brand out into working with new moms and providing a post-partum depression prevention curriculum and intervening through counseling with new mothers exhibiting signs of post-partum depression. In partnership with our local hospital, PCHAS will provide safety boxes for new parents with encouragement and resources as they begin their parenting journey.

For information about ADD ADDITIONAL INFORMATION HERE?, call 800.888.1904 or contact us online.

HISTORY OF PCHAS

During the 1950s, three Presbyterian agencies were home to orphans and other children who were separated from their families. Like distant cousins, the agencies would eventually meet and unite as one family. This is the second in a series of articles about PCHAS history, which began 120 years ago. Our website has more photos and details at: pchas.org/who-we-are

The Southwestern Presbyterian Home and School for Orphans, founded in 1903, was in Itasca, Texas, about 50 miles south of Fort Worth. It became the Presbyterian Home and School for Children in 1953. The president at that time was Rev. Nelson Hawkins, a father figure for many. He and his wife Clara guided the staff and the youngsters for 20 years. One of their last projects was the construction of the Bertram Memorial Chapel, built in in 1955.

The next year, under President Jerry Newbold, the agency added an adoption program that the Synod of Texas had formed. This prompted a new name for the Home: Presbyterian Children’s Home and Service Agency (PCH&SA). Another significant changed occurred in 1957, when the Home closed its on-campus school and residents began attending public school. President Newbold’s 17-year term included the building of another cottage, a youth center and a swimming pool.

An F4 tornado destroyed one of the Itasca cottages in 1976. That same year, the agency expanded to San Antonio with a foster care group home for boys. In 1981, the administrative office of PCH&SA moved to Austin. Rev. Jerry Tompkins steered the agency from 1980 to 1996.

Reynolds Presbyterian Home had been founded in 1916 in Albany, Texas, and moved to northern Dallas. In 1951 it celebrated its 35th anniversary with 84 children in care. James Read was superintendent during the 1930s and his son Ralph Read served in the same capacity from 1940 to 1971.

In 1957, United Presbyterian Homes (UPH) was chartered to care for children as well as senior citizens and the Reynolds home joined it. Three years later, UPH built a new campus for youth in Waxahachie, about 30 miles south of Dallas and, coincidentally, about 40 miles northeast of Itasca. Although Mr. Read steered the agency through World War II, the post-war era and the tumultuous Sixties, this re-location remains an important part of his legacy. To create a more family-like environment, he did away with the dormitory and built cottages to accommodate 10 youngsters apiece.

The move was timed so the children could start school on schedule. Looking back, Mr. Read remembered, “We went down on Friday before school was going to open on Monday. Everything was supposed to be bought and set up (already). The drapes weren’t up, lots of furniture hadn’t been delivered. We got busy and got the beds put up, hung sheets over the windows as drapes. For, I don’t know how long, they used packing boxes for tables in the cottages to eat their meals off of.”

Executive Director Alfred Travis served from 1971 until 1986. He reported among the highlights of 1971: “Individuals accomplished opportunity to go to France for six weeks during the summer through the Lions Club exchange program. Twelve boys and girls had parttime jobs throughout the community. One of the four graduates had a successful fall on the freshman Rice University football team. The music program under the leadership of Mrs. Paul Cooper involved the majority of the boys and girls in piano lessons, guitar lessons, voice and singing groups.”

Reynolds Presbyterian Home

Farmington, Missouri had established a Presbyterian orphanage south of St. Louis in 1914. Staff and trustees formally stated that any child without an adequate home could enter the orphanage. Accordingly, in 1952 they re-named the orphanage the Presbyterian Home for Children. The Home consisted of a farm property where older boys lived and the “town campus,” with dorms for girls and the younger boys.

Like the two Texas agencies, it was a loving home for hundreds of children. It was also like them because many employees stayed for many years. The first superintendent, Rev. William Stinson, served for 11 years. When he fell ill and died, his wife became superintendent for the next decade. After her, Rev. Walker served in the position for a total of 20 years.

Farmer Lewis Asher joined the staff in the 1940s. For 36 years he and his wife, Maude, were surrogate parents for several girls and more than 100 boys. Maude became the cook on the farm, remembering, “There were always between 30 and 36 hungry boys to feed.”

In 1957 B.H. Jennings donated 10 acres. Known as Camp Jennings, the property served as a country retreat for 30 years.

During the 1960s, the Farmington home saw more adolescents arriving and they saw more intense emotional, physical and spiritual needs than before. The agency collaborated with a state organization of child welfare organizations and started hiring social workers and caseworkers. When searching for a new executive director in 1970, the Presbyterian Home for Children hired Harold Showalter. His experience in residential treatment, social work, education and psychiatry positioned the Home to evolve into a multi-service agency and to expand into new locations.

The Home established a family counseling office in St. Louis in 1977. Two years later it acquired a girls’ shelter in Springfield, Missouri, and began assisting young women with their transition from foster care to independence. In 1981 it founded the Stubbins Memorial Regional Family and Youth Center in northeast Missouri. That same year, the Presbyterian Home for Children moved its accounting, development and executive offices from Farmington to St. Louis. The Home, then, became a program of the newly named Presbyterian Children’s Services.

