http://brighteningdarkspaces.com/

Brightening Dark Spaces, College Station, TX (2026)

08/02/2023

Happy Wednesday! Today we are highlighting Alyssa Ortiz, a CPS/DFPS Investigator in McLennan County. Each testimony helps us remember the importance of our efforts!

Alyssa says, “Thanks to Brightening Dark Spaces, I start my interaction with families at the DFPS office with a sense of empowerment. When we get to the room, clients are always pleasantly surprised. It’s a warm feeling to get to offer toys and diverse children’s books while aiding parents occupy small children in sometimes seemingly stressful situations. The couches and pillows offer security and comfort during courageous conversations. The wooden table and chairs offer stability and support for paperwork and planning with the households we serve. The sweetest touch is entering and exiting to uplifting and encouraging messages of inspiration which hang purposely on the walls. The ambiance says ‘community.’”

08/02/2023

Last Tuesday, Brightening Dark Spaces partnered with Isaiah 117 House McLennan County again to create a dining space now utilized for visitations during mealtimes! Before creating the dining room, children in the child welfare system went with their biological family members into the basement of the state building to share a meal together. Our aim was to create a space where children and their biological family members felt worthy and valuable. We are grateful to help create a space where families can gather around a table again.

07/28/2023

Today we are highlighting Racheal Bridgewater, CPS/DFPS Conservatorship Specialist III in Waco. We have been so grateful to hear how Brightening Dark Spaces WACO has blessed the child welfare system!

“I have had the opportunity to use both of the redone visitation rooms at 801 Austin Ave as well as the observation room. The new rooms have been amazing for my families in that they are more home like and allow for more comfortable visits in such a stressful situation. The children and families have all remarked on how nice the rooms look. The children I have monitored appear to love the new setup and the interactive toys that make engaging with their parents easier. I appreciate how they redid the observation room to make it easier and comfortable for caseworkers to monitor visits and be comfortable and functional. I especially like the coffee maker and the phone chargers. It is such a blessing to be able to have these spaces to use.”

07/19/2023

Today Brightening Dark Spaces is HIGHLIGHTING Adrica Boffman, a CPS/DFPS employee in Waco, Texas. Adrica loves Jesus wholeheartedly and pours her heart into children across Texas, advocating for their well-being and supporting them in some of their most challenging moments. We are abundantly grateful for Adrica and it’s been an honor to get to know her!

Adrica has been a massive supporter of Brightening Dark Spaces and the work we’ve done in McLennan County! Adrica said, “Brightening Dark Spaces has provided a safe home life retreat for our children and families to come together and visit during a time of uncertainty or what the next step in this process may look like. Their kindness and generosity didn’t stop there; they also provided that same warm feeling for staff by Brightening out observation space as well.”

07/10/2023

Anywhere the presence of God is will be subject to change. Darkness and light cannot coexist. When we align our hearts with God’s and partner with Him in His mission, places where darkness once reigned will be shattered with brightness. Today is a great day to make a difference.

07/10/2023

Another THANK YOU to and for sharing a story on Brightening Dark Spaces WACO! If anyone hasn’t seen the story, go check out the link in our bio or go to

https://www.kwtx.com/2023/07/09/nonprofit-brings-comfort-foster-children-by-renovating-child-protective-services-offices/

07/10/2023

Creating Trauma-Informed Spaces. Instilling Hope For Tomorrow.

Brightening Dark Spaces understands how atmosphere impacts the visitation experience, specifically for children who have recently experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, or domestic violence. We create trauma-informed spaces within government offices, understanding that atmosphere dictates the experiences and informs the emotional responses of foster children. We want to reduce the trauma that inevitably occurs for the child following removals, between foster and kinship placements, and during visitations with biological family.

07/10/2023

The BDS WACO TEAM! This weekend couldn’t have happened without our Brightening Dark Spaces WACO Team. Their readiness and servant-hearts are an inspiration! Each of them showed up ready to generously pour out their gifts, time, and energy. We are abundantly grateful!

If you’re wanting to serve with Brightening Dark Spaces in the future, reach out to us at brighteningdarkspaces.com/contact or [email protected]! We would love to serve alongside you!

07/10/2023

Thank you Isaiah 117 House McLennan County and their wonderful volunteers for serving at Brightening Dark Spaces WACO! We love you guys so much! We can’t wait to see the Isaiah 117 House in Waco that will soon provide a temporary home for children in crisis who are waiting for a more long term placement. Your hearts are precious , , and !

07/04/2023

Happy Fourth of July from Brightening Dark Spaces!

06/29/2023

Thank you to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and Christi Yackel, CPS/DFPS Faith-Based/Community Engagement Specialist of Region 07! Helen Hindman and Brightening Dark Spaces received the Certificate of Appreciation from the Texas DFPS. Thank you to Christi for the nomination!

“In recognition of your service, we express our deepest gratitude for your tireless work improving the lives of vulnerable Texans. Thank you for your generosity and compassion.”

06/29/2023

Creating Trauma-Informed Spaces. Instilling Hope For Tomorrow.

Brightening Dark Spaces understands how atmosphere impacts the visitation experience, specifically for children who have recently experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, or domestic violence. We create trauma-informed spaces within government offices, understanding that atmosphere dictates the experiences and informs the emotional responses of foster children. We want to reduce the trauma that inevitably occurs for the child following removals, between foster and kinship placements, and during visitations with biological family.

Brightening Dark Spaces

08/02/2023

08/02/2023

07/28/2023

07/19/2023

07/10/2023

07/10/2023

07/10/2023

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07/10/2023

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06/29/2023

06/29/2023

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