My name is Martha Jane Hays. I am 14 years old. I have been in the Home for eight years. I think it is a wonderful place for children to be raised. We have the best of food, the best of care and a lot more privileges than the town kids have. It is a swell place, but I have one thing against the Home. I don’t like so many people to tell me what to do. There are at least seven people to satisfy and doing everything they want I consider a hard job.

– The Children’s Voice newsletter, December, 1950

Girls in front of Dearing Hall Girls Home “Town Campus“

The poultry operation eventually housed 20,000 chickens

Hats Off tO tHe Graduates! 2023

PCHAS is proud to announce the Graduates of 2023 as these youth and young adults find the stability to achieve their goals and become independent.

John Wilcut in the cap and gown is pictured here with Harris House staff Logan Mueller. John graduated from Farmington High School and is planning to study Zoology in College this fall.

Devyn Rogers also graduated with John and we celebrated their graduation with a party at Harris House. Both John and Devyn are part of our Harris House group home program and are working toward their own apartment through PCHAS.

Hannah Conklin in the purple gown also graduated and is currently in a transitional living apartment in Farmington. Hannah is registered for fall classes and hopes to earn an Associate’s degree.

This summer will be filled with more wonder and excitement for a group of children served by Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services thanks to Grace Presbytery!

These twenty-two children will get to explore the wild and experience new adventures at Camp Gilmont! It’s a great way to continue their social, emotional and spiritual growth, develop better problem-solving skills, and learn to work with others. They’ll do so while navigating the great outdoors, eating s’mores and learning energizers and faith-inspiring songs.

Graced with Summer Camp

This opportunity was made possible by Grace Presbytery through its Prairie Valley Legacy Funds. A generous grant has been approved to cover camp costs for these 22 excited campers, and they couldn’t be happier! They’re excited to test their mettle and learn new things in a fun and safe atmosphere.

Gifts such as this further our mission of ensuring the needs of children and families are met through strategic initiatives aimed at living healthier lives. On behalf of the staff at PCHAS, President David Thompson said, “PCHAS is thankful for partners such as Grace Presbytery and Camp Gilmont – and collaborating with us to make the lives of children and families better.”

Get into the SWING of Things

Bob Wilcox of Trinity Presbyterian is a man of many talents! Whether it’s gardening or cooking, the grandfather of two lets his hands do the talking. Wilcox is an avid golfer who not only enjoys the game but sees it as a way to serve his community. He says being involved with the Wes Geary Memorial Tournament is a “Win-Win” for everyone. We sat down with Wilcox to find out what makes this event work.

PCHAS: How long have you been involved with the Wes Geary Memorial Tournament?

Bob Wilcox: I began assisting with the event at the first Tournament held in 2011. At that time the event was called the Wes Geary Classic, named in honor of U.S. Army Col. (Chaplain) Wes Geary who was an advocate for at risk children and families and a ardent supporter of PCHAS. Initial leadership fell to TPC member Fred Cook. I succeeded Fred as leader in 2016.

PCHAS: What does tournament mean to Trinity Presbyterian – why are members committed to it?

Bob Wilcox: Trinity members believe strongly in the PCHAS mission and are committed to supporting its work. PCHAS is the primary missions focus at TPC from July through September. Members have come to associate the school supplies program and the annual golf tournament with TPC’s continuing commitment to PCHAS and rally to support these events each year. Members appreciate that the tournament exemplifies outreach and provides an opportunity to “give back” in a fun and fellowship rich way.

PCHAS: Why is the tournament important to the community?

Bob Wilcox: Supporting “at risk” families and kids is universally appealing and individuals both inside and outside of the Trinity community take pride and pleasure in supporting the event benefiting PCHAS. Tournament participation also provide a means for non-members to learn more about Trinity Presbyterian.

PCHAS: What do people / volunteers say about this event?

Bob Wilcox: Players, sponsors, and volunteers alike understand that Wes Geary is “All About the Kids” and express satisfaction in being a part of a worthy cause.

Players appreciate participating in a well- run event, meeting new people, and enjoying the Christ centered fellowship our tournament provides.

PCHAS: Tell us about a memorable moment from the tournament?

Bob Wilcox: Our 2019 tournament player count reached 85 which (for me) was a memorable moment in tournament’s history. A field of 75-110 is our player goal for each event and we’re hopeful that engaging other area churches will allow us to reach and maintain that level of participation.

PCHAS: Name your favorite professional golfer?

Bob Wilcox: My current Regular PGA tour favorite is local pro Jordan Spieth. Jordan has wonderful golf talent, and his personality makes him a great ambassador for the game. My favorite Senior PGA tour player is Fred Couples. I try to model my golf swing after Freddy. At age 63 he’s still very competitive and super smooth. Also a great ambassador for the game.

PCHAS: Who do you consider to be the greatest golfer?

Bob Wilcox: I’ll have to go with Jack (The Golden Bear) Nicholas as the greatest with Arnold Palmer a close second. However, had Tiger Woods remained healthy, I believe he would have easily eclipsed Jack’s record of tournament wins and gone on to dominate the senior tour.

PCHAS: Have you ever had a hole in one?

Bob Wilcox: Glad you asked. Over the course of my golfing career, I’ve been blessed with four (4) holes in one. One in Missouri, and three here in Texas. Unfortunately, none of them won me big money.